Decoding the Cost of Professional Car Interior Shampooing
- Jake Balzo
- Dec 2
- 3 min read
You can vacuum your car every weekend, but eventually, you’ll realize that the deep-set stains on your carpets and the dinginess of your cloth seats require something more powerful: professional interior shampooing.
This deep-cleaning process goes far beyond a surface wipe-down, using specialized equipment to inject cleaning solution deep into the fabric and immediately extract it, along with all the dirt, grime, and odors. But what does this intensive restoration cost?
We'll break down the average price range for a professional car interior shampoo service and the key factors that will determine your final quote.
The Price Spectrum: What to Expect to Pay
Car interior shampooing is rarely sold as a standalone service; it’s usually the core component of a Full Interior Detail package. Pricing will vary significantly based on vehicle size and condition.
Here is a general range you can expect to pay for a dedicated Interior Detail that includes full shampooing/hot water extraction of carpets and cloth seats:
Vehicle Size | Full Interior Detail Price Range | What it Includes (Minimum) |
Small (Coupe/Sedan) | $120 - $180 | Carpets, mats, cloth seats, and trunk shampooing, complete surface wipe-down, glass cleaning. |
Medium (Crossover/Truck) | $150 - $225 | Same as above, plus higher labor for larger surfaces. |
Large/XL (3-Row SUV/Van) | $180 - $300+ | Same as above, plus labor for third-row seats and extra large cargo areas. |
Note: These are general averages.
Four Key Factors That Drive the Cost
Understanding why the price varies is crucial for setting expectations and getting the best value.
1. The Vehicle's Current Condition
This is the single biggest factor influencing the price. A detailer will assess the amount of time and chemical usage required to bring your car back to life.
Excessive Staining: Major, set-in stains from coffee, mud, or food spills require more passes with the extractor, specialized pre-treatment chemicals, and more labor time.
Pet Hair: Extensive pet hair weaving into the carpet fibers is a labor-intensive nightmare that requires specialized tools (like pet hair removal stones) before the shampoo process can even begin. This is almost always an Add-On Fee ($50 - $100+).
Odor: If the shampooing doesn't fully remove a tough smell (like smoke or mildew), the detailer may recommend a dedicated Ozone Treatment ($75 - $150), which adds to the total cost.
2. Service Location (Mobile vs. Shop)
Mobile detailing offers unmatched convenience—they come to your home or office.
Detailing Shop: Often has lower prices because their overhead is spread across many jobs and they don't factor in drive time.
Mobile Detailing: May charge a slight premium (or a flat travel fee) for the convenience of bringing all their equipment, water, and power directly to you.
3. Service Inclusions and Quality of Products
Not all "interior details" are created equal. The overall package will dictate the price:
Basic Interior Clean: May just include a light wipe-down, vacuum, and spot-cleaning—not full hot water extraction.
Full Interior Detail (with Shampoo): This is the gold standard. It includes deep cleaning of all upholstery, plus meticulous attention to the dash, console, door panels, and headliner.
Protectant Application: Higher-tier packages will often include fabric guard (like Scotchgard) applied after cleaning to help repel future spills, adding value (and cost) to the service.
4. Vehicle Size and Interior Type
A larger vehicle requires more time and product for the obvious reason: more surface area.
Three Rows: A 3-row SUV or minivan takes significantly longer than a coupe. The third row often means extra crevices, seat belts, and cargo space to clean.
Upholstery Type: If your interior has a mix of cloth (for shampooing) and leather, the detailer must use separate, specialized pH-neutral cleaners and conditioners for the leather, adding to the material cost and labor time. Is Car Interior Shampooing Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. A deep interior clean is more than just cosmetic. It's an investment that:
Preserves Health: Removes dust mites, allergens, and bacteria trapped deep in the fibers.
Boosts Resale Value: A clean, fresh-smelling interior is a massive selling point when it’s time to trade in or sell your vehicle.
Restores Comfort: Eliminates stubborn odors and makes your daily commute a more pleasant, like-new experience.
Don't settle for hiding stains; eliminate them with a professional shampoo service!
Comments