At Milito’s, people ask me all the time if interior detailing is really worth it. Here’s my honest take on why it’s more than just a fancy car wash – it’s an investment in protecting your vehicle, your health, and your resale value.

Below, I’m answering some of the top questions we get from customers every week, so you know exactly what to expect and how to choose the right detailing service for you.

Q: Is interior car detailing really worth the money?

Absolutely. Most people think it’s just about making your car “look nice,” but it’s way more than that. Interior detailing protects the materials in your car – the seats, carpets, trim, and even electronics. Dirt, salt, spilled drinks, pet hair – they don’t just look bad, they can actually degrade the interior over time.

When you pay for a professional detail, you’re preserving your vehicle’s value. For most people, a car is the second biggest purchase they’ll make after a house. It makes sense to protect it.

Q: What’s the difference between a basic cleaning and a full interior detail?

Great question. A lot of people think a “quick vacuum” is the same thing. It’s not.

A basic cleaning might be vacuuming the floor and wiping down the dash. A full interior detail is a top-to-bottom, back-to-new approach – not just a surface wipe. A typical detailing session at Milito’s includes:

• Deep extraction of carpets and seats to remove embedded dirt, stains and salt
• Steam cleaning for sanitizing and killing bacteria
• Cleaning and conditioning of leather
• Careful attention to vents, buttons, and tight spots where grime hides
• Stain and odor treatments
• Class cleaning, trim cleaning, etc.

Q: How often should I get my car detailed?

It depends on how you use it, but I usually tell customers 2-4 times a year is ideal.

If you have kids, pets, work in construction, or eat in your car a lot, a quarterly detail is smart. If you drive mostly solo and keep it pretty clean? Twice a year is usually enough to protect materials and keep odors at bay. Chicago winters in particular mean a lot of salt and grime get tracked in – so I always recommend a spring detail.

Q: Does interior detailing help with resale value?

100%! When you trade in or sell, the interior condition is one of the biggest things dealers and buyers look at. A well-detailed car feels newer and better cared for.

We see cars that have been regularly detailed selling for hundreds to thousands more than comparable models with trashed interiors. Think of detailing as a low-cost maintenance that pays off at sale time.

Q: Can interior detailing get rid of smells, pet hair, or stains?

That’s one of the main reasons people come to us.

• Smells: We use steam cleaning and professional odor treatments that go deeper than a spray or store-bought deodorizer.
• Pet Hair: We have special tools and techniques to pull it out of carpet and upholstery.
• Stains: Extraction machines and professional cleaning agents can lift a lot of what DIY cleaning can’t.

Q: How long does interior detailing take – and do I need to drop my car off?

Plan on leaving it with us for 3-5 hours. We do offer same-day service, so you can drop it in the morning and pick it up that afternoon.

If you’re tight on time, let us know. We’ll work with you to schedule a convenient time or recommend a lighter package if that’s all you need. Our online booking makes it easy.

Q: What do professionals use that I can’t just buy at the store?

A lot, actually. We use:

• Commercial-grade extractors and steam cleaners that cost thousands of dollars
• Professional-grade, automotive-safe cleaning chemicals
• Specialized brushes, tools and air compressors for tight spaces
• Years of experience knowing how to get results without damaging anything

DIY kits are fine for upkeep, but they can’t match what we can do in-shop.

Q: Are there different levels or packages for interior detailing?

We keep it really straightforward: our interior detailing prices are based on vehicle size. That’s because a two-door sedan just doesn’t take the same time and effort as a big SUV or van.

You’ll see pricing split out for:

• Cars
• Small SUVs
• Trucks, Vans, and Full-Size SUVs

On top of that, you can choose add-on services based on your needs:

• Odor removal treatments for persistent smells
• Flood remediation for water-damaged interiors (full drying, sanitizing, and mold prevention)
• Clutter removal if the vehicle has a lot of personal items you want us to clear before cleaning

We designed it this way so you only pay for what you actually need. You can see all the pricing and options on our interior detailing page.

Q: How much does interior detailing cost?

It depends on the size of your vehicle, but you’ll see prices starting around $179 for cars, $229 for small SUVs, and $279 for trucks, vans, or full-size SUVs.

Add-ons like odor removal, flood remediation, or clutter removal are priced separately so you only pay for what you need.

We’re always transparent about pricing up front – you can see the full breakdown on our interior detailing page or when you book online.