r/Detailing•
PMac10000

New to detailing. Did I make a mistake?

I Have A Question

OK, long story short. I have a 3-month old Lexus. Over the holiday season, a significant spill, about a cup of food, happened in a specific part of the car (between passenger seat and console. around the seat belt fastener). Probably impacted ~ 2 sq ft (non-visible) of the brand-new interior, but no more.

It was cleaned up as much as possible at the time. All visible evidence removed and vaccuumed as much as civilian-ly possible. No smells present, or anything like that. (It was takeout chili, if you must know).

In any case, I set up a professionally cleansing after the holidays at a local, highly reputable detailer. Now I am questioning that decision.

The stain itself that I brought it in for appears to be well-treated. However, the overwhelming smell of chlorine-based cleaning chemicals makes me think I have lost the new car smell forever. Also, my brand-new infotainment screen now has visible scratches (!) Obviously, these were not there before!!! The damn screen had never even been cleaned, let alone scratched!

My conclusion is that new cars should never be brought to a detailer. Prove me wrong. I am not familiar with this business model, but I think they only assume dirty-ass old cars. Honestly, I fully described that I was bringing it in for stain-specific-cleansing of my brand-new car, and I get the standard interior whatever. Including scratches and chemical stench.

Folks, I don't know anything about the car detailing business in the Northeast. What did I do wrong?

Posted Jan 14, 2026, 3:17 AM UTC

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