Clay bar and wax without leaving home

Road film, brake dust, and tree sap embed in paint until a clay bar pulls them out. After that, hand wax seals the surface. Mr. Sparkling's exterior-only package starts at $49 and runs about one and a half man-hours depending on vehicle size.

Why hand work matters

Tunnel brushes add swirls. Ralph hand-dries with microfiber, cleans door jambs and trunk seals, and dresses tires so the finish reads even in flat Houston sun. Reviews mention the car looking like it just left the dealership.

• Clay bar before wax.
• Starting-at pricing only.
• Headlight restoration available as add-on.