Bring Back Shine Without the Swirls

AJ's Mobile Detailing offers professional exterior detailing using safe hand wash methods throughout Grand Rapids.

Your vehicle's exterior collects more than just dust driving through Grand Rapids. Road salt, brake dust, tree sap, and grime from highway travel dull the paint and settle into wheels and trim. AJ's Mobile Detailing uses a quality hand wash with professional detailing products to safely clean every exterior surface without the scratches and swirls that come from automated car washes or rough sponges.

The service includes a thorough wash of the paint, wheels, tires, and exterior trim using methods designed to protect your vehicle's finish. It's ideal for restoring shine after weeks of buildup or maintaining a clean appearance between full details. SUVs and trucks may have adjusted pricing due to the larger surface area and additional time required to clean them properly.

Mobile detailing is available across Grand Rapids, with travel fees applied when applicable, or you can drop your vehicle off at the shop if that suits your schedule better.

How a Professional Hand Wash Actually Works


The detailer arrives in Grand Rapids with a two-bucket wash system, microfiber mitts, and pH-balanced soap that won't strip wax or damage clear coat. Wheels and tires are cleaned first to prevent brake dust from splashing onto freshly washed paint, then the vehicle is rinsed and hand washed panel by panel from top to bottom.

When finished, your vehicle looks noticeably cleaner with restored gloss and no visible streaks or water spots. Road grime that's been sitting on the paint, window trim, and wheel wells is gone, and the tires have a clean matte finish instead of caked-on dirt.

This service does not include wax, sealant, paint correction, or interior cleaning unless added separately. It focuses on safely removing surface contamination and keeping your vehicle looking maintained between deeper treatments.

Here's what most people ask first

Before scheduling, most customers want to know how long it takes, what makes it different from a regular wash, and whether it's worth the cost.

What makes a hand wash safer than an automatic wash?
Hand washing uses soft microfiber materials and controlled pressure, which prevents the fine scratches and swirl marks that brushes and recycled wash water cause over time. You're left with clean paint that still looks glossy up close.
How long does an exterior detail usually take?
Most sedans take around 60 to 90 minutes depending on how dirty they are. Larger vehicles or those with heavy road grime may take closer to two hours.
Will this remove water spots or tree sap?
Light water spots and fresh sap usually come off during the wash. Older or etched-in spots may need additional treatment or paint correction, which isn't included in the standard exterior detail.
Can you wash my truck at my house in Grand Rapids?
Yes, mobile service is available throughout Grand Rapids. A water source and power outlet help, and travel fees may apply depending on your location.
Why does an SUV cost more than a sedan?
Larger vehicles have more surface area to wash, more wheels to clean, and take longer to rinse and dry. Pricing adjusts to match the actual time and product used.

AJ's Mobile Detailing works with cars, trucks, and SUVs across Grand Rapids that need more than a quick rinse but don't require a full correction. If your vehicle's paint is covered in road grime or hasn't been properly washed in months, contact the team to schedule a hand wash that won't damage the finish.