Frequently asked questions about Washdoctors

Can I pay with cash?

No — Wash Doctors is a 100% cashless service. You can pay securely through the app using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or PayPal. Payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your appointment.

How does mobile car valeting work?

Mobile valeting with Wash Doctors is a hassle-free way to get your vehicle professionally cleaned at your home, workplace, or any location that suits you. Our trained technicians arrive in fully equipped vans carrying their own water and electricity, so you don’t need to supply anything. All you need to do is ensure there’s suitable parking and access to the vehicle. You can book, track, and manage your appointment easily through our app, which also contains more detailed service information.

How long does ceramic coating take to apply?

A proper ceramic coating installation typically takes 1–2 days including paint correction and surface preparation. Most of that time is spent removing swirl marks, decontaminating the paint and preparing the surface so the coating bonds correctly. Rushed installations often skip these preparation stages.

Does ceramic coating increase resale value?

It can improve resale appeal by maintaining gloss and reducing visible wear. However, resale uplift depends more on overall condition than the coating itself.

Can ceramic coating be removed?

Yes. It can be removed through machine polishing. Removal is usually required before reapplication after several years.

Does ceramic coating stop bird droppings damaging paint?

It reduces chemical staining risk but does not eliminate it. Bird droppings should still be removed promptly.

How often should a ceramic coated car be washed?

Every 2–4 weeks is typical for a daily driven vehicle. Regular safe washing maintains hydrophobic performance.

Is ceramic coating better than wax?

Ceramic coating lasts significantly longer and provides stronger chemical resistance. Wax is cheaper but requires frequent reapplication.

Do I need to provide parking?

Although this is a mobile car cleaning service, for the valet to take place the agent will require parking next to your vehicle or in close proximity to it. As it is a fully mobile service, this does not have to be on a driveway at your home, but can also be carried out on a public road as long as parking is available.

What’s your cancellation policy?

You can cancel your valet if your booking is more than 24 hours away. You will receive a full refund minus the non refundable transaction fee on every booking.

• Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made with 2 hours’ notice or less will incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Do I need to provide water and electricity

No — unless you specify otherwise during the booking process, our system will only match you with mobile valeters who bring their own water and electricity. This means you can have your vehicle valeted even if you don’t have access to a supply at your location.

Do swirl marks come back?

Swirl marks removed through proper paint correction are permanently removed. However new swirl marks can appear over time if the vehicle is washed incorrectly.

Do automatic car washes cause swirl marks?

Yes. Brush-based automated car washes are one of the most common causes of swirl marks because the brushes collect grit from hundreds of vehicles every day.

Can ceramic coating hide swirl marks?

No. Ceramic coatings do not hide swirl marks. They seal the paint surface and often make existing defects more visible. Paint correction should usually be done before applying ceramic coating.

Are swirl marks worse on black cars?

Yes. Dark colours reflect light more sharply, making swirl marks far more visible. Black cars tend to show paint defects much sooner than silver or white vehicles.

Is swirl mark removal permanent?

When swirl marks are removed through proper machine polishing they are permanently removed because the clear coat has been levelled. However new scratches can still appear if poor washing methods continue.

How long does an interior deep clean take?

An interior deep clean usually takes 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the size and condition of the vehicle. Heavily soiled interiors may take longer due to additional stain removal and extraction work.

Does an interior deep clean remove all stains?

An interior deep clean can remove most stains, including those from food, drink, mud, and everyday use. However, some permanent stains, such as dye transfer or long-term damage, may not fully lift.

Does this service include the exterior of the car?

No. The Interior Deep Clean focuses entirely on the inside of the vehicle. If you want both interior and exterior cleaned, you’ll need to book a full valet package.

Do I need to be there during the service?

You don’t need to be present for the full service, but the technician will need access to the interior at the start. Without access, only exterior work can be completed.

What happens if my car is very dirty?

If your vehicle is significantly dirtier than expected, the technician will complete the service within the booked time. You may be advised to upgrade or add extra time to achieve the best result.

Can I reschedule or cancel my booking?

Yes. You can reschedule or cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your booking. Late cancellations may incur a fee due to allocated technician time.

Will the car be wet after cleaning?

Surfaces may be slightly damp after shampoo extraction. Most moisture is removed during the process, and the interior typically dries within a few hours depending on airflow and weather conditions.

Is an interior deep clean better than a standard valet?

Yes, if your interior hasn’t been properly cleaned in a while. A deep clean removes dirt from inside fabrics and carpets, not just the surface, making it far more effective.

How often should I book an Essential Silver Valet?

Most customers book every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain a consistently clean vehicle and prevent dirt from building up.

Is the Silver Valet a deep clean?

No. The Essential Silver Valet is a maintenance service. It improves cleanliness and appearance but does not include deep cleaning processes like shampoo extraction.

What is the difference between Silver and Gold valet?

The Silver Valet is designed for regular upkeep, while Gold includes more time and deeper cleaning, making it better for vehicles that are more heavily soiled or less frequently cleaned.

Does the service include paint protection?

A quick spray wax is applied, which adds gloss and light protection. It is not a long-term protective coating.

How long does the service take?

An Essential Silver Valet typically takes up to 90 minutes, depending on vehicle size and condition.

What happens if my car is very dirty?

If the vehicle is more heavily soiled than expected, the service will still be completed within the booked time. However, you may be advised to upgrade for a better result.

Can I add extras to this service?

Yes. The Essential Silver Valet is fully customisable, and you can add extras depending on your vehicle’s needs.

How much does single stage paint correction remove?

Single stage correction typically removes 60–80% of visible defects, including swirl marks and light scratches. Deeper defects may remain.

Will it remove all scratches?

No. It removes light scratches and surface defects. Deeper scratches that can be felt with a fingernail will usually remain or require further correction.

How long does the protection last?

The included protective coating typically lasts up to 12 months, depending on maintenance and usage.

Is paint correction safe for my car?

Yes, when carried out correctly. A single stage removes a minimal amount of clear coat, making it a safe way to improve paint without excessive correction.

How often should you get paint correction?

Most vehicles only need occasional correction. Regular maintenance valeting helps preserve the finish and reduce the need for repeat correction.

What’s the difference between polishing and paint correction?

Polishing is a general term. Paint correction specifically refers to removing defects using machine polishing.

Do I need to wash the car beforehand?

No. The service includes full preparation and decontamination to ensure safe and effective correction.

Does headlight restoration remove all cloudiness?

It removes most surface oxidation and haze. Severe or internal damage may not be fully reversible.

Will it improve night driving?

Yes. Clear headlights allow more light through, improving visibility and safety at night.

How long do the results last?

Typically several months to over a year, depending on exposure to sunlight and maintenance.

Is this better than a DIY kit?

Yes. Professional restoration removes oxidation properly and includes protection, while DIY kits usually provide short-term results.

Can badly damaged headlights be restored?

Surface damage can be improved significantly. Internal or structural damage may require replacement.

Do I need to prepare the car beforehand?

No. All preparation is included as part of the service.

Can this be combined with other services?

Yes. It can be added to exterior valets, detailing services, or paint enhancement packages.

What does SMART repair mean?

SMART stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technology. It refers to repairing localised damage, such as scratches or minor dents, without repainting entire panels.

At Washdoctors, SMART repairs are carried out using a structured, multi-stage process that focuses on proper preparation, accurate paint matching, and careful blending, not just covering the damage.

Are mobile SMART repairs as good as body shops?

For minor cosmetic damage, yes, when done properly.

A high-quality mobile SMART repair can deliver results comparable to a body shop, provided the technician uses the right equipment, controls the environment, and follows the correct process.

At Washdoctors, technicians recreate controlled working conditions on-site and use professional-grade tools to ensure consistent results. For major or structural damage, a body shop is still the better option.

Why do some SMART repairs fail?

Most SMART repairs fail because key steps are rushed or skipped.

Common issues include:

• Poor surface preparation
• Incorrect paint matching
• Lack of proper blending
• Insufficient curing time

These shortcuts often lead to repairs that look acceptable initially but fail over time.

Washdoctors takes a quality-first approach, ensuring each stage of the repair is completed properly so the result lasts.

How long do SMART repairs last?

A properly completed SMART repair should last long term and perform like the surrounding paintwork.

Poor-quality repairs often fail within months due to fading, peeling, or visible defects.

Washdoctors repairs are designed to be durable and are backed by a lifetime warranty on paint repairs, valid for as long as you own the vehicle, subject to aftercare guidelines.

Can SMART repairs fix deep scratches?

SMART repairs can significantly improve deep scratches, but full removal depends on how far the damage has penetrated the paint.

If the scratch has gone through multiple layers, some visibility may remain.

At Washdoctors, you’ll get honest advice before the repair begins, with clear expectations on what can realistically be achieved.

How long does a SMART repair take?

Most SMART repairs can be completed within the same day, depending on the size and complexity of the damage.

Time is required for proper preparation, painting, blending, and curing.

Washdoctors does not rush repairs to fit more jobs in, as this is one of the main reasons lower-quality repairs fail.

Why are some SMART repairs so cheap?

Lower-cost repairs often reduce time, materials, or process quality to increase volume.

This can include:

• Skipping preparation steps
• Using lower-grade materials
• Not allowing proper curing
• Avoiding blending into surrounding panels

These shortcuts reduce durability and lead to visible defects.

Washdoctors focuses on doing the repair properly the first time, which delivers better long-term value.

Will the repair be completely invisible?

In most cases, a high-quality SMART repair will blend seamlessly and be very difficult to detect.

However, perfect invisibility depends on factors such as paint condition, colour, and the extent of the damage.

Washdoctors focuses on achieving the best possible visual result through careful blending and finishing, while being upfront about any limitations.

Do I need to prepare the car before the repair?

No. All preparation is included as part of the service.

Washdoctors carries out full cleaning, masking, and surface preparation to ensure the repair is completed safely and to a high standard.

What happens if I’m not happy with the result?

If you’re not satisfied, the issue will be addressed.

Washdoctors provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee, along with clear aftercare support and a lifetime warranty on paint repairs, so you’re fully covered.

Can I reschedule my valet if the weather conditions aren’t suitable for it?

This will depend on the package you’ve booked and whether you have any sheltered space available for the service. Each booking is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If the weather prevents the valet from going ahead, you will be contacted to advise whether rescheduling is necessary.

Do I need to be present for the duration of my valet?

No, you don’t need to be there the whole time. However, if your package includes interior cleaning, you will need to provide access to the inside of your vehicle. We recommend being available at the beginning of your booking so the technician can get started smoothly.

How can I speak to my valeter directly?

When you book through the app, you can message your valeter directly via our in-app chat system. If you’re unable to use the app, you can reach out to our Customer Support team, who will help pass on any urgent information.

Can I add multiple cars to my booking?

Yes, you can! If you’d like the same valet done on two vehicles by the same technician, you can add a second car during the checkout process using the ‘Extras’ menu. For more than two vehicles or different types of valets, please contact our Customer Service team via chat or at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to assist with a custom booking.

Can I add on additional services to my valet?

Yes, our technicians can perform a range of add-on services beyond what’s included in the standard packages. You can find and select these extras in the ‘Extras’ menu when booking through the app. If there’s something specific you need that isn’t listed, feel free to reach out.

How can I reset my password?

To reset your password, open the app and go to the login screen. Tap ‘Log In’ and then select ‘Forgotten Password’. Enter the email address linked to your account, and you’ll receive a reset link via email.

Is it possible to cancel and/or reschedule?

Yes. You can cancel or reschedule your booking via the app in the ‘Booking Details’ section. Please be aware of our cancellation policy:

Once a valeter is en route or has already started the service, refunds will no longer be possible.

• Rescheduling within 24 hours may be subject to additional fees, depending on timing.

How do I claim an offer?

You can redeem your offer by entering your discount code at checkout when booking through the app. Offers are typically available for a limited time only, so make sure to use your code before it expires.