Before beginning the detailing process, you'll need the necessary implements and cleaning products. Besides the normal car-washing tools (bucket, water, soap, sponges, car wax, chamois), you'll find that you need some more specialized tools when it gets down to the nitty gritty. While everyone develops their own tackle box of magic depending on their car and the level of detail they wish to achieve, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

* Vacuum cleaner - should be for wet and dry surfaces and should have multiple attachments, preferably a couple for getting into tiny areas.

* Variety of rags - include terry cloth towels and thin cotton rags for finer surfaces.

* Various sizes of small brushes - try toothbrushes or paintbrushes.

* Q-tips and cotton swabs.

* Plastic spray bottles.

* Canned air.

* Upholstery cleaner.

* Carpet stain cleaner.

* All-purpose cleaner.

* Surface protector (for vinyl and leather surfaces).

Start with the inside, so you won't mess up the just-cleaned exterior while you're vacuuming and wiping out the inside of the car. While the order of steps isn't crucial, here's a sampling of the type of areas you should clean:

* Carpets

* Center console 

* Dashboard

* Windows

* Door Jambs

The last thing you want to do is make the outside of the windshield and each window free from streaks and drips. I recommend using a good microfiber towel that you can buy at Costco or Walmart etc..