Frequently Asked
Questions
Billy's Car Wash & Vateing
Edinburgh, UK
Professional Mobile Car Valeting in Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about Billy’s Car Wash mobile car valeting, interior cleaning, exterior cleaning, specialist treatments, bookings and service procedures.
General Questions
We provide mobile car valeting and specialist vehicle cleaning services, including:
- Exterior car cleaning
- Interior car cleaning
- Full valet packages
- Premium valet packages
- Deep interior cleaning
- Upholstery and seat cleaning
- Carpet and mat cleaning
- Dashboard and interior surface cleaning
- Window and mirror cleaning
- Wheel and tyre cleaning
- Tyre dressing
- Headlight restoration
- Ceramic spray protection
- Add-on cleaning treatments
Service availability may depend on the vehicle’s condition, size and the selected package.
Mobile car valeting means we travel to your home, workplace or another suitable location to clean your vehicle.
You do not need to drive to a fixed car wash or wait in a queue. The service is completed at the location entered during your booking, provided there is safe and legal access to the vehicle.
We primarily serve customers across Edinburgh and selected surrounding areas.
Travel availability may depend on your postcode, the service selected and our daily schedule. Additional travel charges may apply to locations outside our standard service area.
We clean a wide range of vehicles, including:
- Small cars
- Hatchbacks
- Saloons and sedans
- Estates
- Coupés
- SUVs
- Crossovers
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
- People carriers
- Minibuses
Larger, commercial or unusually sized vehicles may require a custom quotation.
Yes. We provide mobile valeting for businesses, company fleets and commercial vehicles.
We can work with offices, tradespeople, taxi and private-hire operators, vehicle rental businesses, property companies, dealerships and other organisations requiring regular vehicle cleaning.
Yes. Regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly services may be available for private customers and businesses.
Recurring appointments help maintain the vehicle and can reduce the need for more intensive deep cleaning.
Booking Questions
You can book through our online booking system by:
- Choosing your required service.
- Selecting your vehicle type.
- Adding any optional treatments.
- Choosing an available date and time.
- Entering your contact and location details.
- Confirming your booking.
Please select the correct vehicle type and provide accurate information about the vehicle’s condition.
An account may be required or offered depending on the booking system settings.
A customer account can make it easier to view appointments, manage your details and book future services.
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, busy periods and larger cleaning packages.
Same-day or next-day appointments may occasionally be available but cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Multiple vehicles can be booked, subject to appointment availability.
Each vehicle should normally be booked separately so that enough time is allocated. Business customers requiring several vehicles can contact us for a custom schedule.
Choose your service based on:
- The current condition of the vehicle
- Whether you require interior, exterior or full cleaning
- The amount of dirt, staining or pet hair
- How long it has been since the last professional clean
- Whether you require polishing or protection
Vehicles with heavy staining, excessive pet hair, mould, strong odours or extreme dirt may require a deep-clean package or additional charges.
Booking changes may be possible depending on availability.
Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change the date, time, location, vehicle or selected service.
Yes. Once your booking has been completed successfully, you should receive a confirmation by email, text message or through the booking system.
Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive it.
Please provide:
- Your full name
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Correct service address
- Vehicle type
- Vehicle make and model
- Registration number, where requested
- Any access instructions
- Details of heavy dirt, staining, pet hair or other special requirements
Accurate information helps us prepare the correct equipment and allocate enough time.
Before Your Appointment
Before your appointment, please:
- Remove personal belongings from the vehicle.
- Remove valuable, fragile or sensitive items.
- Remove child seats where possible.
- Empty the boot if boot cleaning is included.
- Make sure the vehicle is accessible.
- Provide keys or arrange access.
- Inform us of any damaged areas or electrical issues.
- Confirm that the service location is safe and suitable.
We are not responsible for cleaning areas that cannot be accessed because of personal belongings or fixed items.
You do not always need to remain present for the entire service, but someone must provide access to the vehicle unless another arrangement has been agreed.
Please remain contactable by phone in case we need to discuss the vehicle’s condition or recommend additional work.
For most interior and full-valet services, access to the vehicle keys will be required.
We may need to move the vehicle slightly, open the boot, operate windows or access different sections of the interior.
Requirements may depend on the selected service, location and equipment being used.
Please ensure that any agreed access to water or electricity is safe, working and authorised. We will contact you before the appointment if specific access is required.
The vehicle should be parked in a safe, legal and accessible location with enough room to work around it.
We may be unable to carry out the service if the vehicle is parked:
- On a dangerous or extremely busy road
- In a prohibited area
- In a location with insufficient working space
- Where cleaning is not authorised
- Where equipment could obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- In a location with unsafe ground conditions
This depends on access, lighting, ventilation, water restrictions, electrical access, height restrictions and permission from the property owner or car park operator.
Please contact us before booking if the vehicle is located in a restricted car park.
The customer is responsible for ensuring that vehicle cleaning is permitted at the chosen location.
For workplaces, apartment developments, managed car parks and private estates, permission may be required from the property owner or site manager.
Exterior Car Cleaning
The exact inclusions depend on the package selected, but an exterior service may include:
- Pre-rinse
- Exterior shampoo wash
- Cleaning of body panels
- Wheel cleaning
- Tyre cleaning
- Wheel-arch cleaning
- Exterior window cleaning
- Mirror cleaning
- Drying
- Tyre dressing
- Finishing inspection
Please check the service description when booking for the full list of inclusions.
No. Our mobile exterior services are completed manually using professional cleaning methods and suitable products.
A standard exterior wash removes surface dirt but does not remove scratches, paint defects or permanent marks.
Light swirls and minor imperfections may be reduced through paint enhancement polishing, depending on the paint condition.
Some contamination may be removed during normal cleaning, but stubborn tar, tree sap, bird-dropping etching and bonded contamination may require additional treatment.
Permanent staining or paint damage cannot always be fully corrected.
Yes. Wheel cleaning is included in many exterior and full-valet packages.
Heavily contaminated wheels, baked-on brake dust, corrosion or damaged finishes may not return to an as-new condition.
Standard services do not normally include full underbody cleaning.
Wheel arches and visible lower areas may be cleaned depending on access and the selected package.
These materials require specialist assessment.
Attempting to remove hardened cement, industrial paint, adhesive or chemical deposits may damage the vehicle’s finish. Please send photographs before booking so we can assess the safest approach.
Interior Car Cleaning
Depending on the package, interior cleaning may include:
- Vacuuming seats and carpets
- Cleaning floor mats
- Cleaning the dashboard
- Cleaning the centre console
- Cleaning door cards
- Cleaning storage areas
- Cleaning interior plastics
- Cleaning interior windows and mirrors
- Dust removal
- Boot vacuuming
- Light deodorising
- Finishing inspection
Deep cleaning, stain treatment, pet-hair removal and upholstery extraction may need to be selected separately.
We clean underneath seats where there is safe and reasonable access.
We do not dismantle seats or remove fixed interior components unless this has been specifically agreed as a separate specialist service.
Boot cleaning is included only where stated in the selected service.
The boot must be emptied before the appointment. Additional charges may apply for excessive dirt, pet hair, stains or heavy use.
Customers should remove child seats before the appointment where possible.
For safety and liability reasons, we may not remove or reinstall child seats. The customer is responsible for ensuring that any child seat is correctly fitted after the service.
Seat belts may be surface-cleaned where accessible, but they should not be heavily saturated.
Deep stains may not be fully removable due to safety and material limitations.
Headlining must be cleaned carefully because excessive moisture can damage the adhesive and cause sagging.
Only limited surface cleaning may be possible. We cannot guarantee removal of all stains from roof lining material.
Chewing gum removal may be possible depending on the material, how long it has been present and whether it has damaged the surface.
Additional charges may apply.
Yes. Leather seats can be gently cleaned using suitable products.
Cracked, worn, dyed, damaged or heavily aged leather may not return to its original condition. Cleaning is not the same as leather repair or recolouring.
Deep Interior Cleaning
A deep interior clean is intended for vehicles requiring more intensive cleaning than a standard interior valet.
It may include:
- Detailed vacuuming
- Upholstery cleaning
- Carpet cleaning
- Mat cleaning
- Stain treatment
- Cleaning of plastics and trim
- Detailed cleaning around seat rails and crevices
- Boot cleaning
- Pet-hair removal where selected
- Odour-reduction treatment
- Interior glass cleaning
The final result depends on the age, material, condition and type of contamination.
The time required depends on:
- Vehicle size
- Interior condition
- Number and severity of stains
- Pet hair
- Amount of personal belongings
- Seat and carpet materials
- Access to the vehicle
- Weather and drying conditions
A heavily soiled vehicle will take longer than a regularly maintained vehicle.
Upholstery extraction and carpet cleaning may leave fabrics slightly damp.
Drying time depends on the weather, ventilation, material and level of cleaning. Windows may need to remain slightly open where safe, and the vehicle should be ventilated after the service.
The vehicle can usually be driven, but seats or carpets may remain damp.
Avoid placing heavy items on damp upholstery and allow sufficient ventilation until the interior is fully dry.
No. We will use reasonable professional cleaning methods, but complete stain removal cannot be guaranteed.
Some stains may be permanent because of:
- Dye transfer
- Bleaching
- Chemical damage
- Age
- Heat
- Wear
- Previous cleaning attempts
Damage below the fabric surface
Pet Hair, Odours and Heavy Soiling
Yes. Pet-hair removal can be selected as an add-on or may be included in certain deep-cleaning packages.
Pet hair can become deeply embedded in carpets and upholstery. Complete removal cannot always be guaranteed, particularly from coarse boot carpets and damaged fabric.
Yes. Excessive or deeply embedded pet hair requires additional time and may incur an extra charge.
Please mention pet hair when booking and provide photographs where possible.
We can clean affected surfaces and provide odour-reduction treatments, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed.
Smoke odour can become trapped in:
- Headlining
- Seat foam
- Carpets
- Air vents
- Cabin filters
- Door seals
- Hidden interior areas
A cabin-filter replacement or specialist ozone treatment may sometimes be required from an appropriate provider.
We can treat the affected area and reduce odours, but results depend on how deeply the contamination has penetrated.
Spillages that have reached seat foam, underlay or inaccessible areas may require dismantling or replacement of affected materials.
Minor surface mould may be treatable, but significant mould growth can present health and safety risks.
Vehicles with extensive mould, water damage or suspected hazardous contamination may require specialist remediation. Please provide photographs before booking.
We do not provide standard valeting for vehicles containing needles, human waste, significant bodily fluids, dangerous chemicals or other hazardous materials.
Specialist biohazard cleaning may be required.
Full and Premium Valet Services
A full valet combines interior and exterior cleaning in one service.
The exact inclusions depend on the selected package and may include:
- Exterior hand wash
- Wheel and tyre cleaning
- Exterior glass cleaning
- Interior vacuuming
- Dashboard and trim cleaning
- Interior glass cleaning
- Mat cleaning
- Boot cleaning
- Tyre dressing
- Interior finishing
A premium valet usually includes more detailed cleaning, greater attention to difficult areas and additional finishing treatments.
Depending on the package, it may also include deeper interior cleaning, upholstery treatment, paint protection or enhanced exterior finishing.
Always check the individual package description before booking.
A full or premium valet is usually the most suitable option for preparing a vehicle for sale.
For better presentation, you may also consider:
- Paint enhancement polishing
- Headlight restoration
- Deep interior cleaning
- Stain treatment
- Ceramic spray protection
A full valet can improve the vehicle’s presentation before a lease return, but cleaning cannot repair dents, scratches, wheel damage, torn upholstery or mechanical defects.
A separate repair service may be required for physical damage.
Headlight Restoration
Headlight restoration improves cloudy, yellowed or oxidised plastic headlight lenses.
The process may involve:
- Cleaning
- Surface preparation
- Controlled sanding
- Polishing
- Application of a protective finish
Headlight restoration can significantly improve clarity and appearance, but results depend on the condition of the lens.
Damage inside the headlight, deep cracking, moisture contamination and severe UV deterioration may limit the final result.
Restoring the outer lens may improve light output where oxidation is reducing clarity.
However, it does not repair faulty bulbs, electrical problems, internal reflector damage or alignment issues.
Durability depends on:
- Weather exposure
- Vehicle storage
- Mileage
- UV exposure
- Washing methods
- Quality of the original lens
- Maintenance after treatment
Protective maintenance can help extend the result.
Paint Enhancement Polish
Paint enhancement polishing is a machine-polishing service designed to improve gloss and reduce the appearance of light swirls, oxidation and minor paint imperfections.
It is not the same as full paint correction or body repair.
No. Light surface defects may be reduced, but deep scratches that have penetrated the clear coat or colour layer may require professional paint repair.
We prioritise paint safety and will not remove excessive material to chase unsafe or unrealistic results.
Most vehicles can be assessed for polishing, but suitability depends on:
- Paint thickness
- Previous repairs
- Clear-coat condition
- Peeling lacquer
- Rust
- Cracks
- Repainted panels
- Existing damage
A visual inspection may be required before work begins.
Yes. The paint must be thoroughly cleaned before polishing.
Additional decontamination may be required if the vehicle has tar, iron deposits or bonded contamination.
Ceramic Spray Protection
Ceramic spray protection is a protective finishing product applied to clean exterior surfaces.
It can help provide:
- Improved water behaviour
- Enhanced gloss
- Easier maintenance cleaning
- Short-term protection from everyday contamination
No. Ceramic spray protection is generally faster to apply and has a shorter expected lifespan than a professionally installed long-term ceramic coating.
It is a practical protection option for customers who want improved gloss and easier maintenance without the cost of a full coating service.
Durability varies depending on:
- Product used
- Surface preparation
- Mileage
- Weather exposure
- Washing methods
- Vehicle storage
- Maintenance
No exact durability period can be guaranteed because every vehicle is used and maintained differently.
Use gentle washing methods and suitable car-cleaning products.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes and automatic car washes where possible, as these may reduce the life of the protection.
Weather and Mobile Service Conditions
Light rain may not always prevent the service, but heavy rain, strong wind, snow, ice, extreme cold or unsafe conditions may require rescheduling.
Some services, including polishing and protection treatments, need appropriate weather conditions or covered working space.
We may:
- Delay the start time
- Adjust the service where appropriate
- Move the appointment to another available date
- Contact you to discuss a covered location
Safety and service quality will always be considered before work begins.
We may be unable to safely clean a vehicle when surfaces, doors, locks or surrounding ground are frozen.
Using water in freezing conditions may create safety risks and could damage vehicle components.
Services may be adjusted during very hot weather because cleaning products can dry too quickly on hot surfaces.
Shade or a cooler appointment time may be recommended.
Pricing and Additional Charges
Prices are based on:
- Service selected
- Vehicle type and size
- Expected service time
- Required products and equipment
- Level of cleaning
- Optional add-ons
- Travel distance where applicable
Larger vehicles have more surface area, larger interiors and often require more time, products and equipment.
SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and minibuses may therefore have higher prices than small cars.
The price may change if the vehicle differs significantly from the information provided during booking.
Additional charges may apply for:
- Excessive pet hair
- Heavy mud
- Severe staining
- Excessive rubbish
- Mould
- Biohazard contamination
- Large vehicle size
- Commercial use
- Unexpected additional work
- Travel outside the normal service area
Any material price adjustment should be discussed before additional work is completed.
Yes. Custom quotations may be provided for:
- Fleets
- Minibuses
- Commercial vehicles
- Extremely dirty vehicles
- Multiple vehicles
- Specialist treatments
- Regular business contracts
Photographs may be requested before a quotation is confirmed.
Payments
Available payment methods may include online payment, card payment, bank transfer or another agreed method.
The available options will be displayed during booking or confirmed before the appointment.
Payment may be required:
- At the time of booking
- Before the appointment
- On completion of the service
- According to agreed business-account terms
The payment requirement will depend on the booking type and service selected.
Yes. Receipts or invoices can be provided electronically.
Business customers should provide their correct company name, billing address and any required reference details.
Cash acceptance may depend on the booking arrangement.
Where possible, electronic payments are preferred for security and accurate record keeping.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
Please cancel or reschedule as early as possible.
Late cancellations may result in the loss of a booking fee or may be subject to a cancellation charge, depending on the booking terms.
If we cannot access the vehicle or contact you, the appointment may be treated as a missed booking.
A call-out or cancellation charge may apply.
Traffic, weather and earlier appointments can occasionally affect arrival times.
We will make reasonable efforts to contact you if there is a significant delay.
We may cancel or reschedule an appointment due to:
- Unsafe weather
- Vehicle access problems
- Equipment failure
- Illness
- Road disruption
- Incorrect booking information
- Hazardous vehicle conditions
- A location being unsafe or unsuitable
Where possible, an alternative appointment will be offered.
Vehicle Condition and Damage
We may visually inspect the vehicle before work begins and note obvious existing damage or concerns.
Customers should inform us about:
- Loose trim
- Damaged paint
- Cracked glass
- Electrical faults
- Broken switches
- Torn upholstery
- Water leaks
- Repaired or repainted panels
- Aftermarket accessories
- Sensitive materials
Yes. Dirt can hide scratches, chips, stains, corrosion and other defects.
After cleaning, pre-existing damage may become more visible. This does not necessarily mean the cleaning process caused it.
Minor damage may not prevent cleaning, but we may refuse or limit work on areas where cleaning could worsen the condition.
Examples include:
- Peeling lacquer
- Loose paint
- Cracked trim
- Unsecured body parts
- Torn fabric
- Exposed wiring
- Water-damaged electronics
- Loose headlining
Please inform us before the service if the vehicle has:
- Vinyl wrapping
- Matte paint
- Ceramic coating
- Custom wheels
- Delicate trim
- Modified electronics
- Aftermarket audio equipment
- Performance or show-car components
Special products or cleaning procedures may be required.
Results and Service Expectations
We aim to achieve the best reasonable result based on the service selected and the condition of the vehicle.
However, cleaning cannot reverse permanent wear, damage, ageing or poor previous repairs.
Valeting does not repair:
- Dents
- Deep scratches
- Stone chips
- Torn upholstery
- Cracked leather
- Rust
- Peeling paint
- Broken trim
- Faulty electronics
- Damaged wheels
- Mechanical faults
- Permanent staining
Separate repair or restoration services may be required.
Please inspect the vehicle after the service where possible.
If you believe an included area has been missed, contact us promptly and provide clear photographs. We will review the issue in line with the service booked and the condition of the vehicle.
Please inform us before the service if the vehicle has:
- Vinyl wrapping
- Matte paint
- Ceramic coating
- Custom wheels
- Delicate trim
- Modified electronics
- Aftermarket audio equipment
- Performance or show-car components
Special products or cleaning procedures may be required.
Aftercare
To maintain the result:
- Remove rubbish regularly.
- Wipe spills immediately.
- Use rubber or protective floor mats.
- Avoid eating and smoking inside the vehicle.
- Vacuum frequently.
- Wash bird droppings away promptly.
- Avoid harsh household chemicals.
- Book regular maintenance valets.
The ideal frequency depends on vehicle use.
Many customers choose:
- Weekly cleaning for heavily used vehicles
- Fortnightly cleaning for business or family vehicles
- Monthly maintenance for normally used vehicles
- Seasonal deep cleaning
- A full valet before selling or returning a vehicle
Household products are not always suitable for vehicle paint, leather, plastics, screens or interior fabrics.
Use products designed specifically for automotive surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Business and Fleet Services
Yes. We can provide scheduled cleaning for small and medium-sized vehicle fleets.
Services may be arranged at business premises, depots, offices or another approved location.
Early morning, evening or weekend appointments may be available by agreement.
Availability depends on location, lighting, noise restrictions and the number of vehicles.
Yes. Business packages can be tailored based on:
- Number of vehicles
- Vehicle types
- Cleaning frequency
- Required service level
- Location
- Access arrangements
- Monthly budget
Monthly invoicing may be available for approved business customers and recurring service agreements.
Payment terms must be agreed before services begin.
Safety and Access
Valuables and personal items should be removed before the appointment.
This includes:
- Money
- Jewellery
- Electronics
- Important documents
- Medication
- Keys
- Bank cards
- Fragile items
Billy’s Car Wash cannot be responsible for items left loose, hidden or unsecured inside the vehicle.
Please remove all dangerous, illegal, sharp or hazardous items before the service.
We may refuse to work on a vehicle containing needles, weapons, chemicals, animal waste, human waste or other unsafe materials.
No. Children and pets must not remain inside the vehicle while cleaning is taking place.
Customers should also keep children and pets away from equipment, cables, cleaning products and the working area.
Contact and Support
You can contact us through the website contact form, booking system, telephone, email or our official social media pages.
Please include your booking details when contacting us about an existing appointment.
Send us details of the vehicle, including:
- Make and model
- Vehicle type
- Interior and exterior condition
- Main cleaning concerns
- Photographs of heavily affected areas
We can then recommend the most appropriate service or provide a custom quotation.
Give your car the care it deserves
From quick washes to full valeting, we make it easy to keep your vehicle fresh, protected, and looking exceptional.
