IDA Website Spotlight: Standard Operating Procedures Resource Page

In 2024, the IDA Industry Standards Task Force (ISTF) introduced the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) members-only resource webpage. If you are not yet a member, join today to gain access to this resource and all the other incredible IDA member benefits.

As part of an ongoing project, the ISTF is compiling data collected from detailers around the world to create a baseline order of operations meant to consistently produce a quality result for various detailing tasks and services.

To collect this data, the IDA periodically sends surveys via email to members asking them to provide input on various procedures and terminology to determine how it varies between countries, regions, etc. In order to make these SOPs as representative as possible, the more data we can collect, the better, so if you can participate, we encourage you to do so. Watch your email inbox for future survey invites. Surveys typically remain open about a month or so to allow sufficient time for participation.

Once the survey window closes, the ISTF then analyzes the collected data and uses it to create the general SOP before releasing it on the member-exclusive resource webpage.

Note, the procedures listed demonstrate just one proven order of operations widely agreed upon as best practice, but they are – of course – not the only way a task or service may be completed with good results. Adjust based on your region’s weather/season, your work location, the vehicle you’re working on, your preferred equipment/chemicals, etc. Be sure to take into consideration surface type/status and appropriate chemical use. Especially be aware of adjustments necessary when deviating from the conditions put in place to generate these particular procedures (each SOP will list the set of conditions utilized to formulate the process).

So far, as of September 2025, the IDA has released SOPs for the seven following processes:

• Exterior Wash
• Interior Maintenance Detail
• Soft-Top Deep Cleaning
• Leather Cleaning
• Leather Repair – Color Fade
• Leather Repair – Scratch/Abrasion
• Leather Repair – Punctures

SOPs will continue to be added to the resource webpage, so watch your email inbox and IDA social media channels for announcements of new additions.

So, how do you access this webpage? Under the "Members" tab, navigate down to "Resources", and then click on "Standard Operating Procedures". It's that simple to take advantage of this fantastic resource!

The Industry Standards Task Force would love to hear your feedback, procedural variances, terminology variances, and more! Email info@the-ida.com with subject line “ISTF”. Want to join the Task Force as a volunteer? We welcome you to do so by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form, select Membership Committee, and enter into the Comments section your interest in ISTF (under MemComm’s purview).