Mardi Gras is the best time of year in New Orleans. It’s also the worst time for your car. Beads, food spills, parade traffic, and weeks of festivities take a toll. Here’s how to prepare, protect, and recover.

Before Mardi Gras: Protect Your Vehicle

Apply a Protective Coating

Get a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating applied before Carnival. This creates a sacrificial barrier so bead-thrown scratches wipe away instead of gouging clear coat.

Interior Protection

  • Heavy-duty rubber floor mats — beads, food, and mud clean up in minutes
  • Temporary seat covers — save upholstery from King Cake and drink spills
  • Trunk liner — for bead storage and parade supplies

Emergency Cleanup Kit

Keep microfiber towels, spray detailer, trash bags, and stain remover in the car during Carnival.

During Mardi Gras

  • Avoid parking under trees on parade routes
  • Park as far from routes as practical to avoid dings from foot traffic
  • Remove food and drink spills immediately
  • Wipe the exterior after each parade day
  • Don’t let beads sit on paint in the sun — plastic beads intensify UV damage

After Mardi Gras: Restore Your Vehicle

Exterior (Do First)

  1. Full wash to remove all surface contaminants
  2. Clay bar treatment for bonded contaminants
  3. Paint inspection for scratches and chips
  4. Reapply protection — wax, sealant, or coating refresh

Interior (Do Second)

  1. Remove all beads and debris from under seats and door pockets
  2. Deep vacuum everything
  3. Treat stains before they set permanently
  4. Address odors before they embed

Book Early

Every detailer in New Orleans is slammed after Mardi Gras. Book before the season starts. Call (504) 399-1448.

Ready for Professional Results?

Big Easy Mobile Detail brings showroom-quality detailing to your door across New Orleans and 11 surrounding cities. Same-day estimates available.

Call (504) 399-1448