There is no shortage of great car wash franchise opportunities thanks to a booming billion-dollar market. And the industry looks in good shape for some time to come. Analysts expect the market size to reach $23.78 billion by 2030, expanding at a rate of 5.5%.

As with any new business venture, due diligence is everything. First, you must have a clear idea of the financial commitment. Second, think how you are going to raise capital. Third, talk to other franchisees to get their feedback. And before you dive into the great car wash franchise opportunities out there, CLICK HERE to find out How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mobile Car Wash.

Great Car Wash Franchise Options

Franchising is more popular than ever. To illustrate, market research shows the global franchise market size is moving at a healthy CAGR of 9.3%. From 2023-2027, the market value is on track to reach USD 175,955 million. So, if you want to start a car wash business with an established brand in the automotive sector, here are 10 great car wash franchise oppportunities:

1. DetailXPerts Car Wash Franchise

Partner with DetailXPerts to make the most of our lucrative green car wash franchise opportunity. Our business-in-a-box is the easiest way to start your own car wash. We are an environmentally friendly car and truck wash that conserves water. What’s more, our mobile units allow us to take the car wash to the customer for the ultimate convenience. Here is a quick breakdown of costs:

• $35,000 franchise fee
• $103,500-$240,100 estimated total investment, including franchise fee
• $300,000 minimum net worth requirement

DetailXPerts has been washing vehicles for over 20 years, and we use industry-leading vehicle steam cleaning technology to get ahead. Moreover, we have 3 lines of business for you to explore: mobile car washing, fleet cleaning, and janitorial/commercial cleaning services. Furthermore, you can directly serve customers (B2C) and businesses (B2B) to maximize profits.

Our eco-conscious values are connecting with a growing client base who want exceptional service and sustainable cleaning. And people are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly car wash services. Equally important, as a DetailXPerts franchisee, you can also focus on the post-pandemic demand for sanitization services. Specifically, our steam sterilization methods kill harmful bacteria and viruses to ensure safe spaces for everyone.

2. Tommy’s Express Car Wash

Founded in 1969, Tommy’s Express invites franchisees to open their own automatic car wash. If you like the idea of offering customers the express car wash experience, check out this opportunity. But you do need to invest millions to join this franchise. Here is an idea of costs:

• $50,000 initial franchise fee
• $5,300,000-$7,200,000 estimated total investment
• $2,000,000 net worth requirement

It is a big financial commitment. Therefore, as will all franchise investments, due diligence is essential. Alternatively, if you can’t afford a brick-and-mortar location, a profitable mobile car wash is a more affordable option. For example, you can start with one mobile unit and then grow your business at a pace that suits your schedule and other commitments.

3. Spiffy

Other great car wash franchise opportunities include Spiffy. Founded in 2014, the company provides mobile car care and maintenance services. Here is a breakdown of costs:

• $40,000 initial franchise fee
• $100,000-$200,000 estimated initial investment
• $250,000 net worth requirement

Note, Spiffy only offers franchises in states where the franchise disclosure document has been registered. For example, it is not currently offering franchises in Minnesota, Washington, Wisconsin, and several other states. So, contact the Spiffy franchising team to find out more.

4. No-H20

No-H20 is one of the popular waterless car wash franchises. It relies on specialized cleansing lotions that are applied directly onto the vehicle. Emulsifiers in the lotions break down dirt and grime, and then detailers remove the residue with a microfiber cloth.

• $49,500 initial franchise fee
• $134,550-$162,500 estimated initial investment
• $100,000 net worth requirement

This is a type of hand car wash business. Therefore, you need a hands-on team to provide mobile car detailing on demand. Similarly, as with many other car wash businesses, you can increase profitability with add-on auto detailing services.

5. Pronto Wash

Pronto Wash is another waterless car wash franchise. Like No-H20, it describes its business as eco-friendly because no dangerous chemicals flow into the drainage system. Investment levels vary greatly, depending on whether you want to own a single mobile franchise unit or invest in a brick-and-mortar location. To illustrate, here is an example of costs:

• $30,000-$50,000 franchise fee
• $65,000-$400,000 estimated total investment
• $100,000 net worth requirement

If you want to own a green car wash franchise business, read our post on how to start a water-conscious car wash. It has tips on researching the eco target market, maximizing your profits, and more.

6. Green Shine

Green Shine car wash franchise describes its business as a high-end car detailing system. Again, like No-H20 and Pronto Wash, it offers waterless mobile car care. And the financial requirements are as follows:

• $20,000 initial franchise fee
• $48,000-$160,000 initial investment
• $75,000 net worth requirement

There is no storefront required, so you can keep overhead costs low. Also, if you need help researching startup and ongoing expenses, a financial planning checklist is a useful tool.

7. Fleet Clean USA

You can research mobile truck wash opportunities with Fleet Clean USA. The target market includes owners or drivers of 18 wheelers, tractors, trailers, and delivery trucks. There is no need for a fixed location. Average startup costs are from:

• $50,000 initial franchise fee
• $158,375-$321,375 estimated total investment, including franchise fee
• $250,000 net worth requirement

In the same way as DetailXPerts, Fleet Clean USA is transparent about costs on its website. Thus, making it easier for entrepreneurs to research their financial commitment.

8. Superior Wash

Superior Wash also specializes in fleet washing. It is a lucrative sector because owners do not want dirty trucks costing them money. For example, they can incur EPA fines if their vehicles are not environmentally compliant. Here are some key figures related to a Superior Wash franchise investment:

• $20,000 franchise fee
• $62,000 initial investment
• $75,000 net worth requirement

If you want to add fleet washing to your car wash franchise search, don’t forget to check out DetailXPerts. Our franchisees can provide customers with commercial truck cleaning in addition to mindful mobile car care. Moreover, thanks to steam cleaning green tech, we only need 4 gallons of water to clean a whole truck.

9. Mr Clean Carwash

American company Procter & Gamble owns Mr Clean Carwash. Besides traditional car wash services, potential franchisees can offer customers oil changes and other maintenance services. Here is an idea of what it costs to open at a fixed location:

• $35,000 initial franchise fee
• $2,400,000-$3,300,000 initial investment
• $2,500,000 net worth requirement

In summary, initial outlay is high compared to the cost of starting a mobile car wash. However, you can also capitalize on quick-lube services. To illustrate, market research shows more drivers on the road are leading to higher demand for oil change services.

10. Prime Car Wash

You can also research Prime Car Wash great car wash franchise opportunities. It is a flex car wash that offers customers an express wash with the option of additional services, such as interior detailing. Costs vary depending on location and equipment:

• $50,000 franchise fee
• $3,500,000-$6,000,000 total investment
• $1,000,000 net worth requirement

You are building a car wash at a fixed location. So, expect to spend around $2 million on real estate, plus the cost of building construction. To sum up, costs are considerably higher than starting a mobile car wash.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are determined to make a go of it in the industry, there are many great car wash franchise opportunities to explore. You can run a mobile business or set up your car wash at a fixed location. DetailXPerts offers the flexibility to do both! And we can provide industry-leading steam technology to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

The costs mentioned in this article are only estimates. Therefore, always do your sums first to ensure you can afford to start and operate a car wash before you sign the franchise agreement. Finally, if you want to explore the financial side of things in more detail, don’t forget to DOWNLOAD OUR FREE E-BOOK, How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mobile Car Wash.