There is no shortage of professional car wash services if you don’t have time to clean your car. However, with so many different options, which one do you choose? Our comprehensive guide covers different types of car washing services to help you make an informed decision. Learning about these various services also makes it easier to keep up with a fast-growing industry that’s making the most of the latest wash-system technology. We’ve also included detailing tips on hand washing a car like a pro.
Table of Contents
1. Car Wash Service
2. Hand Car Wash
3. Do It Yourself
4. Automatic Car Washes
5. Soft Cloth
6. Drive Through
7. Flex Wash
8. Self-Service
9. Full-Service
10. Mobile Car Washing
11. Steam Cleaning
12. Waterless Car Washing
13. 24-Hour Car Wash
14. Brushless
15. Laser Car Wash Services
16. Aquajet XT Car Wash Service
17. Are Car Washes Bad for Your Car?
18. Car Washing in Winter
About Car Wash Services
The demand for car washing services in the US continues to grow because people love the convenience of fast and efficient car care. Research shows that 8+ million cars are washed daily at car wash facilities. If you take pride in driving a clean and shiny vehicle, you’ll know what we’re talking about.
Regular car washing ensures your car looks good and may help retain its value. Moreover, many places offer services beyond basic exterior washing, such as interior cleaning, stain removal, waxing, polishing, and engine cleaning. These additional services mean you can customize your car wash experience to suit your preferences and budget.
This guide can also give you an idea of prices. However, note that they depend on factors such as location and the quality of the service. Many businesses also offer promotional deals, discounts, and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. These incentives can make professional car washing more affordable if you plan to schedule regular appointments. To find the best car wash that appeals most to you, check out these options.
Hand Car Wash
If you like car wash services with a personal touch, then a hand car wash is a great choice. Trained technicians use specialized tools, equipment, and cleaning products to wash, rinse, and dry your vehicle. Here are some reasons why it is popular:
- Washing cars by hand provides more meticulous cleaning than automated car washes. For instance, technicians can pay close attention to areas that need extra TLC.
- It’s a more personal experience because you can chat with staff members to discuss specific concerns or requests regarding your vehicle. You can also ask about additional services like interior detailing, which may not be available in automated car washes.
- Hand car washes typically use less water and energy than automated car washes.
- Cleaning by hand helps minimize the risk of scratches and swirl marks that can happen in automated car washes where brushes or cloths touch your car.
Hand wash services tend to be more expensive due to the personalized attention and higher quality cleaning products used. Prices can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on your vehicle size, the level of detailing required, and any additional services requested (e.g., interior cleaning, waxing, clay bar treatment).
How to Hand Wash a Car
Are you a hands-on person when it comes to car care? If so, learning the proper techniques and investing in some cleaning supplies and equipment makes hand washing your car easier and more enjoyable. Moreover, you’ll save money by not paying for regular detailing appointments. Here is a quick guide to how to hand wash a car:
- Collect your equipment and supplies, see below
- Park in a shaded area to help prevent water spots and streaks from water drying too quickly in direct sunlight.
- Rinse the car first to get rid of loose dirt and debris. This helps reduce the risk of scratching during the next step.
- Then, start washing the car from the top down, using a wash mitt or sponge soaked in a soap and water solution.
- Rinse the car with clean water
- Use clean microfiber car cloths to dry the car thoroughly, starting from the top and working your way down.
- You might want to use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants from the paint surface after washing. This step will make your paint smooth and free of bonded contaminants, providing a clean surface for polishing and waxing.
- Apply a coat of wax or sealant to protect the car’s paint and enhance its shine.
- Once the car is dry, inspect it for any remaining spots or streaks. Use a detailer spray and a clean microfiber towel to touch up any areas as needed.
If you enjoy this type of work and have an entrepreneurial mindset, have you ever thought about starting a hand car wash business? You can bring a personal touch to car detailing and impress customers with your attention to detail. Better still, if you can make it an environmentally friendly business, why not target the lucrative green market? For instance, a steam car wash is a good fit for this market.
Hand Wash Equipment List
After you’ve washed your car for the first time, you’ll know whether DIY car care is something you want to do again. If you’re serious about making this a regular task, a hand wash equipment list will give you an idea of what you need to wash your car. For example:
- Best car vacuum
- A couple of buckets with grit guards for washing and rinsing
- Car interior detailing kit
- Buffer to remove swirls
- Microfiber car cloths
- Interior and exterior car detailing brushes
- Hose or pressure washer
- Steam cleaner
Gathering items from this list makes it easier to effectively and safely hand wash your car. For example, a soft microfiber cloth reduces the risk of scratches compared to abrasive sponges or brushes. Equally important, water-saving tools like a steam cleaner can help minimize your environmental impact.
Car Wash Supplies List
If your new hobby is washing your car, you’ll also need must-have items from a car wash supplies list. With a well-prepared list, you’ll have all the necessary supplies at the ready when you start washing your car. If you’re properly organized, it helps you complete the task efficiently to save valuable time. Moreover, using the correct supplies enables you to achieve a professional finish. Here are some items you’ll need:
- Eco-friendly soap or detergent for car exterior
- Interior cleaning products
- Wax and polish
- Glass cleaner
- Clay bar
We also recommend including eco-friendly cleaning products on your supplies list. This will allow you to prioritize sustainability while cleaning your vehicle. Furthermore, if you’re considering starting a car wash, a professional auto detailing supplies list ensures you only use high-quality products to impress your customers.
Do It Yourself Car Wash
If you love looking after your car, a do it yourself car wash gives you control over how you clean your vehicle and what equipment and supplies you use. Also, you can enjoy a sense of pride and satisfaction when you see the results of your washing and polishing. Hard work pays off!
However, learning a few detailing tips and tricks is important to ensure you don’t damage paintwork or your car interior. Here are some things to bear in mind:
- It can work out cheaper in the long term than going to an automatic car wash. However, you do have to invest in tools and supplies.
- You can clean your car whenever you want! No waiting in line
- This hands-on task can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you own a larger vehicle. But if you don’t mind the physical effort of scrubbing and polishing, give your DIY skills a go.
- Do-it-yourself car washes can lead to water waste and environmental pollution if you’re not careful. For instance, runoff containing soap, dirt, and chemicals may enter storm drains and waterways.
Overall, DIY car washes offer cost savings and more control over how you clean your car. That said, you need to put in the time and effort. Also, you must be mindful of environmental regulations to ensure you stay on the right side of the law.
Automatic Car Washes
Automatic car washes lead the car wash services market because they prioritize speed and convenience. So, if you need your car cleaned in a hurry, you have plenty of choice. For example, the roll-over or in-bay designs are the most popular automated systems, accounting for the largest share of the market.
Also, automatic car washes are often located in easily accessible areas such as gas stations, shopping centers, or standalone facilities, making them convenient for you to use while running errands or refueling your vehicle.
Research shows that cashless payment systems are becoming more popular, too. Credit/debit cards, mobile payments, or pre-paid accounts offer a convenient and hassle-free way to pay for your car cleaning service. Streamlining the payment process can also reduce wait times at the car wash. Also, there’s no need for staff to handle cash or process change.
However, there are downsides to consider. For example, some automatic car washes use abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the vehicle’s paint, trim, or other exterior surfaces, especially if the brushes are dirty or worn out. Touchless car washes using high-pressure water jets may also cause damage if the water pressure is too high or if there are hard contaminants on your car’s surface.
Also, some automatic car washes use large amounts of water and chemicals, which can harm the environment if not properly managed or disposed of. In contrast, greener options like steam cleaning or waterless car washes have little to no runoff.
Prices vary depending on the level of service you choose, ranging from a basic wash to a wash with wax, and any extra services you might need, such as undercarriage wash or wheel cleaning. Typically, prices range from $5 to $20 or more.
Soft Cloth
If pressurized water jets don’t effectively lift the ingrained dirt and grime off your car, a soft cloth car wash is an option. This kind of automated car cleaning system relies on soft cloth materials, like microfiber or other gentle materials, to physically scrub and clean the outside of your car. Unlike laser or touchless car washes, these cloths touch your vehicle to remove the dirt. Here is what to expect if you clean your car using this technology:
- It’s quick and convenient, thanks to automated technology
- Soft cloth materials are gentle on the vehicle’s surface, gliding over the exterior to remove dirt and grime. Furthermore, the strips of cloth can reach into crevices and contours of the vehicle, providing thorough cleaning.
- Compared to traditional brush-based car washes, soft cloth car washes are less likely to cause scratches or swirl marks on the paint. The cloth’s soft and flexible nature helps minimize abrasion.
As with other automatic car washes, there are disadvantages, too. For example, soft cloth material needs to be properly cleaned and or replaced regularly. Otherwise, it can pick up dirt, grit, or other debris from previous washes. And any bits of dirt trapped in the fabric may cause noticeable swirl marks or scratches on your paintwork, especially if you own a darker-colored car.
Another issue is that soft cloth car washes may not be as effective at removing stubborn dirt, road grime, or contaminants like bird droppings, tar, or tree sap as other methods such as touchless or hand washing. This can result in less thorough cleaning and potentially leave behind residues that can degrade your vehicle’s appearance over time.
Drive Through
You’ll undoubtedly have seen an automatic drive through car wash, a familiar sight at many gas stations and independent car washes. You simply drive into the bay and come to a stop. Then, cleaning equipment will move around your car, washing off the soap application with water jets, cloths or brushes. People like them for the following reasons:
- Drive-through car washes are convenient because you don’t have to do anything! You simply drive into the wash bay, stay in your vehicle, and let the automated system do the work.
- Quick and easy! Drive-through car washes are usually quick, allowing you to get your vehicle cleaned quickly, which is ideal if you have a busy schedule.
- Many drive-through car washes offer different wash packages with varying levels of cleaning and additional services such as waxing, undercarriage cleaning, and tire shining, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
Bear in mind that some drive-through car washes may not effectively clean certain areas of the vehicle, such as the undercarriage or wheel wells, which often means less thorough cleaning than hand washing or more advanced wash options.
Flex Wash
If you like a car wash service that offers even more choices, a flex car wash is worth considering. This type of service combines automated washing and manual cleaning by auto detailers. Here’s how it works and why you might like it:
- Automated machines use brushes, water jets, and cleaning solutions to clean your car exterior.
- After the automated wash, you can request extras such as hand drying, waxing, vacuuming, and interior detailing for a more comprehensive, sanitized clean.
- Flex wash facilities can provide a higher level of attention to detail compared to fully automated car washes.
This one-stop solution for your car offers exterior and interior detailing but has downsides. For example, the quality of service can vary depending on the technician’s skill and attention to detail. And, like many other car washing facilities, flex washes use water and cleaning chemicals, which can have an environmental impact if not properly managed.
Self-Service
At a self-service car wash, you use the equipment provided by the car wash to clean your vehicle. How it works is you pay upfront for a set amount of time, usually around 15 minutes. Then, select the services you want to use, such as pre-soak, soap, rinse, and wax. Also, there is often an option to use vacuuming tools to clean the interior. Here are some of the pros and cons of this type of auto wash:
- Self-service car washes are generally cheaper than full-service business models where attendants wash the vehicle for you.
- You have control over the cleaning process, so you can focus on areas that need extra attention and spend more time on tough stains.
- Washing a car yourself requires physical effort, including bending, scrubbing, and spraying, which isn’t a problem if you don’t mind the exercise.
- DIY car washing can take a significant amount of time, especially if your vehicle is heavily soiled or if other customers are waiting to use the equipment.
If you have time to spare and you’re confident using high-pressure hoses and brushes to clean your car, you won’t have a problem. However, self-service isn’t as quick and convenient as an automated auto wash or getting a trained professional to do it.
Another point to remember is that, unlike full-service or automated car wash facilities, self-service car washes typically do not offer additional services such as waxing, specialty detailing, or interior cleaning. So, if you need a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance solution, self-service options may not meet your needs.
Prices can range from $7 to $15 per cycle, with additional charges for extra time or services like vacuuming.
Full-Service
If your vehicle needs more than a 5-minute clean, a full-service car wash might appeal to you more than doing it yourself. Hand your vehicle over to trained attendants who use professional equipment and products designed for the job. Here is what to expect from a full-service wash:
- You can request exterior and interior detailing
- Reputable facilities offer extras like waxing, odor removal, and upholstery cleaning.
- You pay a fixed fee for the selective service package, with the option to pay extra for add-ons.
Overall, it is a hassle-free experience if you don’t want to wash your vehicle. Instead, you drive to the location and let the attendants handle the cleaning. However, as expected, a full-service car wash is more expensive than the self-serve option. A top-level package offering waxing, polishing, carpet shampooing, leather conditioning, and stain and odor removal can range from $125 to $350 or more.
One other thing, you may experience longer wait times during peak hours, especially if many vehicles are ahead of you in the queue. In contrast, mobile detailing that comes to you are more convenient. See below.
Mobile Car Wash
If you don’t want to drive to the car wash, why not let the car wash come to you? The mobile auto detailing concept acknowledges that everyone has a busy life. So, you can schedule mobile car detailing service at your doorstep. Here are reasons why this service is gaining in popularity.
- Convenience: You don’t have the hassle of driving to a physical vehicle wash facility. Mobile detailers bring the equipment and cleaning supplies directly to your location, whether at home, work, or another preferred location.
- Saves time: You don’t have to wait in line or rearrange your schedule to fit in an appointment. This flexibility allows you to multitask and focus on other activities while a trained technician cleans your vehicle.
- Customization: The service provider often offers a range of packages and options to meet your specific needs and preferences.
- Professional results: Reputable detailers use high-quality equipment and techniques to achieve professional-level results.
While this type of service offers many benefits, mobile car detailing may be more expensive than traditional car washing facilities due to their convenience and personalized service. The price can start at around $50 and go up from there for add-ons. However, you may find this is money well spent if it is good value providing quality cleaning and convenience.
Take the time to research the company thoroughly. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge their reputation, reliability, and professionalism. Another thing, verify that the company is licensed, insured, and certified to operate in your area.
Equally important, prioritize companies that use water-efficient cleaning methods and eco-friendly products to help do more for the planet. Some mobile wash companies even use steam or waterless cleaning solutions that require minimal to no water. See below.
Steam Cleaning
Tighter environmental regulations mean you must be more mindful of hand washing your car at home, especially if you live in water-drought areas with hosepipe bans. The good news is there are greener hand wash options. For example, steam cleaning uses high-pressure steam to loosen dirt, grime, and stains from your vehicle without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive water. Here are reasons why a steam car hand wash is becoming more popular:
- Steam is brilliant at loosening and removing dirt and grease from your car, including the exterior paint, wheels, tires, and interior upholstery. And it can get into hard-to-reach areas to guarantee thorough cleaning.
- Steam cleaning requires minimal water compared to traditional car washing methods, making it more environmentally friendly. For example, DetailXPerts reduces water waste thanks to innovative steam technology. We can steam clean 15 cars with 2 gallons of water.
- There is no need for harsh chemical detergents.
- Steam cleaning is gentle on vehicle surfaces, including paint, glass, plastic, and upholstery. It doesn’t involve scrubbing or harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of scratches, swirl marks, or damage to your vehicle’s finish.
- Steam cleaning not only cleans but also sanitizes interior surfaces by killing bacteria, viruses, and mold.
While hand car washing with steam may require more time and attention to detail than automated car washes, it’s often faster than traditional hand washing methods. The steam helps speed up the cleaning process by quickly loosening dirt and grime.
Overall, hand car washes with steam and traditional automated car washes offer water-saving benefits compared to washing your car at home with a hose. Steam cleaning tends to be more water-efficient due to its precise application and reduced runoff.
However, bear in mind this type of vehicle wash business may not be as readily available as automated services because it is still a relatively new concept in the industry.
Like a car hand wash, a steam auto wash is usually more expensive than traditional express car washes. Prices can range from $25 to $50. For more comprehensive detailing packages, including interior cleaning, upholstery cleaning, engine bay cleaning, and exterior steam washing, prices range from $100 to $300 or more.
Waterless Car Washing
A waterless car wash is precisely that – you can have your vehicle cleaned and washed without using a drop of water. Instead of using traditional soap and water, waterless car washes utilize specialized cleaning solutions and lubricants to lift dirt and grime from the surface of your vehicle. Here is what to expect and other points to bear in mind:
- Waterless wash solution is sprayed directly onto your car exterior
- Auto detailers use microfiber cloths to lift dirt and grime
- Then, a clean, dry microfiber cloth buffs the surface to a streak-free shine
- Waterless car washes significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional methods, making them eco-friendly, especially in areas experiencing water shortages or restrictions.
- Waterless auto wash products are easy to use and can be applied almost anywhere. This makes them convenient for cleaning vehicles in locations where water access is limited, such as apartment complexes or parking garages.
- Requires less time and effort than traditional washing methods, as there’s no need to rinse the vehicle or wait for it to dry.
Overall, waterless car washes offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional washing methods. Still, they may not be suitable for heavily soiled vehicles or as effective at removing stubborn dirt and grime. Additionally, while waterless products reduce water usage, some may contain chemicals that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Therefore, it’s essential to choose environmentally friendly products whenever possible.
24 Hour Car Wash
If you struggle to find time to clean your car during the working day, then a 24 hour car wash could make your life a lot easier. This vehicle cleaning service stays open around the clock, so you can choose a time that suits you. However, 24-hour car washes are more popular in busier areas with high traffic, so availability depends on location. There are different types:
- Soft cloth, tunnel wash or a touchless wash system
- Self-service where you use the equipment by paying with coins or using a payment card to activate the wash cycle.
- Gas station 24-hour service offering automatic wash options
- Some of the larger 24-hour car washes may offer a combination of self-service bays and automated wash options, providing flexibility in how you prefer to wash your vehicle.
There’s no doubt that a 24-hour car wash is convenient. You can clean your car whenever it suits you, day or night. And since these places operate 24/7, there are usually shorter wait times than traditional car washes, especially during peak hours. However, interior cleaning services can vary from one auto wash facility to another, so you should inquire about specific services and pricing options available at your chosen 24-hour auto wash.
Brushless
If you don’t want brushes or cloths anywhere near your prized possession, a brushless car wash could be the answer. Also known as a “touchless” or laser car wash, this automated vehicle wash only uses high-tech equipment, high-pressure water jets and soaps to remove dirt and grime from your car exterior. Here’s what to expect:
- Instead of physical contact, the cleaning process relies on powerful streams of water and specialized detergents to clean your vehicle’s exterior.
- Since no physical contact is involved, brushless car washes minimize the risk of scratching or damaging the vehicle’s paint surface, making them a safer option for maintaining the car’s appearance.
- Quick and convenient, the brushless business model is like an express car wash. Select your wash program and see the finished results in as little as 5 minutes.
As auto wash technology improves, so does the brushless auto wash experience. For instance, sophisticated sensors ensure more precise cleaning, including those hard-to-reach places. Also, touchless auto wash systems now often incorporate advanced drying technologies such as high-powered air dryers or specialized drying agents to ensure a spot-free finish.
Laser Car Wash Service
Automatic car washes include laser car wash types and brushless or touchless systems. Here is what to expect if you clean your car using this technology:
- A laser wash cleans your car using high-pressure water jets and chemical detergents.
- Like the brushless model, it doesn’t use physical brushes or cloths on the vehicle. This reduces the risk of scratches or swirl marks on the paint.
- It’s super quick! Laser car washes are typically faster than traditional ones that involve manual washing and drying.
However, this type of auto wash has a few drawbacks. For example, the water jets may struggle to remove heavy dirt or mud buildup, requiring additional cleaning by hand. Also, some touchless car washes use strong chemical detergents, which may not be environmentally friendly.
Aquajet XT Car Wash Service
Suppose you’re interested in other types of touchless car washing services. In that case, check out an AquaJet car wash:
- High-tech dryers move back and forth over your stationary vehicle, and each nozzle automatically adapts to the direction of travel to remove water from the top and down the sides.
- It uses as little as 24 gallons of water for a basic wash and 30 gallons for a deluxe wash, much less than other systems that use 60-70 gallons or more.
- Tri-color foam and multi-color LED lights brighten your car cleaning experience.
- The polishing system restores new car shine.
To learn more about the equipment, check out Mark VII Car Wash, which specialises in state-of-the-art systems.
Are Car Washes Bad for Your Car?
There’s no doubt that quick and convenient services are trending in the auto care industry, but are car washes bad for your car? Here are some common issues that could cause you problems.
- Scratches, need we say more? Automatic car washes that use stiff brushes can damage your car’s paintwork, particularly if the brushes are old and dirty.
- Some chemical cleaners may be too harsh on your paintwork
- If you have a chip in your paintwork, high-pressure water jets could worsen the problem.
- If your car smells like mildew after interior detailing, it could be a sign that the upholstery or carpet has not dried properly.
Reputable car washes are generally not bad for your car. In fact, regular washing is an essential part of car maintenance, helping remove dirt and other contaminants that build up on the surface of your car. However, not all car washes are created equal, and not everyone has the same high work standards. Therefore, rushed or improper washing techniques can potentially damage your vehicle.
Choose car washes that prioritize safety and high-quality detailing. Touchless or brushless car washes and hand washing are usually gentler on your vehicle’s finish. Alternatively, try steam cleaning, which is super gentle but effective on paintwork and interiors. Steam methods also mean a faster drying time after interior detailing, which minimizes the risk of mildew growth.
Also, it’s a good idea to assess your vehicle’s current condition and identify any areas that may require special attention or precautions during the cleaning process. If the car wash is fully automated and there’s no attendant or detailer to discuss your concerns, seek out a service that takes a more personalized approach.
Car Washing in Winter
Washing car in winter has challenges if you live in a cold climate during December, January and February. But it’s one of those tasks you can’t ignore because dirt and grime from bad weather make your vehicle very dirty. Moreover, road salt isn’t great for the paintwork. However, washing your car when it’s too cold can lead to ice forming on paintwork and windows, which makes your job impossible. So, pick a day when the temperature is above freezing and there’s no rain forecasted. Here are some other points to remember:
- Pre-rinse your car with warm water to help loosen stubborn dirt, salt, and grime.
- Winter roads can be covered in salt and other corrosive substances, so thoroughly clean your car’s undercarriage. Many car washes offer an undercarriage wash option.
- Top up your antifreeze to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly when temperatures dip.
If washing your car in winter seems like too much work, consider taking it to a professional detailer who specializes in winter car care. They’ll have the tools and expertise to clean your car thoroughly while you stay warm indoors!
Conclusion
In summary, car wash services offer a quick and easy solution when you want a sparkling clean car, inside and out. You can choose from different automated options, such as touchless, brushes, laser wash, or soft cloths. Alternatively, you can opt for hand washing by professional detailers or do it yourself using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
However, consider the pros and cons of each service. To minimize the risk of car damage, use a reputable car washing facility with gentle cleaning methods and high-quality cleaning products. You may also wish to seek out additional services. For example, regular wax treatments can provide extra protection to your car’s exterior. Keep your budget in mind, too. Prices can range from $5 to $300 or more, depending on the service.
Finally, mobile car detailing is a great option if you don’t have time to visit a car wash or do it yourself. This sector even has lucrative opportunities if you fancy a career change and want to start a car wash. DetailXPerts focuses on quality and convenience while guaranteeing a greener clean. Our steam cleaning methods use minimal water to give you an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional car wash.
