Carwash

Carwash is a facility or service dedicated to cleaning motor vehicles, typically using water, detergents, and mechanical action. Cleaning may be manual or automated and can include exterior and interior care.

Types of car washes vary by technique and staffing. Self-service washes provide customers with coin-operated or card-operated bays equipped with a spray wand, limited brushes, and soap for hands-on cleaning. Automatic car washes use machines to clean the vehicle, with variants including rollover or in-bay automation. Automatic systems can be touchless, using high-pressure soap and water, or brush-based, employing rotating brushes that contact the vehicle. Full-service car washes involve attendants who wash and dry the exterior and may include interior cleaning. Mobile car wash services operate at the customer’s location, offering on-site cleaning.

Typical operations follow a sequence such as pre-washing or bug-removal, soap application, agitation with brushes or rollers, rinsing, and drying. Optional services include waxing, sealants, undercarriage wash, and interior detailing. Equipment ranges from wash bays, spray arches, and conveyor belts to drying fans and vacuum stations.

Environmental and safety considerations include water usage and recycling, chemical disposal, run-off management, and protective measures to minimize paint and trim damage. Economics depend on location, competition, and service mix, often with per-vehicle pricing, memberships, or bundles. Car washes are widespread globally, reflecting consumer demand for convenient vehicle maintenance, with ongoing innovations in automation, water efficiency, and service customization.