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Car washes exist all over the world in so many different environments, locations, with various clienteles, and of course, vehicles. But something all car wash businesses need is car wash chemicals. With the common goal of cleaning cars and so many different chemical options on the market, it's tough for newly starting out car washes to know what they need to operate and what can they add to their wash lineup.
As a car wash owner, you will want to ensure you have a strong understanding of car wash chemistry, chemical types, and their uses.
Car Wash Chemistry
Car washes are designed to clean customers' vehicles, specifically the exterior of vehicles. They use a variety of chemicals to not only clean cars but protect them and improve their appearance by providing a strong shine.
There are no one size fits all car wash chemicals, there are many different types of chemicals and they have different jobs. Some may even have unique advantages over another and some may have disadvantages. Chemicals will also differ in the method you intend to use them as touchless washes for instance will need different types of chemicals than soft-touch washes.
Touchless Car Washes
In touchless washes, the car is cleaned without any physical contact between the wash equipment and the car's surface. This type of wash uses high-pressure streams of water to remove dirt and grime instead of soft cloths or brushes.
Since friction aids the cleaning process greatly, chemicals in touchless car washes need to be prepared to do more heavy lifting and thus need to be different than other chemicals.
Let's take a look at all the different types of chemicals car washes use.
The Basics
The 'basics' are the chemicals that most car washes need to do their job of washing vehicles. Though these car wash chemicals can still differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, almost all car washes will use these chemicals to conduct their business.
Presoaks are the first step in any car wash and their job is to loosen up all the dirt, grime, and build-up on a car. This makes it much easier for your other chemicals to clean and do their job effectively. This is especially the case for the application of protectants such as waxes and sealants.
Tunnel car washes will typically have a presoak arch at the beginning of the wash but some do not use presoaks in their wash process. This is typically due to a lack of space with smaller tunnel washes but we highly recommend your car wash utilizes presoaks as it will make the rest of your wash that much better.
Presoaks come in a variety of pH ranges, mostly low pH and high pH but some products offer a middle ground to ensure the experience can be tailored for every situation.
Impact of pH in Presoaks
Higher pH presoaks will do a better job of tackling organic material, greasy and oily soils on vehicles, this is due to it being more alkaline.
Lower pH presoaks are more acidic and thus, better at removing non-organic dust and dirt off surfaces.
Which presoak your car wash will want to use will depend on various factors but your location is one of the most important.
Detergents are the next step in the wash process. These products are best at removing dirt. Detergents can also vary in pH from high to low and car wash soap is also used to prepare cars for drying as they aid in water wicking.
The incorrect type of car wash soap can create a water-retentive surface, so it is important to choose the right kind of product for your wash scenario.
Tire cleaners come in acidic and alkaline types and as you might have guessed, is used to clean the wheels of a vehicle. Specifically, tire cleaners take off the dirt and grime from wheels, tires, brakes, etc.
Wheels often are the dirtiest part of the vehicle, so it is a must for car washes to tackle them with the utmost quality and speed, especially since not all rims will be OEMs and may be an aftermarket part. The last thing you want to happen as a car wash is to damage a customer's vehicle.
Triple foams are neutral or acidic products that either further clean the car (condition) or apply a layer of wax (polish), and in many cases, car washes opt to use both.
A triple foam of some variety is used by many car washes, but customers usually must upgrade to receive it on their vehicle. They are a popular choice of customers as they have a strong visual benefit of the tricolors, this is where the product gets its name from.
It even strengthens the rest of the washing process by not only cleaning it further but preparing the car for a protectant and helping the drying process in a later stage.
Protectants come in many different forms and they all have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
Sealants bond with the vehicle's surface and protect it from weather and light marks, they may also offer some form of shine. Sealants are synthetic and try to bond in the pores of a car, this allows them to be exceptional at UV protection.
While wax will focus on providing a brilliant shine, with a weaker form of protection than sealants could provide. Waxes can be synthetic as well but are usually made of more natural ingredients, carnauba being a popular option.
Ceramic coatings are a thin layer of polymer that create a barrier between the vehicle and anything that comes into contact with it. Ceramics provide paint protection from the elements and UV rays, hydrophobicity, shine, and more.
After all the cleaning has taken place, the vehicle will be given a drying agent which provides a hydrophobic nature to its surface. They are typically synthetic oil based and thus, are used to repel water off the vehicle in water beads. This helps the high powdered dryers to quickly wick the water off the vehicle, so it can leave dry.
Those are the more standard car wash chemicals you will see used in car washes. Next up we'll discuss the more niche or specialty chemicals that car washes will use.
Specialties
Specialties are car wash chemicals that you may not see being used in every car wash. Only some washes will choose to offer this product as it may pertain to their location, climate, or business model. Some car washes will only carry a limited stock of it to fit a certain time of the year, such as bug season.
These are often alkaline chemicals used to remove the remains of bugs on vehicles, also often called bug splats. In some areas and some times of the year, there may be a high prevalence of bug splats on vehicles and they can be difficult to remove them.
They work by essentially 'dissolving' the bug so that it can be easily removed by the wash process but it is not always a quick process. The chemical may need to sit on the vehicle for a minute or two for the effect to take place.
Glass Cleaners
Glass cleaners are used to clean the windows of a vehicle and leave it streak free. They help driver impairment by making water and other vision blocks wick off the surface quickly.
Undercarriage Rust Inhibitors
The car wash will spray a light coat of inhibitor on the undercarriage which will help to prevent rust from forming. It becomes a protective coat underneath the vehicle which provides protection against moisture from water and snow year-round.
Tire dressings provide a consistent shine and protection to the rubber. It also can help repel water and snow which will keep the tires from degrading as quickly. They come in a few different forms such as water based which are the thinnest and least lasting, solvent-based which has better shine, and silicone which is the thickest and carries the best shine.
Tire dressings can also make future cleaning easier.
Wheel Protectants
Wheel protectants also offer shine but are often used for their protection from scraps, dirt, and grime. Using wheel protectants also makes cleaning easier in future washes.
Interior Cleaners
While most car washes only focus on the exterior cleaning of vehicles, there are some that will also clean the interior of vehicles as well.
Interior cleaners or detailing products are different than exterior ones as the materials within a car are greatly different than the outside of a car.
If you're interested in reading about interior cleaning and their chemicals, you can read our previous article here.
Chemical Concerns? Contact Turtle Wax Pro
Turtle Wax has a 97% brand recognition for good reason, we manufacturer great chemistry and support our clients and customers so they can achieve success within the car wash industry. The right chemical supplier will ensure your business has all the supplies, training, and expertise it needs to compete within the market.
If you have any questions regarding the car wash chemical types, your own current chemistry, or looking for a place to start, get in contact with us! We would be happy to walk you through the different chemical options and see what is the best fit for you and your car wash business.
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Related Blog Posts
23
Sep
Exterior Cleaning
•
0 min read
Bug Splats And How To Fight Them
car wash
car wash products
Bugs
Bugs splats are a common issue for many, and because they can be hard to remove, can leave some unsatisfying results when your customers decide to get their cars cleaned.
Dried bugs can not only be tough to remove but they can interfere with your other car wash chemicals, preventing them from effectively accessing the surface of the car, and thus, the quality of your car wash.
In this blog, we'll go through in detail what bug splats are, how you can remove them both in the car wash and at home, and even how you can help prevent them.
What are bug splats?
Bug splats are unattractive spots that you see on your windshield, windows and car body. This occurs when driving and insects or other small animals are caught flying or crawling in the path of a vehicle, and make impact.
As the name suggests, these splats are usually made up of squashed bugs and their guts. Not only are they unsightly, but if left untreated, bug splats can wear on a vehicle's clear coat, and become tough stains to remove.
Ultimately, they can be a nuisance, and a hard-to-avoid consequence of driving in many areas, particularly at certain times of year when insects abound.
What are bug splats caused by? Bug encounters at speed.
When a bug hits your front bumper, windshield and car windows while you're driving, the force of the impact can unfortunately cause the bug to splatter, leaving behind bug stains.
The remains of the bug guts can then dry and bake onto your windshield and become difficult to remove. It is for this reason that you should try to clean dead bugs off your vehicle frequently.
Can Bug Stains or Bug Guts Ruin your Car's Paint?
While not necessarily harming car paint, if bug stains are not cleaned up in a timely manner, the bug residue can eat away at your car's clear coat and in extreme cases, cause permanent damage to it.
So you will want to be sure to tackle this problem in a timely manner to avoid any vehicle surface damage.
Combatting Bug Splats in a Car Wash
Without a specialized product to get the job done, even professional car washes can have a challenge tackling pesky bug stains that can stubbornly resist removal.
That's why at Turtle Wax Pro, we have created powerful Bug Removers, such as this foaming option with a fresh lemon scent. It is very flexible for use in Friction, Touchless, Self-serve and Manual applications and produces a rich, dense foam that quickly penetrates and loosens stubborn bug residue from the vehicle surface.
Plus, it's an Eco-friendly and biodegradable option that you and your customers can feel good about.
Don't let your customers be bugged about insects splats on their rides; instead utilize a powerful Turtle Wax Pro Bug Remover at your car wash for exceptional results.
How to remove bug splats from cars at home?
If you find yourself with a windshield covered in bug splats, don't despair.
While it is easiest thing to do is to take your vehicle to a professional car wash, which will have powerful products geared to cleaning bugs off your car quickly, you can remove bug splatter at home as well - but it may take some effort.
With a little elbow grease and the right product, you can have your car looking clean in no time.
Use tools like the right type of cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth, and you're in great shape to start removing bugs from cars!
Remember, whether driving long distances or just locally, the sooner you remove dead bugs from your vehicle, the easier it will be to get your car clean.
Soap and Water
While not the strongest solution, common household items can work in a pinch to clean bug guts and your car. Home remedies including dish soap paired with warm water or even hot water can have a great impact to remove dead bugs.
Apply soap and water with a soft cloth or microfiber towel and wipe the dead bugs away. If the weather has been hot, or these dead bugs have been on the car for a while, it may take some time and elbow grease to remove bugs from your car. You can also lay microfiber towels soaked in warm cleaning solution over stubborn stains for a few minutes before you wipe the bugs from your car, for easier removal.
Bug Remover
While there are a number of ways to remove bug guts, and this one is more powerful than dish soap. We recommend using a product that is specially designed for the job, as it will make the job easier.
A product that is formulated to remove bugs will be gentle on your car's paint and will not cause any damage to it. For an at-home option, consider the retail product Turtle Wax's Bug and Tar Remover. It also works for Tree Sap, which we mention below.
We recommend following the manufacturer's instructions on using the bug remover to remove bugs effectively and safely.
Bug Sponge
A bug sponge can be an option for some as well, more notably, the at-home car washer to help remove dead bugs.
Bug sponges are sponges specifically designed to be used on car surfaces that have bug remains or bug splatter. Pair it with a soap or car wash product designed to clean bug splats.
How to use a Bug Sponge
To use a bug sponge, you can either wet the surface you want to clean using a spray bottle filled with warm water and car wash soap, or dip the sponge in a bucket with the same cleaning solution.
Then work the sponge on the desired areas. Sometimes stubborn stains may need to soak for a few minutes.
You can then wipe off the surface to remove the remaining bugs from your car with a microfiber cloth or microfiber towel.
On a related note: How to clean tree sap off of your car?
Tree sap can be just as difficult to remove as bug stains.
If you find yourself with a car covered in tree sap, and you want to solve the product at home, we recommend using a product that is specifically designed for the job.
A product that is formulated to remove tree sap will be gentle on your car's paint and will not cause any damage to it.
Sometimes tree sap removal products also act as bug removal products as well, which makes them a useful tool in your car wash cleaning products arsenal.
For the home washer, you will want to apply the cleaner and dry it off with a microfiber cloth or towel.
How to prevent bug splats?
Wash Frequently, and Apply Car Wax
The biggest thing you can do as a car owner to prevent bugs on your vehicle is to clean your car regularly.
When you wash your vehicle in a timely manner, bugs will be much easier to wipe away.
Cleaning the vehicle will not only be removing bug guts on the windows or surface, but will protect the clear coat on the car paint job, and provide a glossy and "slippery" finish that may help prevent bugs from your car.
This is especially the case for cars applied with finishing products such as a car wax.
Car wax creates a smooth surface on your vehicle which helps deflect bugs and their guts upon impact.
Another way to prevent bug guts is by the use of a bug deflector.
A bug deflector is placed on the leading edge of your vehicle, such as the hood, and acts as a shield from bugs hitting your car. Bugs will hit its surface, and be deflected away from the windshield, reducing bug stains.
They are especially useful for a long road trip, those who drive in an affected area with high insect populations, or during certain seasons where bugs are more prevalent.
Bug splats can be a real challenge for many car wash businesses as some areas are more susceptible to bugs than others.
And not dealing with them appropriately can affect the rest of your wash process too, leaving you and your customers with a subpar car wash result.
It is important to recognize if bugs are a common issue for your car wash market and work with your car wash supplier on implementing changes that will help you tackle it with success.
Turtle Wax Pro: Excellence in Car Care
With over 75 years of experience in the car care industry, Turtle Wax Pro has a wealth of knowledge cleaning cars through any problem you can imagine, and that includes bugs.
We have dedicated bug removers that will help support your business in bug season, but also help prevent bug stains going forward.
So get in touch with us today if achieving a better wash is what you want for your business!
16
Sep
Car Wash Chemicals
•
0 min read
Car Wash Chemicals: Everything You Need For The Perfect Wash
business owner
car wash products
car wash soap
car wash supplier
Car wash chemistry is what drives our industry. It's what gets cars cleaned, dry, and beautifully shiny. And it cannot be talked about enough!
But, it can get a little confusing with all the different types of car wash chemicals, so we're here to talk you through the different options and what you should be looking out for when picking chemistry.
What are car wash chemicals
Commercial car wash chemicals are specially formulated cleaners that are designed to remove dirt and stains from a car's surface. This chemistry usually comes in concentrated form, and must be diluted with water before use. There are many different types of car wash chemistry on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, there are degreasers that are designed to break down and remove grease and oil stains, as well as wheel & tire cleaners that are formulated to remove brake dust and grime from your wheels and tires.
Different Types of Car Wash Chemicals
There are many different types of commercial car wash chemicals available on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. This is not an exhaustive list as car wash chemicals can get pretty niche. But these are some of the most popular car wash chemistry and their uses:
Presoaks
Also known as traffic film removers (TFRs), presoaks are designed to loosen and remove heavy build-up on your car's surface.
Presoaks are usually applied at the start of the wash to allow them time to work before the main wash. Presoaks as used as the "heavy lifters" in the wash process and are typically high alkaline (pH 11-14) or low acid (pH 0-3).
Presoaks can differ in pH level and surfactant type, so be sure to ask your car wash chemical supplier which one is best for your needs.
As a general thought, high pH presoaks are better at removing organic materials (like road film, bugs, and sap) while low pH presoaks are better at removing inorganic materials (like brake dust and road salt).
These products are applied to vehicles and then rinsed off to clean off vehicles and get them ready for the next stage.
Soaps can differ in many ways but a popular option for both its cleaning effectiveness and visual prowess are triple foams. Triple foams are designed to create thick suds that both look good and help remove dirt from surfaces, in a layered (or triple) effect.
The best car wash detergent on the market (in our opinion) is from Turtle Wax Pro. We have a variety of detergents that are designed to work in any situation your wash may need.
Finishing Products
After your car has been washed and rinsed, you'll want to apply a finishing product to provide a protective barrier against UV rays and other damage on your car's paint and clear coat.
There are many different types of protection products available, from simple waxes to more complex sealants. We have existing blogs explaining the differences between carnauba wax, ceramic coatings, and sealants.
Drying agents help to remove water from your car's surface by making the surface hydrophobic. This helps cars dry faster and hold onto less water. If you want to learn more about drying agents, check out our guide to drying agents.
After wheel cleaners have been applied, it should be rinsed off to avoid damage to your car's paint job.
Tire Dressings
Tire dressings or tire shine products are designed to give your tires a shiny, new look.
Tire dressings and tire cleaners are not essential to the wash process but are an extra step to ensure spectacular results and make your commercial car wash stand out from the rest.
Specialty Chemistry
Specialty chemistry can be chemicals with various desired effects. These products are used for specific instances and are not necessarily needed for every wash. But using specialty chemicals is a great way to set your wash apart from the rest in the car wash industry.
Detailing products are slightly different chemistry used by detailing professionals to achieve specific results on a car's surface, usually through manual applications.
However, some of these products (like glass cleaners and bug removers) can be used in the regular wash process as well.
There are many different types of commercial car wash chemicals on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. However, not all wash chemistry are created equal. Some of these cleaners can be quite harsh and damaging to your car's paint or even strip the finish off altogether!
One type of chemical that is becoming increasingly popular is eco-friendly or "green" cleaners.
Hyper Concentrates
Hyper concentrates are products that are designed to be diluted with water when they are in use.
The advantage of hyper concentrates is that they are very economical and can last a long time.
With hyper concentrates, you pay for the actual chemical not a drum mostly made up of water. This means you'll save money on your chemistry, and save money on shipping as you'll need less product.
But the advantages don't stop there, you'll be able to wash more cars with your chemistry, making you do more with less.
If you want to learn more about hyper concentrates, we have a video explaining the process in detail here.
Are car wash chemicals safe?
As with any cleaning product, it is important to read the label and follow the instructions carefully.
Car wash chemicals are safe to be used for their intended purpose, but perhaps not for other uses. They may be toxic, corrosive, or even flammable.
Follow the instructions and directions indicated by the manufacturer. It is also vital to keep safety data sheets, or SDSs, on hand in case of an accident.
Turtle Wax Pro booth wall at CAWACS in Toronto, ON
Car Wash Chemistry Ingredients: What to Look Out For
The exact ingredients that make up commercial car wash chemicals differ for an infinite number of reasons.
But there are a few things you will want to prioritize and avoid.
We recommend looking for products that have ingredients that meet environmental regulations and all municipal, provincial/state and federal sewer-use by-laws.
Chemicals to Avoid
Phosphates
Ammonium Bifluoride (ABF)
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
What kind of chemistry do Touchless car washes use?
Touchless car washes use chemicals, just like any other wash, but they are typically formulated to work independently without the help of brushes or cloths.
Friction helps products do their job and deal with tough grease and marks, but without that aid, the chemicals themselves must be able to perform by themselves.
If you're running a touchless wash, contact your suppliers to ensure your chemistry is ready to work in a touchless environment.
Chemistry is important, car wash equipment matters too!
The quality of your wash will also depend on the quality of your equipment. Old equipment may not be able to effectively operate and use high quality chemistry. It may even break down more often, causing more downtime for your business.
Subpar machinery may struggle in its important tasks: removing dirt, applying even coats of chemical and having an accurate water pressure.
We'd recommend updating your existing wash equipment if it is getting old, and be sure to purchase the right kind of equipment to match the chemistry you plan to use.
Chemistry Concerns? Ask Us - Turtle Wax Pro
We have over 75 years of car care, chemistry knowledge, and decades of supporting car wash businesses of all types. Turtle Wax Pro and our parent company, Transchem Group have seen it all.
The chemistry your wash uses must be unique to your situation, your location, your car wash and your desired finished product. An experienced supplier like Turtle Wax Pro, will ensure exceptional results with cutting edge chemistry, while being cost effective, to keep your business washing for years to come.
We also have numerous other product lines such as our full Line of AutoLux products, for more conservative pricing options or private labeling, to truly make your wash unique.
If you have any questions about car wash chemistry in general, or any specific supplier or chemical inquires, contact us anytime. We love to chat about anything in the car wash industry, and that includes chemistry!
25
May
Car Wash Chemicals
•
0 min read
Best Car Wash Soap for 2022: How To Choose The Top Soap For Your Car Wash
car wash
car wash soap
soap manufacturer
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Cleaning vehicles is the best way to maintain them and keep them looking like new. The best car wash soaps will remove dirt, grime, and other buildup without damaging the paint or clear coat.
Turtle Wax Pro has been a providing high quality chemistry for over 75 years. Our products achieve better results than the rest on the market while being formulated without any phosphates, hydrofluoric acid or ammonium bifluoride.
Turtle Wax Pro is just one option and many people will have their own opinion on the the top rated car wash soap. There is a never-ending amount of choices for car care products. Hopefully this list of criteria will help you reach a decision on the best car wash soap for you.
What is Car Wash Soap?
Car wash soap (or car shampoo) is a specially formulated detergent that is designed to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your vehicle's surface.
It is important to use a car wash soap that is specifically designed for washing cars because regular household detergents can actually damage your car's paint and finish.
Sidebar: What is the Difference Between Soap and Detergent?
Soap and detergent are both cleaning products, but they are made from different materials and have different purposes.
Soap is made from natural materials like vegetable oils or animal fats. It is effective at cleaning dirt and grease, and it is biodegradable.
Detergent, on the other hand, is made from synthetic materials and is designed to clean in more difficult water situations. It is also more effective at cleaning oily stains.
For the purposes of this article you may see us refer to our products colloquially (informally), as both soap and detergent, but Turtle Wax Pro products are formulated as detergents!
Why Do You Need Car Wash Soap?
Car washing may seem like a simple task but the details do matter. Using the right soap to clean vehicles is a basic but vital step in achieving great results.
Obviously, some sort of soap is necessary in order to properly clean a car. A well formulated soap will remove all of the dirt, road grime, dust, swirl marks and insect bits that have built up on a car's surface.
Additionally, car wash liquid is designed to be gentle on a vehicle's surface. It will not strip away wax or polish like some household detergents can.
Existing Contaminants Can Be Harmful To A Vehicle
Road grime, dirt and other contaminants can be very abrasive, and if not removed properly, can cause damage to your vehicle.
For example, if you live in an area with a lot of clay in the soil, that clay is fine enough that it can become embedded in your vehicle's paint and cause permanent damage.
Can you use Dish Soap to Wash your Car?
Let's just say the secret to achieving a spot free car wash is not using dish soap on vehicles.
Dish soap is not designed for vehicles, and can actually strip away the wax or protective coatings on your car. This will leave your car paint unprotected and susceptible to damage.
Dish soap is formulated to remove oil and grease from dishes, which is why it is so effective at cutting through sealants. So while dish soap might get your car clean in the short term, it will actually cause more damage in the long run.
How to Use Car Wash Soap?
The process for a DIY car wash and a professional car wash are actually quite similar. The main difference is the amount of water and soap that is used.
Automated car washes will have machinery that will take care of the majority of steps that the DIY or self serve car washer would need to do by hand.
We recommend following the instructions listed on the product, but a general guide for the best car wash is as follows:
Start by rinsing your car with water to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Apply the car wash soap to a wet sponge or cloth and wash your car in small sections, starting from the top and working your way down.
Rinse the soap off your car with water (ideally a pressure washer)
Dry it with a clean microfiber towel (or microfiber wash mitt) to ensure a streak free finish.
Dialling in the correct wash settings in a tunnel or in bay automatic.
The Turtle Wax Pro team has over 75 years of experience formulating car care products. Our amazing service team are passionate experts that are always on hand to offer advice and support.
We've got a lot of documentation and expertise around our products and cleaning cars. That means we're able to set up any wash to run at peak performance within a short period of time!
Hyper-Concentrates
At Turtle Wax Pro our detergents are all hyper-concentrated. This means that you need less detergent to achieve the same quality results when compared to other brands.
Investing in a High Quality Car Wash Soap
It is also important to discuss how car wash soaps can differ. In short, there are three main types of car wash soap:
Budget soaps (Most of our competitors) that will get the job done (kinda) but might not be as gentle on your cars or equipment.
Mid-grade soaps (Transchem's Autolux Line) that strike a balance between price and quality.
Premium soaps (Turtle Wax Pro) that cost more but offer the best possible results.
When it comes to car care, you get what you pay for. Investing in a high quality commercial car wash soap will save you money in all the ways we've previously mentioned. It also offers the best results to make your customers keep coming back for more. Keep in mind it is possible to offer an affordable car wash even with premium soaps.
Choosing a Premium Manufacturer like Turtle Wax Pro
The amount of options for car wash soaps on the market today can be overwhelming. However, the importance of choosing a high quality car wash soap can not be overstated.
Our products are formulated with the latest car care technology to deliver outstanding results and our team of experts are always available to answer any questions you may have.
We're passionate about what we do and we want to help you get the most out of your car wash business. We know that our success is built on your success.
How does the Soap you Choose Affect your Car Wash Business?
The car care industry is a competitive one and choosing the right products can make or break your business.
If you're using lower quality car wash soaps, shampoos, and other products it will reflect in the quality of your car wash.
Your customers will notice this and it will ultimately hurt your bottom line.
Achieving the Perfect Wash
The goal for everyone in the car wash industry is to be able to provide consumers with the perfect wash. There are numerous aspects to consistently providing that level of service and your chemistry is the backbone.
To achieve the ultimate wash, you don't just need quality products. You also need those products to work together in harmony.
Turtle Wax Pro products are never formulated on their own and often go through months or years of testing alongside our existing products. This ensures that they will play nice with each other and provide you with the results that you expect.
How to choose the right soap?
There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when choosing the proper car wash soap for you.
Frequency of Washing
The ideal frequency for the best car wash is about once per week.
This ensures that the customer's car is getting cleaned on a regular basis and the finishing products are working properly to protect and maintain the paint.
Turtle Wax Pro products are formulated with this frequency in mind.
Without getting too heavily into the science, washing a car regularly will actually make the car easier to clean and shinier with each additional wash.*
The Environment
If being green is important to you then you'll want to look for a commercial car wash detergent that is biodegradable and gentle on the environment.
These soaps are just as effective at cleaning your car but won't have a negative impact on the planet.
Turtle Wax Pro is proud to say that all of our products are formulated with the environment in mind. The majority of our North American product lineup is Ecologo Certified. A certification that we drafted with regulators for high levels of environmental consciousness.
Water Quality
Water quality will differ based on your location. If you're using city water then it's likely that the water is already pretty hard.
This means that it has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. If you live in an area with softer water, then you don't have to worry about this as much.
It's important to be mindful of what water you have and if you should make any changes to it before you decide to run your car wash business.
Most car wash soaps will not be as effective when used with hard water and will fail to produce the thick foam required for total surface coverage. There are some specially formulated soaps that are designed to work with hard water, but typically we recommend installing some type of water solution instead.
These options will remove or modify minerals from the water that cause it to be hard, and will leave you with water that's ideal for a spot free wash.
Will Car Wash Soap Damage My Clear Coat or Sealant?
The short answer is: no it won't. Since soap is meant to clean, you may think any finishing product (car wax or ceramic) that was previously applied may be compromised after a wash.
What do surface protectants do for vehicles?
Waxes and sealants are designed to form a barrier between the painted surface and the elements. They often protect against UV rays, water spots, bird droppings and road film that could potentially damage a car's surface.
So, does using soap affect the car's wax or sealant?
As long as you're using a quality detergent that is designed for use with protected surfaces, you will not damage the wax or sealant. In fact, regular car washing is actually beneficial for maintaining the longevity of these products.*
But if you use the wrong kind of soap, it is possible that it could remove that protective barrier.
Specialized Car Wash Soaps
You may have a specific need that an ordinary soap cannot supply. We'll go through the common different specialized soaps. As well as explaining when you might want to use them.
Wash and Wax Car Soap
As the name implies, these soaps are designed to both clean and protect your car in one step.
Wash and wax car soaps typically contain Carnauba wax, which is a natural form of protection for your car's paint. But the wax formula can differ depending on the product.
With a wash and wax product it is generally hard to achieve a streak free finish or avoid swirl marks due to it's application process.
These are typically offered to DIY washing car owners who regularly wash their car in their driveway and protect their car's finish all at once
You'll also sometimes find this type of product in a low end car detailing shop
Carnauba Wax
Pure carnauba is one of the hardest, most durable forms of protection you can put on your car. It's often used in products that are designed to protect the paint on boats and other vehicles that are exposed to harsh conditions.
So, if you're looking for a soap that will both clean and protect your car's paint but also be a low commitment method to achieving that wax protection, wash and wax soaps might be the right choice.
However, the wax protection wash and wax soaps provide is not as durable or long lasting as other surface protectants. Premium carnauba wax can last up to 12 months but will likely last much less time in wax soap combination product.
Hard Water Soaps
As we mentioned before, if you live in an area with hard water, you'll need to take that into consideration when operating your car wash.
Most auto soap will not be as effective when used with hard water. Hard water affects the quality of your chemistry and could be a major factor in producing lacklustre cleaning results.
A water softener or reverse osmosis system are recommended solutions for water hardness, but there are some special car wash soaps that are designed to work with hard water.
Hard water soaps are formulated to be slightly more acidic than other car wash soaps. This helps to break down the minerals in hard water that can cause streaking and spots on the car's paint job.
Hard water soaps are formulated for people with less options or no options for dealing with hard water in their water supply
Wheel Cleaner
Iron stains can become apparent on vehicles, especially on car wheels. While regular car wash soaps can help to remove some of the brake dust and grime that builds up on wheels, they are not always effective at removing iron stains.
A wheel cleaner is a specialized product that is designed to remove these types of stains. Wheel cleaners typically contain an acid, which helps to break down the iron molecules that cause the staining.
Most wheel cleaners are safe to use on all types of wheels, but it is always best to read the product label to be sure.
Waterless Wash (or No Rinse Wash) Soaps
A waterless car wash soap is a quick and easy way to clean your car without having to do a rinse wash at the end. As the name suggests, you don't need water (or very little) to use these soaps.
Waterless washes are perfect for people who want to clean their car but don't have access to a hose or water source. Some waterless washes also come in a foaming formula, which makes them even easier to use.
A no rinse wash product is also a good option if you purposely want to avoid using water altogether. You simply spray the soap on your car and wipe it off with a microfiber towel/wash mitt.
These are formulated more for the home user rather than a business but can be a convenient option to some car owners.
Why Does pH Level Matter?
pH is a scale that is used to measure how acidic or basic (not the white girl kind) a solution is. It is an important aspect to consider when looking at the proper car wash soap for your business.
The scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most basic, and pH level of seven being neutral.
We will do a complete breakdown of how pH level affects cleaning in a future blog post but for now here is a rough breakdown:
Low pH
Low pH detergents or presoaks are effective at attacking inorganic material found on vehicle surfaces. This includes things like brake dust, road grime, salt and heavy dirt particles. A low pH car wash soap is typically considered to be in the range of 0-4.
High pH
High pH soaps are better at attacking organic material, like bugs, grease and tree sap. High pH chemicals are effective at breaking down proteins found in these organic materials. A high pH car wash soap is typically considered to be in the range of 11-14.
Neutral pH
There are also some soaps that have a neutral pH level (also known as pH balanced). A pH neutral formula can be used on all types of cars, regardless of how dirty they are.
pH balanced soaps won't be as effective at attacking either inorganic or organic materials, but they are a good option for people who want an all-purpose soap for the entire car.
Neutral pH soaps typically have a pH level of around five to eight.
Which pH level should you pick?
Picking the best car wash soap by pH level depends entirely on your wash setup, location, water quality, and what type of dirt/grime you are trying to remove.
For the ultimate wash it will be best to use both a low pH and high pH soap in your wash process. This will ensure that all types of dirt and grime are removed from the vehicle.
In most situations it's best to start with the high pH cleaners and work towards creating a low pH environment to help the finishing products adhere to the vehicle's surface.
We recommend getting in touch with a car wash chemical supplier like Turtle Wax Pro to see what kind setup is right for you.
Hyper-Concentrated Car Wash Soap
Hyper-concentrated car wash soap is the future of the car wash industry.
It involves the chemicals being in heavily concentrated form (very little water content) and the end-user (car washes) diluting the concentration to the correct ratio.
Hyper-concentrated chemistry ensures:
Lower shipping costs as more product will take up less space
Reduced environmental impact by using less packaging and plastic
Easier to physically move and dispense product
Allows business to stock up on more product as it will take up less room
This ensures every ounce of a product applied to a vehicle is cleaning efficiently with less water, while producing even better results.
We highly recommend you look at a company that uses hyper-concentration for its chemistry for all of these benefits.
The Best Car Wash Soaps
The best car wash soap is an opinionated topic. We at Turtle Wax Pro truly believe we offer the best car wash soap on the market.
Our detergents are available in a variety of pH levels to help you overcome challenging cleaning conditions.
High-lubricity detergents produce a rich, dense foam that gently deep-cleans for scratch free cleaning.
We have products with multiple scent options and offer SKUs that are effective in friction, touchless and self-serve (pressure washer) car wash scenarios.
The truly amazing part of our soap options is that:
They are all designed to work perfectly with any of our other offerings to ensure you're creating the cleanest, shiniest and driest cars possible.
To Summarize
The significance that soap holds to a car wash cannot be overstated. It is essential for keeping vehicles not only clean and shiny but also for maintaining the vehicle's finish.
The car wash formula you choose will depend on the kind of car wash you have, as well as what you want to include in your wash process.
That's right, the soap included in that car wash kit might not the right choice for you.
The process of choosing the best car wash products can be tricky but we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our top car wash soaps and how to choose the right chemistry for your business.
*Finishing products like waxes and ceramics create a hydrophobic barrier on the car's finish. This protective coating helps repel water and dirt, making it harder for contaminants to reach and stick to the surface of a vehicle. This makes them continually easier to remove after each wash.
6
May
Car Wash Technology
•
0 min read
Eco-Friendly Car Wash Chemicals: The Turtle Wax Pro Commitment
car wash soap
car wash
eco friendly
green
Mack Ewing
Director, Strategic Initiatives
One of the core values of Turtle Wax Pro is environmental protection. We not only develop products that clean, protect and beautify your cars, but we also work to find ways to reduce our environmental impact.
Our eco friendly car wash chemicals are just one example. Our products are just as effective as products containing hydrofluoric acid, phosphates and other harsh chemicals, but without the environmental damage.
We are also constantly working on ways to reduce our water usage. We do this by using hyper concentrated chemistry, which allows us to do more with less. This means that we ship less water and reduce our plastic packaging waste.
We believe that it is our responsibility to protect the environment, and we are always looking for ways to reduce our impact. We hope that you'll join us in this effort!
In this article, we will share some tips on how you can make your car wash more eco friendly.
What Does Being Eco-Friendly Mean?
When we talk about being eco-friendly or sustainable, we mean reducing our impact on the planet. This can be done in a number of ways, but one way is to use products that are less harmful to the environment.
Environmentally friendly car wash soap is made from sustainable materials and are often biodegradable. This means that they won’t pollute surrounding ecosystems or harm wildlife.
Using a sustainable detergent is a great way to become more green while still keeping a vehicle clean of dirt and grime.
The Benefits of Using an Eco-Friendly Car Wash Soap
There are many benefits to using biodegradable cleaning products.
It’s better for the planet
As we mentioned before, sustainable products are made from sustainable materials (ex: phosphate free) and are often biodegradable. This means that they won’t pollute the environment or harm wildlife over the long term.
'Green' detergents are gentle on paint, won’t strip away wax or polish and will still clean cars. This is important because a good paint job is key to making a car look its best.
It’s affordable
Biodegradable detergents are just as affordable as regular detergents. This is because they are often made from sustainable materials that can be less expensive to produce.
Turtle Wax Pro works extremely hard to produce chemistry that performs competitively when using a cost-per-car analysis.
It protects your equipment
Many chemical companies produce cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid. This is a corrosive chemical that can damage your equipment and cost over $100,000 through early replacement.
Turtle Wax Pro products don’t contain any hydrofluoric acid or other harmful chemicals, so they won’t damage your equipment or lower its life span. HF is also just one of many dangerous chemicals that can lead to long term severe health problems for you or your employees. It can also cause acute issues including skin burns, eye irritation and inhalation of toxic fumes.
The Importance of Being Eco Conscious As a Commercial Car Wash Owner
As a business, it’s important to be eco-conscious for many reasons.
Not only is it the right thing to do for your local ecosystem, but it can also save you money in the long run. You can go beyond biodegradable products by using water reclaim systems or hyper concentrated chemistry to save on water costs.
Additionally, being eco-conscious can be used as a great marketing tool for commercial car washes. Customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are more likely to do business with a company that shares their values.
FIRE and Super Hard Shell Finish arches at the Panther Car Wash in Derby, KS.
Choosing an Environmentally Conscious Brand like Turtle Wax Pro
Making a choice on car wash chemistry is the most important decision in producing clean cars.
The things to consider are quality of products, quality of service, and working with a company that fits your needs.
Turtle Wax Pro is a leader in the development of environmentally friendly car wash products. Leadership in environmental conservation and stewardship is fundamental to our ongoing success. We endeavour to innovate products that respect our physical environment and adhere to the highest standards in our industry.
We work with many companies who have an environmental focus and help them establish a much stronger eco presence.
If your business has any concerns about their considerable environmental impact, we would be happy to discuss aspects on how you can improve your strategy.
How to Make your Car Wash Eco Friendly?
There are many easy ways to make your commercial car wash more eco-friendly.
Using eco-friendly products
As we’ve already discussed, using eco-friendly car wash chemicals is a great way to be more eco-conscious. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also just as effective as regular car wash soap.
Installing energy-efficient equipment
Another great way to be more eco-conscious is to install energy-efficient equipment in your car wash. This can include things like LED lighting, high-efficiency pumps and solar panels.
Recycle materials
Using recycled materials is a great way to reduce waste and cut costs. Some examples of recycled materials that can be used in a car wash are recycled soap dispensers, signage and hoses.
Recycling water is a great idea for your business to reuse its biggest resource, cut costs, and perhaps even save the local sewer systems. Water reclaim systems recycle the water used in the car wash by filtering out dirt, grime and chemicals so it can be reused again.
Be careful when selecting a system as some types can lead to a not-so-great smell when water is reused.
Save water from running off into storm drains
Water is one of the most important aspects within a car wash. Many car washes waste a large amount of water each day.
It is very important for a car wash to have a system in place to not violate various storm sewer laws and contribute to water wastage. Contaminating storm drains with soapy water is a big problem as it can find its way to local waterways and harm wildlife or aquatic life.
The best way to accomplish this is to have a water reclaim system that collects the water run-off and recycles it back into the car wash. This will save a large amount of water and money over time. This is true for all car wash types, from self serve to tunnel washes.
Washing Wisely for the Home Car Washer
There are many ways the home car washer can practice sustainable behaviour as well. By following a few tips, you can minimize your environmental impact and save money at the same time.
Limit your water usage
One of the easiest ways to be more environmentally conscious when washing your car is to use less water.
You can do this by using a bucket instead of a hose or by using a waterless car wash product.
Waterless car wash products are good for small jobs and a great way to conserve water when washing your car. They work by using a special cleaning solution that is sprayed onto the car surfaces and then wiped off with a cloth. This solution is designed to remove dirt, grime, road film, brake dust and other debris from the surface of the entire car.
While not truly a 'waterless wash' these products will use less water than a traditional soap or detergent and still make the car clean.
Use biodegradable products, avoid dish soap and other household cleaners
Using biodegradable soap is a great way to be more sustainable when washing your car in the driveway.
As a helpful additional tip, do not use liquid dishwashing detergent to wash your entire car.
The temptation for many to fill a bucket with water and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid to create lots of suds is strong, but dish washing liquid is too strong and formulated for an entirely different purpose. It is not the right choice to wash your vehicle.
Other products like a spray bottle of Simple Green or other all-purpose cleaners are also not a great choice as they aren't formulated to cut through road film, large dirt or other tough stains. Simple Green does make a car wash specific product, always look for a product that is made specifically for cars.
Try to control where dirty water flows
After washing your vehicle. Do your best to contain the water to your own driveway or lawn and allow it to seep into the ground, rather than flowing straight towards the storm drain.
Toxic wastewater can enter the water system and cause problems, both legal and environmental.
Lastly, visit a commercial car wash
If you are looking for the most sustainable way to wash your car, visit a commercial car wash. At a professional facility, water is filtered and reused multiple times before being released into the sewer system.
While there are many sustainable car wash practices, these are just a few tips to get you started. By making even a small change, you can have a big impact on the environment. So when it comes to choosing your car wash chemistry and equipment, it's time to make the greenest choice. It’s good for business and good for the planet.
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