How to Set Up a DIY Car Wash

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.

It’s gentle on vehicles

'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.

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.

When people think of car washing, they usually imagine wash bays, and cars being sprayed with soap and water, cleaning the exterior of vehicles. But one great way to satisfy your customer's vehicle needs and increase your revenue is cleaning interiors as well!

The car interior requires a different process than exteriors do as you may guess, so today we are discussing how you can clean your car's interior, including your chemical and equipment options. Along with some helpful tips for those at home car owners.

How to clean a car's interior for car wash businesses

In order to ensure that your customers are happy with the level of cleanliness of their car, it is important to pay attention to detail as there are lots of small areas within a car that need particular care. We'll break down some of the areas you will want to pay extra attention to when cleaning a car's interior.

Steering Wheel

The steering wheel is one of the dirtiest parts inside a car. Over time, it can become stained and sticky from the natural oils on our hands, or even food residue.

Steering wheels may even have buttons or controls that will need to be gently cleaned to avoid damage.

We recommend using some type of all-purpose interior cleaner along with microfiber cloths to clean the steering wheel. If there are buttons present, you can use a small gentle detailing brush to get within the little spaces.

Car Dashboard

The dashboard is another area that gets a lot of use and can gather plenty of dirt over time.

To clean a dashboard, you will want to use an all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner designed for the dash's material (leather, plastic, wood or aluminum depending on the car). You can apply this directly to a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the car's interior.

Be sure to pay attention to any areas with buttons or vents, as you will want to avoid getting water or cleaner inside of these.

These same tips work for a vehicle's center console, which you will want to make sure you clean as well.

Seats

Car seats see a lot of wear and tear, and over time they can become stained or even ripped. To clean your car seats, you will want to use an a microfiber cloth dipped in an upholstery cleaner or a scrub brush for more intense stains.

Leather seats will need leather cleaners as their material is different and regular cleaners may be too harsh.

Carpets

The carpets in a car can become stained and discolored over time, especially if you have light-colored carpets.

To clean your carpets, you will want to use a carpet or upholstery cleaner and a brush attachment. You can apply the cleaner directly to the carpet and brush it in with the attachment. But be sure to vacuum the area free from any crumbs and pet hair first. Tough stains can be removed with a drill brush attachment.

Floor mats

Remove your carpeted mats, and give them a vacuuming and/or brushing. Treat them similarly to your carpet, so you should use some type of cleaner on them and then let them dry outside before putting them back into the vehicle. Clean floor mats are things customers love to see! If you're really looking to step up your mat cleaning, several companies manufacture machines specifically to clean floor mats.

Trunk

The trunk is often one of the dirtiest and most neglected areas in a car. But it is important to clean it out every so often to avoid any build-up of dirt and grime.

To clean your trunk, you will want to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. You can vacuum any loose dirt or debris that may be present.

You can also use an all-purpose cleaner or a mild soap and water solution to wipe down the trunk area.

Be sure to pay attention to any areas with buttons or latches, as you will want to avoid getting water or cleaner inside of these.

Door Panels

The door panels are another area that you will want to clean as they can have shoe marks and dirt on them. Take extra care to get inside door handles and storage compartments as they areas often collect dirt and other residue. To clean your door panels, you will want to use an all purpose cleaner and then give them a wipe-down.

Windows and Mirrors

There is nothing better than a clean mirror, so be sure to clean the interior windows and mirrors within the vehicle. Any strong glass cleaner can be used with a microfiber cloth to give it a streak-free finish.

Cleaning the Engine Bay

Without regular cleaning, engine bays become quite dirty and it is an area most car owners ignore. Likewise, lots of car cleaning businesses don't clean it, especially if it wasn't requested by the customer. But is an easy 'wow factor' for lots of customers and will help make them a customer for life!

The best way to clean the engine is actually quite simple - just use a low-pressure hose to remove any dirt or grime. You can also use a degreaser to break down any stubborn grease buildup. Just be sure to avoid getting any water inside the engine itself.

Make sure you cover any electrical components with some sort of plastic or tarp before you start spraying down the engine.

Chemicals you will need for cleaning car interior

We'll focus on the type of cleaners you will need. But we recommend looking for high-quality car care products as you will want to ensure you supply a great clean to your customers. You can trust that Turtle Wax's interior care line has everything you will need to clean vehicles effectively, with just a few drops.

For those at home car owners who want to try a more DIY method, you can try using a vinegar and water solution for most cleaning opportunities. For more tough stains, a baking soda scrub could prove to be helpful.

But even for those at home, car care products will frankly not only do a better job, but are affordable as well.

Car Interior Cleaners

Choosing a good cleaner is a must to clean off all those surfaces within a car. You can choose to use an all-purpose car interior cleaner which as the name suggests, can be used on any and all interior surfaces. But there are also surface-type specific products such as for suede, vinyl, leather, plastic, etc. These products are specifically formulated to work on that surface and may produce a better finish and clean.

Carpet Care

To clean your car interior carpets, you will want to use a good quality carpet shampoo. This type of product is designed to break down dirt and grime that may be embedded in the fibers of the carpet. You will want to avoid using household cleaners as they could damage or discolor the car's floor.

The carpet may be wet to the touch for a couple of hours and will need to air dry.

Upholstery Cleaner

For car upholstery, you will want to use an upholstery cleaner. This type of product is designed to clean fabric without damaging it, which is exactly what you will want for cloth seats. You will want to test the product on a small area first to ensure it does not discolor the fabric. The cloth seats may be wet after cleaning, and they will need time to dry.

Leather Care

For leather surfaces, you will want to use a leather cleaner and conditioner. This type of product are designed to work on leather and will clean it and help to protect it from cracking and fading which is common for leather seats.

After cleaning, you can use a leather conditioner to help keep the leather looking its best.

You will want to avoid using any harsh cleaners on leather as this could damage it and strip its natural oils.

Surface Protectants

After you have cleaned the vehicle's interior surfaces, you may want to consider using a surface protectant. This type of product will help to repel dirt and stains and make it easier to clean in the future.

You will want to choose a product that is designed for the specific surface you are treating, and then apply to the surface, before wiping clean with a clean cloth.

Glass Cleaner

This type of cleaner is different from the other type of cleaners you will use and you should save it for the glass within the vehicle. Spray it along the surface you are cleaning and wipe with a clean microfiber towel. Ensure all windows and mirrors are streak free and clear from any spots or fingers prints.

Equipment you will need for cleaning car interiors

Microfiber cloth or towels

We've mentioned these cloths earlier and be sure to use them well as they will be extremely helpful throughout your interior cleaning process.

They don't leave any residue, clean well, and are made of soft cloth which makes this fabric ideal for cleaning vehicles.

Steam Cleaners

If you have access to a steam cleaner, this could be a great option for cleaning your car. They are designed to clean surfaces without the use of any chemicals and can be extremely helpful in getting those hard to reach places.

Detail Brushes

Detail brushes are designed to help you clean those hard to reach areas and can be extremely helpful in cleaning the nooks and crannies of your car.

They come in various sizes and can be made with either natural or synthetic bristles.

Shop Vacuum

You will want a high-powered vacuum to clean the inside of the vehicle before doing any thorough cleaning. The hair, dirt, and crumbs will make the rest of the process difficult so be sure to take care of it early!

Extension cords, detailing brush, and more

You will also need a few other pieces of equipment to make your life easier. This includes an extension cord to help you reach all areas within the vehicle, various brushes to help clean those hard-to-reach areas, air fresheners for tough odors and much more. This list can be endless but be sure to keep lots of small tools in reach for any unique situations which may arise in your cleaning job.

How to Keep your car interior clean

Cleaning a car's interior is one thing but keeping it clean is another.

Here are some tips on keeping that newly clean interior looking spotless.

Vacuum regularly

Be sure to vacuum the entire interior of your vehicle at least once a week. This will help to keep dirt and crumbs from accumulating and making the cleaning process more difficult later on.

Wipe down surfaces

After every use, be sure to wipe down all surfaces within the car. This includes the dash, console, door panels, and more. We recommend to keep some cleaning wipes within reach which will make this a breeze.

Clean up spills immediately

Whenever there is a spill, be sure to clean it up immediately. This will help to prevent stains from setting in and becoming stubborn stains.

Take Trash out Regularly

Trash such as coffee cups can build up quickly, so be sure to take all the trash out of the interior of your car on a regular basis.

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Contact Turtle Wax Pro for any Car Wash Needs

All aspects of the car wash business are important, whether it is related to cleaning the interior, or the exterior of a car.

With over 75 years of car care experience, Turtle Wax is a brand you can expect results from. We have seen it all and have supported car wash businesses of all types in their efforts of washing and cleaning vehicles.

If you have any inquiries related to your car wash business, you can reach out to us anytime.

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If you're looking to start or grow your auto detailing business, you're in luck. This guide will give you tips on how to expand and grow your auto detailing business. Read on for advice on how to attract more customers, hire the right employees, and make your business stand out from the competition.

What is an Auto detailing business?

An auto detailing business offers professional cleaning, polishing and protection services for cars and trucks.

These services are sometimes performed as a mobile detailing business that comes to the customer's home or office, but some companies also have a brick-and-mortar location.

A successful car detailing business can be started with a small investment, and many detailers start out working part-time before transitioning to full-time. If you're passionate about cars and have an entrepreneurial spirit, offering detailing services may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Heavy Competition as Car Detailing Business

The car detailing industry is a competitive one. There will be lots of competitors, and thus, your business has to find ways to separate themselves from the rest.  

This can be done in a few ways:

• By providing top-notch customer service
• By offering competitive pricing
• By having a convenient location
• By being able to offer mobile services

To succeed in the car detailing business, you must first understand what your customers want and then give it to them

How to expand auto detailing business?

There are many ways to expand your auto detailing business. Below are some ways to consider when expanding your business:

Marketing

Marketing is a vital aspect to almost any business and will allow your auto detailing services to reach and attract not only new potential customers, but the ideal customer.

Getting your name out there can be a challenge for some, and that is why it's important to market your business effectively.

If you'd like to know more about marketing in the car care industry, you can check out our blog detailing everything you need to know.

Services

One way to expand your auto detailing business is by adding new services.

By offering additional services, you can attract new customers and grow your business.

Some popular services that detailers offer include paint correction, headlight restoration, ceramic coating, and more.

You may want to offer mobile auto detailing services, which removes a barrier for customers to get their car cleaned.

If you're looking to add new services to your business, be sure to do your research and find services that will be in demand and that you're able to perform properly.

Loyalty Programs/Promotions

Another way to expand your auto detailing business is by implementing loyalty programs or promotions. Loyalty programs will help you retain existing customers and promote repeat business. Promotions can be a great way to attract new potential customers and grow your business.

Be sure to choose promotions that will appeal to your target market by saving them money and still be advantageous to your business by bringing in more money, and more revenue.

This can also relate to customer relationship management as this allows you to record repeat customer data and help you keep that customer service strong with your existing customers.

The Secret to a Successful Auto Detailing Business

The key to any successful business is providing quality services and products. This is especially true in the auto detailing industry as there are other options for consumers.

Customers are looking for businesses that can provide them with high-quality services at a fair price.

If you're able to provide your customers with an excellent experience, they'll be more likely to use your services again and recommend you to others.

How can you ensure a quality service and a fantastic clean?

The answer is simple: by using the best chemistry and equipment available.

Using specially designed chemicals, made with premium ingredients, are exactly how you will be able to provide an exception clean and dry exterior, and a spotless interior of your vehicles!

The tools you choose are also crucial since they will make the cleaning process much easier and faster, with a more successful result.

If you're not completely satisfied with your chemicals and equipment, we recommend reaching out to Turtle Wax Pro, who will find out that winning formula that will provide an exceptional clean every time!

How can you improve your auto detailing business?

Wanting to always improve is a fantastic trait for anyone to have. It's the key to not only becoming successful, but staying successful.

While there are plenty of methods you can use to better your business, it is essential to identify which areas need the most improvement.

Customer Service

One way to improve your business is by ensuring that you're providing excellent customer service.

This means being friendly, helpful, and accommodating to your customers' needs.

If you're able to provide great customer service, your customers will be more likely to use your services again and recommend you to others. You could improve your customer service by:

• Listening to your customers and addressing their concerns in negative reviews
• Making it easy for customers to contact you
• Following up with customers after their service
• Giving your customers a detailed explanation of the services you provide
• Asking for feedback from customers

Quality of Services

We've talked about how important your chemistry and equipment will be in how great your services will be.

Providing a great service is something you should always strive for, and having the right tools will allow you to do just that. You could improve your car services by:

• Using the best quality products available
• Keeping your equipment in good condition
• Continuously training yourself and your employees
• Staying up to date with the latest trends

Marketing

Even if your service is great, if no car owners know about your offerings, you may not be as successful as you would like.

If you want to improve your business, and reach potential customers, improving your marketing efforts can be very important.

Use a variety of marketing tools including advertisements, print or digital media, social media accounts, events, discounts and a fantastic website with good search engine optimization.

How profitable is a car detailing business?

Like any business, the profitability of a detailing company can vary greatly.

It will depend on a number of factors: your location, what services you offer, how many customers you have, etc.

Depending on the size of the operation, an experienced car detailing business owner can bring in a six figure income after just a few years. There are always outliers who make more or less, but if you provide quality services at a fair price, you should be able to make a good profit.

Need help growing (or starting!) your auto detailing business? Contact Turtle Wax Pro

Being the most recognized brand in car washing, we at Turtle Wax Pro have supported car wash and car care companies of all types and sizes.

We are no stranger to professional detailing services and understand exactly what is needed to have the cleanest, driest, and shiniest vehicles on the market.

If you're considering the idea of opening a new business, or simply need a hand in growing your own, don't hesitate to reach out!

We're always keen on talking with others in the industry and seeing how we can help you out!

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