Car washing: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering car washing

You wash and dry vehicles for customers who want a clean car without the work. Customers come back when the car looks spotless, your towels stay clean, and your equipment does not leave marks.

What customers ask

  • Will the wash damage my paint?
  • How long will it take?
  • Do you clean the wheels and the underbody?
  • Can you take care of the interior too?
  • Can you come to my home?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the car size, how dirty it is, and what areas the customer wants cleaned
  • Explain your wash method in one sentence, such as two bucket hand wash or waterless wash
  • Use clean towels and mitts for each car, and say so on the invoice
  • Dry the car fully and wipe the windows and door jambs before handing it back
  • Check the car for missed spots before the customer leaves
  • Tell the customer how often to wash, based on where and how they drive

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of a finished wash with the wheels and glass clean
  • Your wash method and equipment
  • Your service area or shop location
  • Your hours and whether you take walk in customers

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Remind the customer to rinse the underbody after winter driving
  • Offer a monthly maintenance wash at a fair price for the car's use
  • Send a note on tar or bug removal when the car is parked under trees

Licenses and permits

Car washing is usually not licensed. Check state and local rules for business registration, wastewater and water use, and any mobile service rules that apply where you work.

Questions

How do I handle a car that is much dirtier than the customer said?

Show the customer what you see before you start and quote the extra cleaning separately so they can approve it.

What should I do about a water spot that will not come off?

Tell the customer what caused it and whether it can be removed with a light polish, rather than promising it will come off with the wash.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

More car services guides for pros

Start here

About this guide

Get car washing requests

Customers pick you by name. Signup is free, and you pay only for leads you accept.

Join as a pro
Sign up free