Wash Time

Specialized_Det

Specialized_Det

New member
So over time as I've been reading on this forum, it's come to my attention that some of you seem to be able to wash cars in record time. I've heard people say that they easily wash 10 cars a day, some even 15, and some even 20. Now I'm not calling anyone a liar, but I just don't understand how that's possible. The quickest I can get it done is in about 45 minutes to wash, including drying, a normal size car that's dirty, but not trashed. If I could move that time down to even thirty minutes, that'd be a huge improvement.

I have a pressure washer as well, so that should save me some time. So here's my question: what are some of you doing to finish cars this quickly? Any pointers would be appreciated.
 
You might want to clarify what you are doing in that length of time.
Exterior, wheels, wheel wells, windows in and out, vacuum interior, apply any dressing.
 
Specialized_Det said:
So over time as I've been reading on this forum, it's come to my attention that some of you seem to be able to wash cars in record time. I've heard people say that they easily wash 10 cars a day, some even 15, and some even 20. Now I'm not calling anyone a liar, but I just don't understand how that's possible. The quickest I can get it done is in about 45 minutes to wash, including drying, a normal size car that's dirty, but not trashed. If I could move that time down to even thirty minutes, that'd be a huge improvement.

I have a pressure washer as well, so that should save me some time. So here's my question: what are some of you doing to finish cars this quickly? Any pointers would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Well there's a guy Luxury Detail that can do ten per hour :wow: but he promised to share his method and Dr.Detail even offered to film it for us..but he never did reply :(

Anyhow...back to reality ...35-45 minutes for a good wash and light interior cleaning is a pretty fast time ... on average most people take an hour or so for their own personal vehicles give or take ..;)
 
SD...Don't compromise the quality of your work by trying to go faster...there are some time saving measures but...do not give back less quality that you are currently doing.....you will only loose biz from that.

Anyone that is washing ONLY 10 plus cars a day...by themselves is not doing the level of work that you are....If I put the hammer down on a car its about an hour...my best day with wash / waxes is 4 and that was hustling...I also pickup and deliver
 
Beemerboy said:
SD...Don't compromise the quality of your work by trying to go faster...there are some time saving measures but...do not give back less quality that you are currently doing.....you will only loose biz from that.

Anyone that is washing ONLY 10 plus cars a day...by themselves is not doing the level of work that you are....If I put the hammer down on a car its about an hour...my best day with wash / waxes is 4 and that was hustling...I also pickup and deliver
Click to expand...

Maybe I don't feel like such a slacker now! Because 45 minutes is with me really hustling to get the exterior washed and dried. And I'm definitely not willing to compromise quality... that's what I'm known for, is doing an excellent job. Sometimes people will ask me how long it will take, and they're shocked when I tell them, but they're always very pleased with the end results, so pleased that I don't do a lot of new business, mainly just repeat.

Poorboy... I remember reading about the guy who could do that many, and was bragging about making as much money as a lawyer on any single given day. I kinda figured he was exaggerating lol!

And CharlesW... what I'm talking about doing are tires, wheels and wheel wells, and a full wash on the exterior, plus drying. I usually do the interior as well, but I'm not counting that in my time.

I read where one guy said that since he had a pressure washer, he hardly ever scrubbed the tires and wheels. He just sprayed on some cleaner, let it sit, and then pressure washed it off. I'm afraid to turn the pressure up too much, so I keep it pretty low.... and also, maybe I'm just not using a good cleaner, but I feel like I have to scrub to really get it clean.
 
The guy that you are talking about was the Simple Green king....spray on let dwell and pressure wash off....I can't tell you how bad a process this is on so many levels.


IMO saving time is cutting corners...if you are known for quality keep it that way
 
Yeah, Luxury Detail was going to post a video up for us and everything. I guess he washes faster than he records. :D
 
Specialized_Det said:
And CharlesW... what I'm talking about doing are tires, wheels and wheel wells, and a full wash on the exterior, plus drying. I usually do the interior as well, but I'm not counting that in my time.
Click to expand...
Since I do it for the enjoyment, I don't usually pay much attention to the time, but one day this week I did the exterior, wheels, wheel wells, and tires and it took me about an hour and 15 minutes.
When I clean my tires, I use Poorboy's Bold n Bright which also leaves them dressed. I takes me close to 20 minutes for just the tires, wheels, wheel wells.
This exterior was done with a rinseless wash and I used a spray wax between the first damp wipe down and the final drying pass. That gave me a wash and wax in one process. I cleaned the inside of the front windows and windshield, wiped down the door jambs, trunk and engine compartment.
The time included getting the rinseless wash mixed, carrying everything to the garage and putting everything away after I was done. It was a 40 degree day and I was able to heat the garage to 60+ degrees in about 10 minutes. I was able to start on the vehicle while running the heater and the temperature was warm enough to be comfortable very quickly.
 
Well it sounds like after hearing from you guys that I'm right on target with my time. It can get discouraging when you hear other say they're doing washes in half the time, or even a quarter of the time, that you are. And also discouraging when you see another detailer in the office complex you frequent taking your jobs and finishing them in half the time... but then again, that was July, and I haven't seen him back since...

Anyway, thanks to everyone for their replies. I definitely didn't want to cut my quality, but just wondered if there were a few tricks I didn't know about. Thanks again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top