How To Start Your Own Car Cleaning Business: A Detailed Guide

Some people want to start a car cleaning business as a full time job, whilst others prefer to do it part time as a side hustle to increase their income. Either way, there’s plenty to consider and we’re going to help you.

To start with, there’s car cleaning, car valeting and car detailing and it’s quite possible there would be an argument if you put three people together that do each of these things. For the purposes of this article, we’ll look at car cleaning, but there’s nothing stopping you from upscaling to valeting or detailing.

There have never been more cars on the roads than there are today, and many people just don’t have the time to clean their own cars. This is where you can come in. A car cleaning business can be lucrative with relatively low costs to get you started.

Let’s go through the steps needed to launch your own car cleaning business and consider how to grow it.

Decide On Your Market

Before you get started, you need to decide what you’re planning to offer from your car cleaning business:

Set Location or Mobile. You could operate from a fixed location such as a car park at a garden centre (with permission of the owner). Alternatively, you could decide to provide a mobile service. This would mean you need access to water, whether that’s the customer providing water or you having a van that holds water for the cleaning.

Service Levels. Do you want to offer a basic exterior wash, including the inside of the car, a vacuum service, wax and polish? You might offer the whole package or you could structure your packages and prices according to what the customer wants.

Customer Market. What type of customers do you want? Private car owners, car dealerships or fleet businesses? If you prefer, you could target supercar owners.

Competitors. Before deciding on what services you want to offer, find out who else offers these types of services in your area. There might be a gap in the market for something a little different.

Create a Business Plan

For any business to have a chance of success, it’s important to outline your plans by creating a good business plan.

Executive Summary

• Financial forecasts

• Target market

• Description of services

Research Analysis

• Analysis of rivals

• Assess the expected demand in your area

• Compare rival pricing

Services and Prices

• Good description of each service and package

• Detailed pricing structure

Marketing Plan

• How do you plan to attract customers?

• How do you plan to retain customers?

• Methods of marketing (traditional and digital)

Operations Needs

• Staffing needs

• Equipment and supplies requirements

Financial Forecasts

• Initial starting costs

• Monthly expenses forecast

• Revenue projections

Legal Requirements

Type of Business

• Sole Proprietor - easier but personal liability will be higher

• LLC (Limited Liability Company) - offers protection for personal assets

• Corporation - quite complex but can offer good benefits

Licence Requirements

• Business licence provided by your local council

• Environmental permit

• Waste disposal permit

Insurance Requirements

• Commercial auto insurance (if offering a mobile service)

• Property insurance (if working from a fixed location)

• Liability insurance

• Employers' liability insurance (if you have staff)

Equipment

You might be surprised by just how much equipment you need to start a car cleaning business.

Standard Equipment

• Jet washer

• Vacuum

• Steam cleaner

Supplies

• Sponges, cloths, wash mitts and towels

• Buckets

• Different types of cleaning solutions

• Waxes and polishes

• Upholstery cleaners

Mobile Service Requirements (if you offer a mobile service)

• Vehicle

• Water tank

• Power supply

Fixed Location Requirements

• Power supply

• Water supply and drainage

• Waiting area

• Price display sign (may need a permit)

Marketing A Car Cleaning Venture

Without the correct marketing ideas and effort, you’re unlikely to get your new car cleaning business off the ground.

Marketing Digitally

• Create a good website and add online bookings if possible

• Create a Google business profile (it’s free!)

• Put your car cleaning business on all social media platforms

• Share customer reviews and feedback

• Show photos of your work (before/after)

• Utilise Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) practices on your website

Non Digital Marketing

• Consider sending out flyers and business cards

• Try and create a relationship with complementary businesses such as car dealers and body shops

• Put visible adverts on your vehicles

• Tell friends and family about your business (they can share your details)

Other Marketing Options

• Consider loyalty discounts or schemes

• Offer incentives to customers who refer friends

• Follow up communications

• Car cleaning can be seasonal - consider offering promotions at quieter times

Training

You’re not required to hold any formal certificates or qualifications for car cleaning or valeting. However, it can only benefit you to complete a car cleaning course to enhance your skills and knowledge.

There’s plenty of reputable companies that specialise in car valeting training courses in the UK, such as Autosmart, Autoglym and Autobrite.

The courses cater for all levels of car valeting, from the basics to advanced courses that cover handling chemicals, machine polishing and ceramic coatings.

Vital Skills For A Car Cleaning/Valeting Business

To give your car cleaning business any chance of success, there’s 4 main qualities you should possess.

1. Endurance. Car cleaning is a very physical job as you’re always on your feet, and is totally hands on with many repetitive jobs.

2. Thoroughness. Attention to detail is critical when cleaning cars. Small oversights can impact the standard of the finished job and damage your business reputation.

3. Time Management. Ensure you give yourself enough time to complete jobs to the highest standards so you don’t need to rush to the next appointment. This will also make sure you’re not late for future appointments.

4. Good Communication. Good customer service skills are important when trying to build relationships. This can lead to future work with clients.

How Much To Charge For Car Cleaning Services

The prices of car washing can vary significantly depending on where you are based, the size of the vehicle, the condition of the vehicle and the type of service package you offer customers.

• Size of the vehicle - the bigger the vehicle, the more it should cost

• Vehicle condition - some vehicles may be extremely dirty and have stained upholstery. If the condition of the vehicle impacts the time it takes to clean it properly, you should be charging extra for your services.

• Location - prices can significantly differ according to your region. The prices will be higher in more affluent locations.

As we know, London tends to be more expensive than most places. Here’s an example of the pricing structure of a London based car wash business:

Source: 24HOURCARWASH

Tips for Car Washing Pricing

Check your competitors. Research what other local car cleaning businesses are charging for their services and set yours accordingly.

Have a clear pricing structure. Whether it’s on a sign, a flyer or your website, make sure you clearly display all of your prices. Be sure to detail additional costs for heavily soiled vehicles or specific services.

Consider offering deals on combined packages. If you offer reduced rates for combined packages, it can gain you extra business and revenue.

Is Car Cleaning A Good Side Hustle?

If you fancy earning a bit of extra money on the side, starting a car cleaning business can be a lucrative option.

Having a car cleaning business as a side hustle offers great flexibility. You get to work the hours you choose, and fit it in around any other commitments you have. In addition to this, the start-up costs are pretty low.

However, it won’t be all plain sailing. You’ll need to splash the cash on the required equipment and wait for jobs to come in before you can make that expenditure back. You’ll also have to make sure potential customers know about your business so you’ll need to invest some time and effort into marketing your car cleaning business.

If starting a car cleaning business as a side hustle appeals to you, consider the following:

• Don’t run before you can walk. Start out small and slowly increase your customer base.

• Utilise social media to create a solid online presence.

• Offer a realistic bundle of services that are achievable.

• Contact local businesses that might complement your services.

Conclusion

Starting your own car cleaning business as a full time initiative or a side hustle takes dedication. You must plan carefully, get all the needed equipment and ensure customer satisfaction..

Whilst the initial investment isn’t groundbreaking, you’ll still have a steep learning curve and some challenges. That said, if run correctly, a car cleaning business can offer a steady income along with growth opportunities.

If you’re just looking for any side hustle that can offer some extra income, though, you could consider Matched Betting. You might not turn it into a full time income (though some people do!), but you could make £300 - £1000 from the comfort of your own home.