Popular Posts The business of conveyor belts Carwash real estate values in 2022 Should you service RVs with a truck wash? Extrutech Plastics Inc. celebrates 30 years Market Focus: Amplify Car Wash Advisors expands firm with addition of new talent Connect with us advertise with us
The business of conveyor belts
Carwash real estate values in 2022
Should you service RVs with a truck wash?
Extrutech Plastics Inc. celebrates 30 years
Market Focus: Amplify Car Wash Advisors expands firm with addition of new talent
Popular Posts The business of conveyor belts Carwash real estate values in 2022 Should you service RVs with a truck wash? Extrutech Plastics Inc. celebrates 30 years Market Focus: Amplify Car Wash Advisors expands firm with addition of new talent Connect with us advertise with us
The business of conveyor belts
Carwash real estate values in 2022
Should you service RVs with a truck wash?
Extrutech Plastics Inc. celebrates 30 years
Market Focus: Amplify Car Wash Advisors expands firm with addition of new talent
The Car Wash Show 2022 Exhibit Product Guide
The important industry research provided in this report is brought to you with the assistance of our sponsors. These industry leaders are critical resources to professional carwashing and detailing. Please reference and contact these suppliers and manufacturers for all of your professional car care equipment, tool and product needs.
The important industry research provided in this report is brought to you with the assistance of our sponsors. These industry leaders are critical resources to professional carwashing and detailing. Please reference and contact these suppliers and manufacturers for all of your professional car care equipment, tool and product needs.
Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Additional Profit Centers Bus WashesPet WashesTowel Vending MachinesTruck WashesVending MachinesVending SuppliesVendor Accessories Building and Construction Air DoorsBollardsBuildings, CarwashCanopiesCar Care Building & ConstructionCeiling and Wall CoveringsDoors, Door OpenersLED LightingLightingPVC Doors, PrehungShade CanopySigns, DisplaySigns, EquipmentTunnel BuildingsWall Ceiling, PlasticWall Panels, FiberglassWind Doors Business and Industry Resources AdvertisingAdvertising, Promotional ItemsAssociationsConsultantsDirect Mail CompaniesEducational MaterialFinancingInsuranceTickets/CouponsTrade Associations Computer, Payment and Security Systems Alarm, SecurityAuto Tellers/ ATMs /Auto CashiersCameras, Video SurveillanceCash RegistersChangers, Bill & CoinCoin AcceptorsCoin BoxesCoin Chutes & MetersCoin CountersCoin ScalesCoin SortersComputer HardwareComputer SoftwareComputer SystemsControl Panels & SystemsControl SystemsController/Monitor MetersControllersCredit Card ProcessingCurrency CountersDiagnostic EquipmentLocks, SecurityMoney Drawers, TraysPoint-Of-Sale SystemsRFIDsSafety ControlsSensorsSurveillance & SecurityTurnkey Installation Conveyor Equipment ArchesArches, CurtainArches, DryingArches, RinsingArches, WashingArches, WaxingConveyor ChainsConveyor Control SystemsConveyor DrumsConveyor RollersConveyor SprocketsConveyor, FrictionConveyor, HybridConveyor, TouchlessConveyorsConveyors/TunnelsMini TunnelPolishing SystemsRoller Dollies Detailing AbsorbentsAir Fresheners, DeodorizersBuffersBuffing PadsChamoisChamois WringersClay, Detailing SuppliesDetailing SuppliesDetailing TrailersExtractorsHeadlight RestorationLiftsMicroFiber TowelsMittsMobile WashesPaint RestorationPolishing ClothsReconditioning CompoundsReconditioning MachinesSpongesStain RemovalSteam Cleaning SuppliesTowelsWaterless carwash productsWindshield Care & Supplies General Carwash Equipment ActuatorsAdaptorsAir CompressorsAir CurtainsAir Line AccessoriesAir MachinesAir Motor MufflersAir Pressure RegulatorsAir SolenoidsAir System AccessoriesAutomatic Pressure WashBearingsBoilersBoilers, ChemicalBroomsBrushesCarwash equipmentControl ValvesDryer SystemsEnergy-Efficient EquipmentFittingsFoam Washing MaterialsGaugesGauges, PressureHeaters, BayHeaters, DoorHeaters, ElectricHeaters, FloorHeaters, GasHeaters, InfraredHeaters, Radiant TubeHeaters, SpaceHeaters, Waste OilHeaters, WaterHeating CoilsHose AccessoriesHose ReelsHose, VacuumHosesHydraulic SystemsMat CleanersMat HoldersMotorsPit Cleaning MachineryPit CoversRegulators, AirRelaysSoft Cloth Carwash SystemsSwivel FittingsTire Cleaners, MechanicalTire InflatorsTouchfreeVacuum Parts & AccessoriesVacuumsValvesWheel Washers In-bay Automatic and Self-Serve Equipment Boom SwivelsBoomsBrushes, FoamingFragrance DispensersGun / Wand HoldersIn-bay AutomaticIn-Bay Automatic, FrictionIn-Bay Automatic, HybridIn-Bay Automatic, TouchfreeSelf-Serve EquipmentSwivel Repair KitsTimers, ElectronicTimers, Vacuum & BayTokensWand Handles & GripsWands, Self-Serve Water, Chemicals and Fluid Handling Additives, Chemicals & BoostersAdhesivesBug RemoversChemical MixersChemicals, Detergents & SoapsChlorinatorsConcrete Floor CleanersDegreasersDeionizing SystemsDetergents/SoapsDispensersEngine CleanersFiltersFluid DispensersFoamersFragrancesGlass CleanersHydraulic FluidInjection DevicesLine StrainersMetering DevicesNozzlesOdor ControlPaint RemoverpH MetersPipe FittingsPit Cleaning CompoundsPortable Pressure WashersPressure WashersProtectantsPumping StationsPumpsPumps, Chemical FeedPumps, RemanufacturedReclaim SystemsRegulators, Pump & PressureReverse Osmosis PumpsReverse Osmosis SystemsRust InhibitorsScale RemoversShampoo, Upholstery & CarpetSludge PumpsSolventsSpot-Free RinseStorage Tank MonitorsStorage Tank Pump SystemsStorage Tanks, ChemicalStorage Tanks, SteamStorage Tanks, WaterStrainersTar RemoversTDS MetersTire Cleaner ApplicatorsTire Cleaner ChemicalsTire ShinersTubingTunnel CleanersWater BroomsWater Chlorine kitsWater Hardness kitsWater Heating SystemsWater MonitoringWater Reclaim SystemsWater Recovery ComponentsWater Test KitsWater Testing EquipmentWater TreatmentWaxesWeep Water SystemsWhitewall Cleaners
Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Additional Profit Centers Bus WashesPet WashesTowel Vending MachinesTruck WashesVending MachinesVending SuppliesVendor Accessories Building and Construction Air DoorsBollardsBuildings, CarwashCanopiesCar Care Building & ConstructionCeiling and Wall CoveringsDoors, Door OpenersLED LightingLightingPVC Doors, PrehungShade CanopySigns, DisplaySigns, EquipmentTunnel BuildingsWall Ceiling, PlasticWall Panels, FiberglassWind Doors Business and Industry Resources AdvertisingAdvertising, Promotional ItemsAssociationsConsultantsDirect Mail CompaniesEducational MaterialFinancingInsuranceTickets/CouponsTrade Associations Computer, Payment and Security Systems Alarm, SecurityAuto Tellers/ ATMs /Auto CashiersCameras, Video SurveillanceCash RegistersChangers, Bill & CoinCoin AcceptorsCoin BoxesCoin Chutes & MetersCoin CountersCoin ScalesCoin SortersComputer HardwareComputer SoftwareComputer SystemsControl Panels & SystemsControl SystemsController/Monitor MetersControllersCredit Card ProcessingCurrency CountersDiagnostic EquipmentLocks, SecurityMoney Drawers, TraysPoint-Of-Sale SystemsRFIDsSafety ControlsSensorsSurveillance & SecurityTurnkey Installation Conveyor Equipment ArchesArches, CurtainArches, DryingArches, RinsingArches, WashingArches, WaxingConveyor ChainsConveyor Control SystemsConveyor DrumsConveyor RollersConveyor SprocketsConveyor, FrictionConveyor, HybridConveyor, TouchlessConveyorsConveyors/TunnelsMini TunnelPolishing SystemsRoller Dollies Detailing AbsorbentsAir Fresheners, DeodorizersBuffersBuffing PadsChamoisChamois WringersClay, Detailing SuppliesDetailing SuppliesDetailing TrailersExtractorsHeadlight RestorationLiftsMicroFiber TowelsMittsMobile WashesPaint RestorationPolishing ClothsReconditioning CompoundsReconditioning MachinesSpongesStain RemovalSteam Cleaning SuppliesTowelsWaterless carwash productsWindshield Care & Supplies General Carwash Equipment ActuatorsAdaptorsAir CompressorsAir CurtainsAir Line AccessoriesAir MachinesAir Motor MufflersAir Pressure RegulatorsAir SolenoidsAir System AccessoriesAutomatic Pressure WashBearingsBoilersBoilers, ChemicalBroomsBrushesCarwash equipmentControl ValvesDryer SystemsEnergy-Efficient EquipmentFittingsFoam Washing MaterialsGaugesGauges, PressureHeaters, BayHeaters, DoorHeaters, ElectricHeaters, FloorHeaters, GasHeaters, InfraredHeaters, Radiant TubeHeaters, SpaceHeaters, Waste OilHeaters, WaterHeating CoilsHose AccessoriesHose ReelsHose, VacuumHosesHydraulic SystemsMat CleanersMat HoldersMotorsPit Cleaning MachineryPit CoversRegulators, AirRelaysSoft Cloth Carwash SystemsSwivel FittingsTire Cleaners, MechanicalTire InflatorsTouchfreeVacuum Parts & AccessoriesVacuumsValvesWheel Washers In-bay Automatic and Self-Serve Equipment Boom SwivelsBoomsBrushes, FoamingFragrance DispensersGun / Wand HoldersIn-bay AutomaticIn-Bay Automatic, FrictionIn-Bay Automatic, HybridIn-Bay Automatic, TouchfreeSelf-Serve EquipmentSwivel Repair KitsTimers, ElectronicTimers, Vacuum & BayTokensWand Handles & GripsWands, Self-Serve Water, Chemicals and Fluid Handling Additives, Chemicals & BoostersAdhesivesBug RemoversChemical MixersChemicals, Detergents & SoapsChlorinatorsConcrete Floor CleanersDegreasersDeionizing SystemsDetergents/SoapsDispensersEngine CleanersFiltersFluid DispensersFoamersFragrancesGlass CleanersHydraulic FluidInjection DevicesLine StrainersMetering DevicesNozzlesOdor ControlPaint RemoverpH MetersPipe FittingsPit Cleaning CompoundsPortable Pressure WashersPressure WashersProtectantsPumping StationsPumpsPumps, Chemical FeedPumps, RemanufacturedReclaim SystemsRegulators, Pump & PressureReverse Osmosis PumpsReverse Osmosis SystemsRust InhibitorsScale RemoversShampoo, Upholstery & CarpetSludge PumpsSolventsSpot-Free RinseStorage Tank MonitorsStorage Tank Pump SystemsStorage Tanks, ChemicalStorage Tanks, SteamStorage Tanks, WaterStrainersTar RemoversTDS MetersTire Cleaner ApplicatorsTire Cleaner ChemicalsTire ShinersTubingTunnel CleanersWater BroomsWater Chlorine kitsWater Hardness kitsWater Heating SystemsWater MonitoringWater Reclaim SystemsWater Recovery ComponentsWater Test KitsWater Testing EquipmentWater TreatmentWaxesWeep Water SystemsWhitewall Cleaners
Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the premiere carwash trade magazine, providing car care professionals, primarily carwash owners and operators, with the information they need to manage and grow a thriving business.
Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the premiere carwash trade magazine, providing car care professionals, primarily carwash owners and operators, with the information they need to manage and grow a thriving business.
ByExtrutech Plastics Inc. on June 16, 2022
ByMatthew Lapolice and Ryan Zuercher on May 26, 2022
Clayton Clark, Miron Briley and Richard Terry from WhiteWater Express Car Wash discuss leadership, respect and communication's impact on employee productivity and morale.
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Finish Line recently opened its 11th location.
This Wash of the Week features a single location carwash in California.
This carwash offers automatic and self-serve carwashing as well as mobile detailing services.
Professional Carwashing & Detailing is excited to offer you our research results on the professional carwash industry.
Insights on the benefits of modern carwash vacuum technology and design.
A leadership expert shares what he has found success in when recruiting, training and communicating with employees.
Belt experts discuss what the future of conveyors will look like in carwashing.
Avoiding these seven products is essential when considering safety and the longevity of the interiors.
Many factors can separate an excellent interior detailing job from a poor one. Your technique goes a long way, but it’s also crucial to ensure you use the right tools of the trade.
Choosing between cleaning products is about more than price and efficacy. Some readily available and even popular options can damage car interiors. You want to avoid that, considering how some customers may pay up to $300 for these services.1 Other products may even endanger your health.
Here are seven types of products to avoid when detailing interiors.
You should avoid silicone-based dashboard protectants when cleaning the dashboard and similar surfaces. These solutions are popular in some circles because they leave a glossy finish, but this is actually a problem in practice.
Dashboards shouldn’t be reflective because they could shine light into drivers’ eyes, making it harder to see. This glare is a serious safety issue, with accidents in bright sunlight contributing to 5,000 more days in the hospital for car crash patients.2 Protect your customers and avoid glare-causing silicone protectants.
Opt for cleaners and protectants that produce a matte finish instead. Some people may not like the look as much, but it’s a safer alternative. It’ll also attract less dust, keeping it clean for longer.
One of the most important things to avoid is bleach. This may seem obvious to some professionals, but bleach misuse is surprisingly common. In a 2020 survey, medical professionals found that 39% of Americans had misused bleach or similar disinfectants within the previous month.3
The temptation to use bleach-based cleaning products may arise when considering their potential as a stain remover. Some interior materials, like microsuede, can stain with just water, and bleach is a powerful cleaner.4 However, it’s often too corrosive and can leave stains of its own or permanently damage some materials.
Check your cleaning materials’ ingredients for bleach before using them. You may know not to use bleach itself, but you may not realize that other cleaners often contain the chemical.
Dish soap is another common cleaner you shouldn’t use on car interiors. These may seem fine at first because they’re safe for food surfaces and don’t pose any health risks. They’re also affordable and widely available, so it can be tempting to use them to keep costs low.
Dish detergent may be cheap, but it’s also harsher than what you need for car detailing. These products remove grease by design, but they often also take many car protectants with them. They may be OK to use once or twice, but repeated use could wear some fabrics and surfaces down until they start to degrade.
You should avoid dish soap in any capacity on car exteriors, and it’s best to go by the same principle for interior detailing. A small amount may be fine, but the risks of repeated or excessive use outweigh the benefits.
Another common class of cleaning product to avoid is glass cleaner with ammonia. Many household window cleaning solutions contain the chemical, albeit in low percentages. The amount of ammonia in them poses only minimal health risks, but it’s not suitable for car interiors.5
Like many other products on this list, ammonia is too harsh for a car’s unique considerations. Spilling or dripping it onto the car’s upholstery could damage it and create unpleasant smells. It may also degrade the windshield’s tint or anti-glare coating, leading to safety concerns when driving.
Ammonia-based glass cleaners will also affect the car’s touch and control panel screens. These devices may become less responsive or difficult to see as the ammonia wears away at their protective coatings. Avoid these undesirable outcomes by double-checking your glass cleaner to ensure it’s ammonia-free.
Some products are perfectly suited for some parts of an interior detailing job, but not all products. That’s the case with alcohol-based cleaners. Alcohol is generally a gentle and effective chemical on most surfaces, but it can damage leather seating.
Alcohol can ruin the urethane coating that most leather seats feature.6 Wiping this protective layer away will expose the underlying material to heat, air and other contaminants. Consequently, it could get dirty, harden or crack over time, ruining the customer’s interior.
This applies to real and imitation leather. Opt for dedicated leather cleaners instead, and, as with other products, check the label to ensure they don’t contain alcohol. Alcohol-based cleaners can be safe and effective if you’re not dealing with leather, though.
Some cleaning products to avoid when detailing interiors not only pose risks to cars, but to your health as well. For example, naphthalene can endanger your health, so it’s best to avoid it for your own sake. Naphthalene doesn’t appear in many cleaners, but it’s still present in some, so check your labels to ensure you don’t use it.
Naphthalene is perhaps most well-known for its role in mothballs, but some carpet cleaners, all-purpose cleansers and other detailing products contain it too. Immediate exposure to the chemical can cause eye and throat irritation and may make your skin itch.7 However, most risks come when using these products over time.
Prolonged exposure through skin contact or inhalation can cause anemia. It can also cloud your eyes, damaging your vision. It’s best to avoid the chemical altogether to protect your health and that of your employees.
Another type of product to avoid for health reasons is cleaners containing benzene. Benzene is an ingredient in some detergents, dyes and lubricants, so you may encounter it when selecting cleaning products. This chemical is fairly common but can pose serious health risks.
Benzene causes cells to not work correctly, resulting in several issues. They can range from anemia to white blood cell loss, affecting your immune system. Long-term, repeated exposure can even cause leukemia.
Most benzene poisoning happens through inhalation. They are easier to breathe in when working in a cramped car interior. Benzene is becoming less common in standard cleaners, but it’s still worth looking out for to avoid.
Use the right products when detailing interiors
You can make the most of your interior detailing when you know which products you should and shouldn’t use. You can then provide long-term value to customers by preventing damage and protecting your employees’ health. There’s more to detailing than what products you use, but making these choices is a crucial first step.
1https://www.autotrader.com/car-tips/cost-to-detail-a-car
2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5228668/
3https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/cdc-coronavirus-bleach.html
5https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/glass-cleaner/
6https://www.refijet.com/cleaning-your-car-during-covid/
7https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/naphthalene.htm
8https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/benzene/basics/facts.asp
Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Modded, where he writes about cars, car trends and auto news. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.
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