Why a hand wash instead of the tunnel

Automatic car washes are quick, but the spinning brushes and recycled water leave fine circular scratches. You see them as swirls when the sun hits the paint. A hand wash takes longer. It also means the only thing touching your paint is a clean microfiber mitt with plenty of soap.

How we wash

First, a rinse with water to knock off the loose dirt. Then we spray the whole car with foam and wash it with that, which loosens dirt and pollen. After that comes the two-bucket hand wash: one bucket of soapy water, one of clean water to rinse the mitt, each with a grit guard at the bottom so sand stays down there instead of going back on the car.

Wheels get their own cleaner and brushes, so the brushes that touch brake dust never touch your paint. After drying with a plush towel, the paint gets a spray wax for gloss. It makes water bead off and helps the car stay cleaner between washes. If you want a bit more protection, add the ceramic spray sealant (+$30) and we put it on over the wax. Before we leave, we check the tire pressure, add air where it’s low, and top up the washer fluid. Both are free.

Good to know

  • We need an outdoor faucet and an outlet within about 50 feet of the car.
  • We don’t wash in the rain or near freezing temperatures. Bad weather means a free reschedule.
  • Add headlight restoration for $99 instead of $129.
  • Add an engine bay cleaning for $25. It takes about 30 minutes.
  • Want the inside done too? A full detail costs less than booking both separately.

Price

$79 for sedans and coupes, $99 for SUVs, trucks and minivans. No travel fee within 20 miles of Richmond. You pay after the job.