National Car Wash Day

A smiling person in casual clothing, holding a hose and washing a shiny car in a sunny neighborhood street with friends or family, creating soap suds that add a playful touch to the scene.. — National car wash day illustration

Hold onto your sponges, folks, because we're diving into the ever-so-splashy history of National Car Wash Day! Yes, you read that right. There's a day dedicated to the squeaky clean, glossy and irresistibly waxy sheen of carefully washed cars. Buckle up, it's going to be a bubbly ride!

When is Car Wash Day?

It's national car wash day on the 28th March.

The Sudsy Origin of National Car Wash Day

Back in 2015, the world seemed to have a 'lightbulb' moment. With 13 mentions online, the whispers, nay, the pressure hose blasts, of a National Car Wash Day started to resonate through our virtual neighbourhood. On the 28th of March, the Internet's tires hit the road, celebrating that gratifying task of giving our four-wheeled friends an frothy makeover.

Why this Deep Clean Dive?

As we glance at our dusty dashboards, let's remember that Car Wash Day is more than just a silly excuse to play with bubbles. It serves as a vehicle (pun very intended) for remembering the genius of car wash innovation and the pleasure of cruising in a spotless ride.

How to Celebrate National Car Wash Day

Pull out your water hose, buckets, sponges and let the good times roll! Not only is it a perfect day to care for your car, but also bond with loved ones while you're at it. Show your car some love and let the soap suds wash away the stress of everyday life--because washing your car can be therapeutic, right?

Join the Bubble Festivities

Let's keep the tradition alive! Every year, pump up your favourite tunes, give your old ride a good scrub and let us join in the celebration of National Car Wash Day! Remember, it doesn't have to be sparkly and perfect - it's the thought and effort that counts!

History behind the term 'Car Wash'

1946

Rapid growth of cars

After World War II, there was a rapid growth in car ownership across the United States. This surge in automobile ownership led to an increased demand for services catering to cars, including car washing.

1947

The first automatic car wash

The first automatic car wash was developed and introduced by a businessman named Thomas Simpson in Detroit, Michigan. This innovative concept revolutionized the way cars were washed, with a mechanized system that used brushes, water, and soap to clean vehicles quickly and efficiently.

1955

Expansion and franchising

Car wash businesses started to expand and embrace the franchise model, allowing the rapid spread of car wash locations across the country. This expansion enabled more people to access convenient and affordable car washing services.

1960s

Tunnel car washes

In the 1960s, tunnel car washes gained popularity. These car washes featured a conveyor system that automatically moved cars through the wash process, using a combination of water, detergents, and brushes to clean the vehicles. Tunnel car washes proved to be highly efficient and time-saving.

1970s

Advancements in car wash technology

During the 1970s, advancements in car wash technology continued to improve the convenience and effectiveness of car washing. Innovations included touchless car wash systems that used high-pressure water jets and specialized detergents to clean the vehicles without any physical contact, reducing the chance of causing scratches or damages.

1990s

Environmentally friendly car washes

In the 1990s, the industry began focusing on developing environmentally friendly car wash solutions. Water recycling systems were introduced to reduce water consumption, and biodegradable detergents were used to minimize the impact on the environment.

Present

Variety of car wash options

Today, there are various types of car washes available, ranging from self-service car washes where individuals wash their own cars using provided equipment to full-service car washes that offer comprehensive cleaning services. The car wash industry continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies such as automated touchless systems and mobile car washing services to meet the diverse needs of car owners.

Did you know?

Did you know that the first 'automatic' car wash system, which used manual labor to push cars through a tunnel of cleaning services, was first introduced in Detroit, Michigan in 1914? Talk about innovation!