Where can I wash my car?!?
Discussion
I hope somebody from London can help me here...
I have moved to this country less than two years ago (West London), and I have yet to understand how to get my car properly washed.
In my country (Italy) I am used to have three choices:
* the automated drive-through car washes (with brushes), which I avoid because the brushes scratch the paint (very lightly, but visible in reflection, no matter what they say)
* the self-service car washes, where you get all the equipment to wash the car yourself, and you pay by the minute using tokens
* the professional, hand-made car washers, which are very expensive, but use top products and top quality cloths and leathers, and provide the best possible service, and the best treatment for the paint; this type of wash generally lasts at least an hour, and is expensive because the products used are expensive.
Here in London there are plenty of car wash businesses around, all working by hand, at very competitive rates, but frankly they do an extremely poor job, and I have tried lots of them in West London. They use low-quality, cheap products, they re-use always the same clothes, and simply do not spend enough time cleaning the car, particularly the interiors. I always try the most expensive washing program, and I get the car after 10 minutes! You can't wash a car properly in 10 minutes, and in fact I am extremely unsatisfied, particularly with the interiors.
So far I have lived with this situation because I only had my family car (by the way, it is visibly scratched by these car washers, as they re-use always the same, dirty clothes). But as I am about to get my new Tuscan, I really need a solution. I can't take the Tuscan to these people, after I have spent so much money on a REFLEX paint...
Does anyone know where I can find a QUALITY car wash near west London, where cars are washed properly, using all the necessary time, and with no consequences for the paint?
Alternatively, a self-service type of car wash would be ok (those where you pay the jet wash by the minute and so on).
I have tried the Internet, Yell, etc., with no success.
Many thanks to whoever is able to help.
I have moved to this country less than two years ago (West London), and I have yet to understand how to get my car properly washed.
In my country (Italy) I am used to have three choices:
* the automated drive-through car washes (with brushes), which I avoid because the brushes scratch the paint (very lightly, but visible in reflection, no matter what they say)
* the self-service car washes, where you get all the equipment to wash the car yourself, and you pay by the minute using tokens
* the professional, hand-made car washers, which are very expensive, but use top products and top quality cloths and leathers, and provide the best possible service, and the best treatment for the paint; this type of wash generally lasts at least an hour, and is expensive because the products used are expensive.
Here in London there are plenty of car wash businesses around, all working by hand, at very competitive rates, but frankly they do an extremely poor job, and I have tried lots of them in West London. They use low-quality, cheap products, they re-use always the same clothes, and simply do not spend enough time cleaning the car, particularly the interiors. I always try the most expensive washing program, and I get the car after 10 minutes! You can't wash a car properly in 10 minutes, and in fact I am extremely unsatisfied, particularly with the interiors.
So far I have lived with this situation because I only had my family car (by the way, it is visibly scratched by these car washers, as they re-use always the same, dirty clothes). But as I am about to get my new Tuscan, I really need a solution. I can't take the Tuscan to these people, after I have spent so much money on a REFLEX paint...
Does anyone know where I can find a QUALITY car wash near west London, where cars are washed properly, using all the necessary time, and with no consequences for the paint?
Alternatively, a self-service type of car wash would be ok (those where you pay the jet wash by the minute and so on).
I have tried the Internet, Yell, etc., with no success.
Many thanks to whoever is able to help.
sirox said:It depends on which one you pick I guess.
I actually don't mind driving to some place to get the car washed.
Are the mobile valeters better than the ones around?
Invisible TOuch (07766 100320): Never used them but I've seen a van driving around.
There's half a dozen listed here (I know you said you'd tried Yell - but I might have searched for something different to you).
More here.
These guys sounded pretty competant on the phone.
>> Edited by V8 Archie on Monday 15th May 20:07
sirox said:
.........buying a bucket and sponge and doing it yourself
Yes, of course. Unfortunately I live in Chiswick, and I do not have a driveway or anything. The car is on the street. Washing it on the street is a bit difficult, also considering the lack of water...
I know what you mean - I live in Chiswick too - and have invested in a bucket and sponge (+ a small fortune in the usual cleaning products!)
crackedfinger said:Remember those little gizmos you used to be able to buy, a hose you clip in the bucket, and as you agitate the brush attached to the end, it used to sort of suck water up the hose, advertised as how to wash your car with one bucket of water, usually see them exhibited at car shows, London one coming up soon.
.........buying a bucket and sponge and doing it yourself
Yes, of course. Unfortunately I live in Chiswick, and I do not have a driveway or anything. The car is on the street. Washing it on the street is a bit difficult, also considering the lack of water...
I know what you mean - I live in Chiswick too - and have invested in a bucket and sponge (+ a small fortune in the usual cleaning products!)
Have a nice day out there
When I lived in London I was in a similar situation. Then I discovered Wharfside Car Valeting and never looked back (until I moved out of London that is!). I highly recommend them, they always took their time to get the car looking showroom clean in and out. And the best bit it whilst they're detailing your car you can explore Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs.
Wharfside Car Valeting
Wharfside Car Valeting
Does anyone have experience with this water-less product?
It seems impressive, and not too expensive...
[url]www.nowatervaleting.co.uk[/url]
It seems impressive, and not too expensive...
[url]www.nowatervaleting.co.uk[/url]
Ok new business alert for lazy people and city folk
Mobile SUPERCAR cleaning and valeting...oh even better
Mobile SUPERCAR cleaning and valeting by Page 3 Model (needs some common sense)
now how many of you would pay to see that clean your car....yummy!
you could suppy her with a hose and she could bring her jugs...
but seriously-- maybe the mobile supercar washer is a good idea.
the slogan could be:
Knowone will Worship your car as much as we will!
>> Edited by Garethgtt on Tuesday 16th May 09:13
Mobile SUPERCAR cleaning and valeting...oh even better
Mobile SUPERCAR cleaning and valeting by Page 3 Model (needs some common sense)
now how many of you would pay to see that clean your car....yummy!
you could suppy her with a hose and she could bring her jugs...
but seriously-- maybe the mobile supercar washer is a good idea.
the slogan could be:
Knowone will Worship your car as much as we will!
>> Edited by Garethgtt on Tuesday 16th May 09:13
Garethgtt said:
Mobile SUPERCAR cleaning and valeting by Page 3 Model
now how many of you would pay to see that clean your car....yummy!
NWS.........
www.bubbles-n-babes.com/welcome.htm
But it's a bit of a drive for you southeners
hehe awesome..topless car wash £25 and Bikini car wash £15
could you imagine if the missus came with you...reckon she would be impressed....
Do you think after they had washed the outside of the car they could remove stains off the seats ? :O
>> Edited by Garethgtt on Tuesday 16th May 12:24
could you imagine if the missus came with you...reckon she would be impressed....
Do you think after they had washed the outside of the car they could remove stains off the seats ? :O
>> Edited by Garethgtt on Tuesday 16th May 12:24
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