The 8 Best Car Wash Franchises of 2024 in the USA
With a total market size of $14 billion, the US car wash industry represents ~43% of the global car wash market today. With an average of 1200 car wash businesses in each state, the industry is incredibly competitive and fragmented.
In this industry stands a few major franchise players, from fully automated car wash to mobile providers, here are the top 5 car wash franchises in the US.
The Best Car Wash Franchises of the USA in 2024
Franchise | Franchising since | Initial Investment | AUV (Average Unit Volume) |
---|---|---|---|
Fleet Clean USA | 2013 | $160,000 – $436,000 | $308,000 |
No-H20 | 2012 | $135,000 – $163,000 | Undisclosed |
Prime Car Wash | 2019 | $1,685,000 – $3,280,000 | $1,786,000 |
Spiffy | 2020 | $117,000 – $256,000 | Undisclosed |
Tommy’s Express | 2016 | $4,589,000 – $7,897,000 | $1,825,000 |
Mr. Clean Car Wash | 2001 | $2,417,500 – $3,271,000 | Undisclosed |
DetailXPerts | 2008 | $88,500 – $195,500 | Undisclosed |
Monkey Shine | 1979 | $252,000 – $821,000 | $1,167,000* |
Fleet Clean USA
Franchising since 2013
Investment: $160,000 - $436,000
Revenue (AUV): $308,000
Franchised Units: 42
Fleet Clean USA is a commercial vehicle washing franchise headquartered in Henderson, Nevada. It is part of one of the largest mobile fleet washing companies in the US, offering exterior washes, trailer washouts, interior steam detailing, and pressure washing. Its franchises bring fully equipped washing equipment to their customers’ workplaces or locations.
Fleet Clean USA targets a wide variety of customers, such as businesses with fleets of vehicles, and washes anything from 18-wheelers, buses, delivery trucks, golf carts, etc.
Fleet Clean USA was founded in 2009 and began franchising in 2013. By the end of 2022, it had grown to 53 locations, of which 44 were franchises in the US.
No-H20
Franchising since 2012
Investment: $135,000 - $163,000
Revenue (AUV): $20,000
Franchised Units: 5
No-H20 is a waterless carwashing and detailing franchise based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Founded in 2007 by Emmet O’Brien, No-H2O uses its on-demand carwash technology and waterless products to safely remove all levels of light dirt films or heavy road grime from the exterior, windows, and interior of vehicles of all types.
No-H20 began franchising in 2012, and by the end of 2022, it had 17 locations in operation, with 14 franchises in the US.
No-H20 has transformed the carwash and detailing markets with its in-house app for carwashing and detailing, and its innovative on-demand model has been proven in markets in Europe since 2016. It offers franchise owners a convenient and eco-friendly model to build multiple income streams in the locations they operate.
Prime Car Wash
Franchising since 2019
Investment: $1,685,000 - $3,280,000
Revenue (AUV): $1,786,000
Franchised Units: 6
Prime Car Wash is a car wash chain headquartered in Noblesville, Indiana.
It offers full-service interior and exterior car washing and detailing for all types of vehicles.
Prime Car Wash was founded in 2012, and the founders wanted to build a business that balanced risk and reward while generating strong cash flow. It began franchising in 2019, and currently, it has eight franchised locations in the US, and it is still growing.
With its “Flex Service Car Wash” concept, Prime Car Wash presents its franchise owners with an opportunity to build a business that offers customers an express wash with the option of additional services, such as interior detailing.
Spiffy
Franchising since 2020
Investment: $117,000 - $256,000
Franchised Units: 16
Spiffy is a mobile app-based technology and services franchise based in Durham, North Carolina. It offers 100% zero-contact and complete car care services such as oil changes, disinfection, hand car washing, tire repair and replacement, and preventative maintenance services.
Spiffy was founded in 2014 by Scot Wingo and Karl Murphy with the aim of creating convenient and Eco-friendly car care for individuals and fleets. It began franchising in 2020, and it had grown to 16 franchises by 2024.
Spiffy is uniquely positioned as an eco-friendly services franchise that is technology-driven and has built convenience for franchise owners and customers to schedule, track, and pay for their cleaning and maintenance service through the Spiffy website, phone, or Android or iPhone app.
The Spiffy franchise is a great investment opportunity with potential for franchisees who are passionate about redefining the car care experience in an eco-conscious and innovative environment in the over $14 billion car care industry.
Tommy’s Express
Franchising since 2016
Investment: $4,589,000 - $7,897,000
Revenue (AUV): $1,825,000
Franchised Units: 123
Tommy’s Express is a chain of car wash professionals focused on providing franchisees with an opportunity in the car care industry.
The franchise operates luxuriously designed car wash centers, offering services such as Tommy Guard® and Ceramic Body Wax®, wheel cleaning and tire gloss, and underbody flush and spot-free rinse.
It was founded in 1969 in Holland, Michigan, where it is still based. Tommy’s Express’s franchising journey began in 2016, and it currently has 147 locations in the US.
Mr. Clean Car Wash
Franchising since 2001
Investment: $2,417,500 to $3,271,000
Franchised Units: 18
Mr. Clean Car Wash, founded as an extension of the Procter & Gamble brand, began franchising in 2001. The franchise offers a variety of car wash services, including express and full-service options.
As of 2024, there are 18 locations across the United States, with a concentration in Georgia.
Known for leveraging the strong recognition of the Mr. Clean brand, the franchise provides eco-friendly cleaning solutions and comprehensive customer service, making it an attractive option for franchisees looking to enter the car wash industry.
DetailXPerts
Franchising since 2008
Investment: $88,500 to $195,500
Franchised Units: 136
DetailXPerts, established in 2002, began franchising in 2008 and has since expanded to over 136 locations as of 2023.
The company specializes in eco-friendly vehicle cleaning and detailing services, utilizing a unique steam cleaning technology that minimizes water usage and eliminates the need for harsh chemicals.
This commitment to sustainability, combined with a proven business model and comprehensive franchise support, makes DetailXPerts an appealing opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in the green cleaning industry.
Monkey Shine
Franchising since 1979
Investment: $252,000 - $821,000
Franchised Units: 201
Monkey Shine is the car wash component of the Grease Monkey franchise, offering an additional revenue stream for franchisees.
Grease Monkey, established in 1978, began franchising in 1979 and has since expanded to over 500 locations worldwide.
Franchisees may also opt to include a Monkey Shine car wash facility, which can increase the total investment by approximately $151,650 to $761,135, depending on the facility’s configuration and size.
This combination provides entrepreneurs with a comprehensive automotive service offering, leveraging the established Grease Monkey brand and its commitment to quality and customer service.