Since I live in an apartment building, I can't easily wash my car myself. Where, in the DC Metro Area, could anyone suggest that I take my car to get washed (either manually or in an automatic car wash)?

Thanks!

 

we have these mobile detailers. There's a guy I have been using for years who comes by my office with a van, an assistant and a couple of 50gal drums of water. He washes cars for very close to the cost of a decent touchless carwash, about $20-25, depending on the size of the vehicle. He does a nice job and we often have him wash cars for our clients while they are in out parking space as well. He will also hand wax, clay bar, wash upholstery and do a lot the services found at a detailer shop.

I expect there may well be services like that in your area. You might research that as well as car washes you drive to. It's really cool to go out to your car and find it all nice and clean and you didn't have to take time away from work.

 

Maybe you could be a little more specific about where in the DC area you are? Are you in MD, VA, or DC?

I was always happy with how Suds on 29 in Centerville treated (and cleaned) my Cooper... Never took the S there because I was too lazy to take the roof rack bars off at the time...

On the other hand I went to the Mr Wash (or is it Dr Wash?) on 50 in the Herndon/Centreville area and wouldn't ever go back... Their machines ripped my Euro tag off the front bumper of the Cooper... Luckily there was no damage to the bumper or the Euro tag frame...

I used to also go to a place on Route 1 in the Mt Vernon area that I liked a lot, but I don't remember their name... They were on southbound 1 just past the Gum Springs area...

Of course if you're in MD, then these recommendations are pretty much useless for you...

 

Here in Florida alot of the apartment complexes have community area that you can hook-up a hose and wash your own car. Have you checked with the complex manager

 

I'm in DC (Upper NW). But I don't need an excuse to drive my MINI :-) And having a better car wash is always better.

No such luck for the car washing at my apt. When I lived in NC, we had car washing stations, but not up here. Thanks though!

 

I live in a complex where we do have locations where we can hook up a hose but I found a solution that works well and saves alot of water. I bought I 2 gallon heavy duty pump up sprayer that you would use to spray weed killer and stuff and put my clean water in that...and have a bucket with my soapy water. All done in no time flat and use only about 3 gallons of water total!

 

If you can find one of these, I'd highly recommend them:

http://www.pdqinc.com/laserwash-4000/index.shtml

True no-touch, does a good job. $9 for all of the options.

 

Since he says he likes to drive...

There's a laser wash at the BP station behind the Amerisuites off Westfields Blvd in Centreville...

 

If you live buy a dealer you get free car washes on every saturday, but you should tip ~$2-5 dependind on the job.

-Cody

 

Not necessarily a good plan... Many dealers are known for their lack of attention to detail when it comes to washing cars...

And when it comes to the laser wash, I might add that I only like it for a quick rinse the gunk off washing... When I really want it clean (including removing break dust and ALL the bug guts) and I can't do it myself, the cars go to a full service wash...

 

I posted here by mistake, sorry.