Opening a green detailing business
Are you thinking of starting a mobile waterless car wash business?  Eco Touch provides a full line of earth-friendly car cleaning supplies for entrepreneurs and small business owners. In fact, Entrepreneur Magazine named Eco Touch and waterless car washing as a trend to watch.

So, let's get started!

Launching your detailing business checklist:
✓ Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash Concentrate 
✓ Portable Waterless Car Wash System
✓ case of Eco Touch Microfiber Towels
✓ hand or backpack sprayer (you can find these at any hardware store)
✓ portable shop vacuum
✓ liability & garage keeper's insurance
✓ marketing collateral for promotion
✓ automobile with signage (if you are mobile)

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take to waterless car wash a vehicle?
This depends on several factors: size of the car, dirtiness and number of workers cleaning the vehicle. Listed below are the time estimates on waterless car washing vehicles.
   • Compact: 10 minutes 
   • Mid-sized: 15 minutes
   • Large SUV: 20 minutes

How much waterless car wash will I use per car?
   • Compact: 3 to 5 ounces formula
   • Mid-sized: 4 to 8 ounces formula
   • Large SUV: 7 to 10 ounces formula

How many waterless car washes will I get per bottle/gallon/pail/drum?
These figures are based on cleaning a mid-size sedan
   • 22 oz RTU - 3 to 5 cars
   • 1 gallon RTU - 16 to 32 cars
   • 1 gallon concentrate - 160 to 320 cars
   • 5 gallon concentrate - 800 to 1600 cars
   • 55 gallon concentrate - 8,800 to 17,600

What is the best way to apply Eco Touch to each vehicle?
There are several methods for applying Eco Touch to a vehicle surface. The first is with a normal trigger sprayer bottle. While this method works well if you are only cleaning one car, it can become tiresome.

For mobile waterless car wash units we suggest using a portable wash system. These allow for easy dilution of formulas and consistent spraying patterns. You can find the portable wash system in the Eco Touch store.

Is the waterless car wash the only product I will need to clean the vehicle?
Eco Touch waterless car wash is an excellent cleaner and protectant for the exterior of the car. However, we also offer other products such as a Carpet + Upholstery and Dashboard + Trim cleaner for interior surfaces.

Can I use your product in direct sunlight?
We strongly suggest you apply our waterless car wash on a cool car panel for optimal results. However, we understand that if you are a mobile car washer this can be difficult. Some of our detailers have found success diluting the waterless car wash concentrate 1:20 and spraying onto hot car panels to help them cool down first. They then follow up with a normal 1:10 dilution and clean as normal.

Since our formulas are water-based they will evaporate quickly if sprayed on a hot car panel. This can lead to streaking if you do not remove them in a timely fashion. So, quickly spray, wipe and buff to help reduce streaking.

What if I have a car that is extremely dirty (mud, salt, sand)?
You have several options when faced with a filthy car. First, you can try a pre-rinse with a 1:30 - 1:40 dilution of Eco Touch waterless car wash concentrate. You will need to be careful not to apply too much pressure onto the car panels to help reduce any risk of marring or scratching. If possible, have a bucket of clean water so you can rinse out the microfiber as you work your way around the car. When you are done pre-rinsing/washing return to a normal waterless car wash formula of 1:10.

Another option is to run the car to a self-serve wash and knock off the heavy soils. You can then follow-up with a normal Eco Touch waterless car wash even if the car's surface is still wet.

How much should I charge for my services?
This completely depends on the level of services you are offering. For instance if you are only doing express details, you may charge $5 -  $10 per wash. If you are offering complete detail packages with both interior and exterior cleaning you can charge $100 - $200 depending on the size of the vehicle and time it takes. We suggest networking with other detailers who can offer more specific advice on pricing.

Can I name my business "Eco Touch"?
We do not allow service providers to name their business Eco Touch. However, you can state "powered by Eco Touch products" or similar wording. Please contact us first before you use our name on your collateral and marketing pieces.

Will it scratch the car's finish?
No, when used properly our products will not scratch the car's finish. The surfactants (soaps) in our formula help lift the dirt and suspend it from the car's finish. A layer of polymers will remain on the car after you have wiped away the contaminants, leaving a silky smooth finish. We recommend using a plush microfiber towel because of the tiny 'scoops' each towel has in its strands. These safely encapsulate dirt and prevent scratching/marring. Of course, if there is heavy mud, salt, or sand you will want to pre-rinse these areas first. Another way to help lessen the chance of swirling or marring is the technique in which you wipe. Don't apply heavy pressure when toweling off the soil, wipe in a soft motion over the car's finish. If there is a stubborn spot, simply re-apply formula and wipe clean.