Evaluate and Refine Your Car Wash Water Quality for Superior Vehicle Cleaning and Equipment Longevity 

It’s an oft-cited fact that water is Earth’s most precious resource. Many people don’t realize how important water quality is in car washing because water’s composition affects how it reacts with wash chemicals and processes. Desirable water quality is vital in achieving optimal car wash performance and results.  

Challenges of Hard Water in Car Washing

For example, car washes with hard water, which contains excess minerals such as calcium and magnesium, may find it difficult to clean cars effectively and get the best performance from detergents and presoaks. Hard water can react adversely to certain car cleaning chemical components. These cleaning components don’t cooperate with hard water; they fight excess minerals and get consumed in the process. This causes operators to increase soap amounts to clean cars properly.

Further, hard water can cause soap scum to build up on surfaces, corrode and clog nozzles, and even prohibit an effective drying process. It also promotes buildup of scale on plumbing fixtures and equipment, affecting maintenance frequency and longevity. 

Reversing hard water effects usually requires the addition of water softeners, which utilize sodium to remove excess calcium and magnesium. Softer water is preferable, as it bonds effectively with car wash chemicals. 

Both municipal water supplies and wells can deliver hard water. It essentially depends on the geography of the supply and its naturally occurring minerals. Multi-unit car wash operators should evaluate and address each store separately, as water supplies can vary even within the same area. 

Water’s mineral makeup closely links to its pH, which measures acidity or alkalinity. Industrial activities like power plants or mining can influence a water supply’s pH. Extremes at either end of the pH scale can lead to issues such as corrosion and water toxicity.  

Particles in water, measured as TDS, cause vehicle spotting and overwork filtration systems. You may need a reverse osmosis (RO) system to remove excess impurities.

Water Quality Testing and Solutions

Howco offers complimentary on-site water testing, measuring pH and TDS, and sends samples to labs and equipment manufacturers. This can take place before building a car wash and/or prior to setting up the chemistry program. 

Why Understanding Water Quality Matters

The more operators know about their water quality and composition, the better they can adjust their chemical and equipment plans. The more operators know about their water quality and composition, the better they can adjust their chemical and equipment plans.

Contact Howco to schedule a chemical expert visit for water quality evaluation and a personalized car wash chemistry solution.