Mobile car wash and detail business
Drive to homes and workplaces and hand wash cars on the spot for a set fee.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A hand car wash service that comes to the customer, covering exterior wash, wheels, interior vacuum and wipe-down. Add-ons like waxing or interior detailing can lift the price per job.
Your first three steps
- Price your packages by checking what local mobile washers and car washes charge
- Set up your kit (pressure washer or bucket method, vacuum, microfibre cloths) and test it on friends' cars for photos
- Get an ABN and public liability insurance, then promote in local Facebook groups and to nearby offices
Who pays
Busy households, office workers, small fleets, tradies and car dealers who want clean vehicles without driving to a car wash.
How it makes money
A set price per wash by vehicle size, with extras for add-ons. Regular fortnightly or monthly clients and workplace bookings keep the diary full.
Skills that help
- Attention to detail
- Reliable and punctual
- Customer service
- Physical fitness
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance
- Check your local council and state EPA rules on wash water runoff and washing on streets or driveways
- Water and power access: some customers will not have a tap or outlet handy, so consider a water tank and generator
- Weather and heat can affect your working days, so plan for quiet periods
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: mobile car wash and detail
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile car wash in Australia?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on equipment, vehicle setup and whether you add a water tank and generator. Some customers will not have a tap or outlet handy.
How much can a mobile car wash earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and add-ons like waxing or interior detailing. Weather and heat can affect working days, so plan for quiet periods.
What rules and insurance should I check for a mobile car wash?
Check that you have public liability insurance. Also check your local council and state EPA rules on wash water runoff and washing on streets or driveways before you start taking bookings.
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Photo: sasint on Pixabay