Mobile car wash and detailing
Wash and detail cars at customers' homes and workplaces from a van or trailer.
- C$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A mobile hand wash and interior clean that comes to the customer, using your own water tank or the client's tap and a pressure washer or buckets. You can add extras like waxing, interior vacuuming and wheel cleaning.
Your first three steps
- Price out equipment (pressure washer, water tank, vacuum, microfibre cloths, products) and set your wash packages after checking local competitors
- Get commercial general liability insurance and a vehicle or trailer to carry your kit
- Offer discounted first washes to neighbours and local workplaces, and ask for reviews and photos
Who pays
Busy households, office workers who want their car cleaned while they work, small fleets and car dealerships.
How it makes money
Fixed price per wash package, with add-ons for waxing, interior detail and pet hair removal. Monthly plans for regular customers or small fleets give steadier income.
Skills that help
- Attention to detail
- Knowing which products suit which surfaces
- Friendly customer service
- Scheduling and route planning
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, ideally including damage to customers' vehicles
- Many municipalities restrict wash water running into storm drains, so check local bylaws and consider water reclaim mats
- Whether your municipality requires a business licence for mobile services
- Winter work is limited by freezing temperatures, so plan for a slower season or indoor options such as heated parking garages or interior-only detailing
- Check how to use the client's water or electricity and get permission first
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile car wash and detailing
Researched with live web search for Canada: 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 Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your vehicle or trailer, water tank, pressure washer, products and insurance. Many people start small and add equipment as bookings grow.
How much can a mobile car wash earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many cars you do, the services you offer and the season. Winter work is limited by freezing temperatures, so plan for a slower season.
What rules should I check before starting a mobile car wash?
Check local bylaws on wash water running into storm drains, and whether your municipality requires a business licence for mobile services. Also check commercial general liability insurance, and get permission before using a client's water or electricity.
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