DIY vs. Professional Truck Fleet Washing: What’s the Best Option?

Keeping your truck fleet clean isn’t just about looks - it’s also essential to maintain your vehicle and project a professional image. You’re probably asking yourself, should you roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, or should you hire a professional?

Truck washing might seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than you think. It’s not just about soap and water, it’s about cost efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and getting the job done right.

The DIY Route: How to Wash a Truck Yourself

If you’re considering washing your truck yourself, here is a rundown of what you’ll need to do:

• Gather your supplies. You’ll need a pressure washer, truck specific soap, brushes, and microfiber towels.
• Start with a thorough rinse, as this helps loosen dirt and grime.
• Apply soap from bottom to top because it prevents streaking.
• Scrub gently but thoroughly and pay extra attention to stubborn areas like wheel wells and grilles.
• Rinse well, starting from the top this time.
• Don’t forget about the undercarriage, as it’s often overlooked but crucial for preventing rust.
• Dry with microfiber towels to avoid water spots.

While this all sounds simple, it takes practice and the right materials to get it right.

The Benefits of Washing Your Own Truck

DIY truck washing has some serious perks. First, you’re in complete control. You decide when and how often to wash your truck. You don’t have to worry about scheduling hassles or waiting around.

Plus, you get to choose your own products. This is a huge perk, because not all truck fleet washing chemicals are created equal. With DIY, you can choose high-quality, eco-friendly products that are tough on dirt but gentle on your truck's finish.

Image Wash Product’s exterior soaps and chemicals are a safe way to cut through road grime without harming your truck’s paint or clear coat. The Touchless 1 and 2 chemicals are specially formulated with organic acids that won’t harm your truck’s finish and will get your surface 90% clean when used correctly.

If you frequently haul your truck through muddy construction sites, you can give extra attention to those trouble spots.

How much is a truck wash? It can cost you hundreds of dollars per truck for a professional wash, and DIY can be significantly cheaper than professional services, especially for larger fleets.

Downsides of DIY Semi Truck Washing

Washing a single semi-truck can eat up hours of your day. Multiply that by a fleet, and you’re looking at a significant time investment.

You might miss spots or use too much pressure in the wrong places - it happens. Pressure washing mistakes are common when first learning how to wash a semi-truck yourself.

You might be wondering - how much does it cost to wash a semi-truck? As far as equipment, quality pressure washers, and other tools can be pricey - as in thousands of dollars. If you’re just starting out, the upfront cost can be a hurdle.

Lastly, there’s the physical aspect. Truck washing is hard work. It’s wet, dirty, and can be exhausting. If you're not up for the physical challenge, DIY might not be your best bet.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Truck Fleet Washing Company

One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional truck fleet washing company is convenience. You hand over your trucks, and they come back sparkling clean.

The professionals have the experience to do the job quickly and efficiently. Plus, they know all of the tricks of the trade to get your fleet looking its best in the shortest time possible.

Many professional services use high-end equipment that might be out of reach for the average DIYer, like specialized lifts and industrial-strength pressure washers. There’s also the consistency factor. With professionals, you can expect a uniform level of cleanliness across your entire fleet.

Drawbacks of Hiring Out

A common drawback of hiring a professional service is cost. Regular professional washes can add up fast, especially for larger fleets. You’re also at the mercy of their schedule. If you need an emergency car wash for semi-trucks before a big client meeting, you might be out of luck if your regular service is booked solid.

There's also less control over the products used. Some services might use harsher chemicals to speed up the cleaning process, which could potentially damage your trucks’ finishes over time. You also can’t forget about the attention to detail.

While many professional services do a great job, they might not catch every nook and cranny the way you would if you were doing it yourself.

Final Thoughts

If you've got the time, energy, and inclination to learn, DIY can be a cost-effective option that gives you total control. It's especially appealing if you're particular about the products you use on your trucks.

That’s why we offer an assortment of DIY products that can help you keep your fleet clean, functional, and well protected from the elements.

View our collection of exterior soaps and chemicals here.