How to Clean Your Customers’ Vehicles That Have Been Mudding

You probably have several customers who own trucks, SUVs, Jeeps®, or other 4x4 vehicles and who like to take them off-roading. This can be quite fun, especially when it is wet, rainy, and muddy. It allows the owner to have some fun and, hopefully, not get stuck. Yet, when they are done, their vehicles will be covered in mud and need to be cleaned up.

Step 1: Pre-wash the vehicle. 

Use water to rinse off as much mud and dirt as possible. Don’t forget about the mud on the undercarriage. You want to pressure wash off as much mud as possible. Just don’t get too close with the pressure wash tip, as this could remove the clear coat and paint.

Step 2: Wash the vehicle.

The next step is to suds up the vehicle with some car wash soap. Make sure to use the spray wand to apply the soap and wash the vehicle. The soap will help loosen up any stubborn mud that could have started to dry. Don’t forget about the tires, wheels, and front grill.

Step 3: Rinse and repeat.

Rinse the vehicle off and confirm all the mud has been removed. If there is mud left, wash it again using the wand to apply soap and pressure wash it.

Step 4: Hand wash with soap and microfiber soft towels.

You should avoid using bushes on the vehicles you clean. The vinyl bristles could leave swirly scratches in the clear coat. Instead, once it looks like the mud has been removed, you want to wash the vehicle a third time, but this time by hand. Hand washing will ensure all the mud has been removed.

Step 5: Clean the tires and wheels.

Make sure that mud is removed from the tires and wheels. Mud can cause brakes to slip and not grab correctly if left on the rotors.

Step 6: Check under the hood.

Don’t forget to open the hood and check for mud there too. Use extra care when removing mud from under the hood to not get water into the air intake or engine.

Step 7: Dry the vehicle off and wax it.

Maintaining a decent coat of wax will make removing mud from your car wash customers’ vehicles easier. You should also use some type of wheel protectant, as this will add a layer of protection that will make rinsing mud off much easier.

Step 8: Armor All the undercarriage. 

A secret tip that will help make getting mud off the undercarriage is to spray it down with Armor All Protectant. The Armor All creates a layer of protection that makes it harder for mud to stick and dry to the undercarriage parts and components.

By following these steps, your customer will be amazed at how well you removed the mud from their vehicle after they went mudding.

If you have a self-serve car wash business, you can post these steps in your car wash bays to help your mudding customers keep their vehicles clean. Just make sure to stock up your vending machines with essential car wash products and detailing supplies they will need when washing their vehicles after mudding.

To find auto detailing supplies at wholesale prices for your car wash, please feel free to browse and shop online at Superior Car Wash Supply or give us a call at 800-554-9274 for further assistance today!