If you’re looking for a reliable and rewarding car wash franchise to invest in, you’re in luck.
Here are 15 of the best car wash franchises that will be thriving in 2023.
Each of these franchises offers a unique value proposition that is sure to appeal to today’s consumers.
1. Oasis Car Wash Systems
Oasis Car Wash Systems provides equipment instead of actual car wash stations.
It’s not a run of the mill station so there’s no investment fee to get started, making it a potential business idea you can start today with no money.
While you won’t get the same level of training and support that you will with some other options on this list, you’ll get detailed ROI analysis and other helpful resources to help you get started.
Plus, the products feature everything from self-serve to touchless systems, so you should be able to get started in no time.
Tactic for Success
Don’t forget your marketing! When you open a car wash franchise, you’ll be able to tap into a vast network of support, including marketing support via radio, Internet, and even billboard advertising. Be sure to ask your franchiser about the help they provide to new owners!
Franchise Fee: $0 (OasisCarWashSystems.com)
2. Monkey Shine
Affiliated with the Grease Monkey brand, Monkey Shine car wash franchise provides you with everything you need to get started in the business, including a prime location, state-of-the-art equipment, and comprehensive training.
With their support and the right staff, it can become a job that has a lot of free time.
There’s no franchise fee with this company. You just need to have $60,000 to $75,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of at least $250,000.
Tactic for Success
Although most franchises will set you up with everything you need to be successful, it’s a good idea to get some experience working in a car wash first, before you dive in. Get a part-time job at a car wash so you have an idea of how they work.
Franchise Fee: $0 for a Monkey Shine but $5,000 to $39,900 for a Grease Monkey (Franchise Direct)
3. D&S Car Wash Systems
There are many reasons to open a D&S Car Wash Systems franchise. For one, you’ll be part of a well-established and successful automatic car wash franchise.
D&S has been in business for over 25 years, and its car wash franchise model has been proven to work time and time again.
Plus, they offer comprehensive training and support to all of the franchisees, so you can be confident that you’re making the best possible decision for your future.
Another great reason to open a D&S franchise is the potential for profitability.
Our car wash franchises have a proven track record of success, and with its comprehensive marketing and advertising programs, you’ll have everything you need to get your business off the ground.
And because they offer a turnkey solution, you won’t have to worry about the hassle or expense of starting from scratch, making it comparable to these other easy businesses to start from home.
Franchise Fee: $0 (DScarwash.com)
4. ZeroWater
ZeroWater is one of the most respected names in the car wash industry, with over 25 years of experience and a strong reputation for quality.
When you open a ZeroWater franchise, you’ll benefit from an already-established brand and customer base.
This takes away a lot of the risk and uncertainty that comes with starting a new business from scratch.
Already own a business? You can adapt your business to the ZeroWater business model when you sign on to this franchise, making it easier to operate an eco-friendly business.
Other benefits of opening a ZeroWater car wash franchise include:
- Access to Your Own Exclusive Territory – When you open a new business venture, you won’t have to worry about nearby competition, making this a more stable future proof job.
- Extensive Training and Support – You can tap into operational, marketing, purchasing, accounting, legal, and R&D support.
- Minimal Upfront Investments and Franchise Fees – At less than $10,000, this is one of the most affordable franchises to start. Check out these other franchises under 10K.
Franchise Fee: $9,995 (Franchises America)
5. Green Shine Waterless
GreenShine Carwash is the perfect car wash for anyone looking to get involved in the industry without a massive initial investment.
GreenShine has a unique business model that doesn’t require any water, meaning that you can open your business just about anywhere.
Waterless car washes are becoming more and more popular as people become more conscientious of their water usage, and as drought conditions become more common.
In addition to being eco-friendly, waterless car washes are also much easier to maintain than traditional car washes.
With GreenShine, you’ll have everything you need to get started in the industry with a minimum of hassle. So why not take the plunge and open your own GreenShine Carwash today?
Trend on the Rise
Although there are more than 60,000 car wash facilities in the US, only a small percentage of these are waterless. Green Shine Waterless opened the first waterless car wash and is the top contributor to an industry that only continues to grow.
Franchise Fee: $19,900 (Small Biz Trends)
6. CAP Solutions
Cap Solutions is a car wash franchise that offers a range of services, from full-service washes to express detailing.
It is dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible experience, and its franchises are some of the most successful in the country.
This company even has a referral program in which you can make up to $5,000 by referring other franchise owners!
Other benefits of opening a CAP Solutions car wash franchise include:
- Can Be Tacked Onto an Existing Car Dealership – If you already own a car dealership, you can add a CAP Solutions franchise to maximize your profits with minimal input.
- Available in Most States – CAP Solutions is actively seeking franchisees all around the country.
- Provides On-Site Management – If desired, CAP Solutions can even help by providing you with manpower.
Franchise Fee: $20,000 (Entrepreneur.com)
7. Sparkle & Shine Auto Detail
When it comes to car washes, there are plenty of options out there.
But if you’re looking for an opportunity to really stand out from the competition, then you should consider opening a Sparkle & Shine Auto Detail franchise.
Fun fact? You can start one of these businesses on a shoestring budget, even part-time if you choose.
At Sparkle & Shine, they pride themselves on providing a top-quality car wash experience that is second to none.
The state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are designed to give your customers’ cars a flawless finish, inside and out.
Franchise Fee: $25,000 (Franchises America)
8. Fleet Clean
This mobile truck and fleet vehicle washing service is unique because it has a very specific target audience.
That makes the income more stable and recession-proof. After all, you won’t have much competition in this narrow niche.
You don’t need a dedicated location, either, so the barriers for entry are low. Initial franchise fees vary depending on the size and scope of your business.
Franchise Fee: $30,000 to $75,000
9. Mr. Clean
Mr. Clean Car Wash is one of the leading car wash franchises in the United States. They offer a wide variety of services, from full-service washes to express detailing.
They also have a commitment to environmental sustainability, and the state-of-the-art facilities use the latest water-saving technology.
Franchising with Mr. Clean Car Wash is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who are passionate about providing excellent customer service and want to be part of a growing company.
They provide comprehensive training and support to franchisees, so you can be confident you are ready to open your own business.
Fun fact – you’ll get 5 weeks of hands-on training in operating the facility, plus additional training for your employees.
Franchise Fee: $35,000 (Franchises America)
10. DetailXPerts
This car and truck detailing franchise is one of the best to consider if you’re looking to operate a business with an eco-friendly twist.
It uses steam cleaning to get cars clean rather than chemicals. With both mobile units and detail shops, there are lots of options for franchise owners to consider. Each system uses only 2 gallons of water!
Trend on the Rise
After experiencing a dip in growth in 2020 (hello, pandemic), car and truck detailing is an industry on the rise in 2022 and beyond. It’s grown an average of 1.6% growth per year since 2017 and a whopping 9.4% in 2021 alone.
Franchise Fee: $35,000 (Entrepreneur.com)
11. Ziebart
Ziebart has a lot of advantages over other franchise opportunities on this list. It’s listed as one of the best franchises by publications like Entrepreneur, Franchise Direct, and Franchise Gator, just to name a few.
It has more than 400 licensed locations around the world as well as 1300 service centers!
Ziebart car washes are known for their high quality and attention to detail. By opening a Ziebart franchise, you can offer your customers the same level of care and service that they have come to expect from the brand.
In addition to washing cars, Ziebart franchises also offer a range of other services, including window tinting, paint protection, and interior detailing.
This means that you can provide your customers with a one-stop-shop for all their car care needs.
Franchise Fee: $36,000 (Franchise Direct)
12. No-H2O
Not only does a NoH20 car wash use far less water than a traditional car wash, but it also doesn’t require any harmful chemicals.
This means that it’s better for the environment and also gentle on a car’s paint job. Best of all, a NoH20 car wash is just as effective as a traditional car wash.
With the company’s “Uber-like” mobile app, you’ll be able to provide customers with a convenient, stress-free experience – and start generating revenue as soon as you open your doors.
Franchise Fee: varies, but up to $40,000 (Top Franchise)
13. Cactus Car Wash
Cactus car washes are known for their high quality and attention to detail. Their treatments and products are designed to gently clean and protect your car’s paint, chrome, and upholstery.
In addition, cactus car washes use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure a thorough clean.
They also offer a wide range of services, from basic washing and waxing to more comprehensive detailing.
Cactus Car Wash even has financing assistance – although it’s not in-house assistance, it can still help make your dream of owning your own business a reality.
Franchise Fee: $45,000 (CactusCarWash.com)
14. Prime Car Wash
If you’re looking for a franchise that offers a great return on investment, then Prime car wash is the way to go. H
They have a proven business model and are constantly innovating. They’re always looking for ways to improve their services and offerings, so that they can stay ahead of the competition.
Like other franchises on this list, they offer comprehensive support.
From marketing and advertising help to technical support, they provide their franchisees with everything they need to succeed. You’ll even get marketing plans to help you out!
Franchise Fee: $50,000 (PrimeCarWash.com)
15. Tommy’s Express
Tommy’s Express Car Wash is one of the fastest-growing car wash franchises in the United States.
What sets them apart from other car washes is their commitment to providing a high-quality, express car wash experience at a great value.
Customers appreciate the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, as well as the friendly and professional staff.
Car wash owners experience a median gross sales of more than $3 million after three years and offer some of the best support (including app-based membership).
Franchise Fee: $50,000 (TommyCarWash.com)
Rebekah is a writer who covers all things education, business, agriculture, and finance. She owns a small farm business in upstate New York. Her educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in English from St. Lawrence University and a master's in special education from SUNY Plattsburgh.
