Chemicals for self-service car washes
At a self-service wash customers wash their own cars and pay by the minute. The chemicals have to clean fast, without a brush and without room for customer error. So the scheme is simple, with two chemical programs: PreWash on “Active foam” and wax or GlossProtection for the finish.
Who it's for
Opening a self-service wash
We'll tell you which product to put on each program, help set up dosing and calculate consumption per bay.
Want customers to come back
If customers say the foam doesn't clean, streaks remain or the car dries badly, we'll review your programs and suggest products with visible results.
Which chemical on which button
A self-service wash needs two chemicals: an active foam that cleans and a wax that protects. A water rinse goes between them. It's easier for customers too: each button gives a clear result.
“Active foam” — PreWash
The main self-service program. PreWash goes on as foam, loosens road grime in 2–3 minutes and rinses off with pressure water — no brush and no risk of scratching the paint.
PreWash, 20 kgSelf-service: 1:120, about 16 ml of concentrate per bay minute. 1:50–1:150 — dosing pump (DOSATRON), foam generator; 1:5–1:15 — foam lance
“Wax” or “Gloss” — wax or GlossProtection
The final program: water beads up and runs off, the car dries faster and stays clean longer. GlossProtection is for the premium button: more gloss, antistatic, maintains ceramic coatings. Wax goes on after the rinse, once the foam is fully washed off.
UniversalWax, 5 LUniversalWax: 1:100–1:200 — sprayer; 1:10–1:20 — foam lance, PROMAX doser
BubbleWax, 20 LBubbleWax: 20–30 ml of concentrate per car in an automatic system
GlossProtection, 5 LGlossProtection: 20–30 ml per 1 l — foam lance, PROMAX doser
Why PreWash suits self-service washes
Surfactants that don't harm the paint
A blend of anionic and nonionic surfactants removes road grime while staying gentle on paint, plastic, rubber and chrome. Customers won't damage the car even if they leave the foam on too long.
Cleans without a brush
High surfactant content: dirt comes off with foam and water, so customers don't need the brush that most often scratches paint at self-service washes.
Handles hard water
Works even in very hard, iron-rich water — no hazy film or streaks after rinsing.
Phosphate-free, with corrosion inhibitors
Safer for bay equipment, pipes and treatment systems.
Economical
At self-service washes PreWash gives excellent results at 1:120 — about 16 ml of shampoo per minute. A 20 kg canister lasts roughly 1,200 bay minutes.
Thick foam
Customers see rich foam and know they're paying for quality chemicals.
How to raise quality and revenue
- Post a clear sequence in each bay: “Active foam → Rinse → Wax”.
- Keep the “Wax” button: with wax, water beads and runs off, so the body dries faster and with almost no streaks.
- Don't skimp on the active foam: weak foam doesn't clean in one pass and customers think the wash is bad.
- Check dosing pumps and nozzles weekly — weak foam looks like watered-down chemicals.
- Add a premium button with GlossProtection — customers who care about gloss will pick it.
- In summer, shorten recommended dwell times so chemicals don't dry on hot panels.
Common mistakes
- Foam not rinsed off fully — film and streaks under the wax
- Overly strong solutions — higher consumption, damaged seals
- No “Wax” button — the body dries slowly and streaky
- Wax without rinsing first
- No instructions in the bay — customers press buttons at random
We'll match chemicals to your self-service wash
Tell us how many bays and which programs you have — we'll suggest products, dilutions and wholesale prices.
FAQ
What chemicals does a self-service car wash need?
A touchless active foam (PreWash) and a wax or nano sealant for the finish (UniversalWax, BubbleWax or GlossProtection). Wax is a must: the body dries faster and cleaner with it.
How are self-service chemicals different?
They must be gentle (customers may leave them on too long), work well in hard water through a dosing pump and give visible results without a brush.
Can I use pink foam?
Yes, PinkFoam works for an eye-catching program: bright pink foam that turns clear when rinsed and doesn't stain floors or equipment. It's recommended for self-service and robotic washes.
How much chemical does one bay use?
We recommend running PreWash on “Active foam” at 1:120 — about 16 ml of concentrate per bay minute, so a 20 kg canister lasts roughly 1,200 minutes. Exact consumption depends on car flow and doser settings — send a request and we'll calculate the cost for your wash.
Where to buy self-service wash chemicals in Tbilisi?
From us: warehouse in Tbilisi, delivery across Georgia, wholesale prices for car washes and a partner account for ordering.