Why Regular Car Wash Vacuum Maintenance Is Essential for Car Wash Operators

When it comes to the vacuum cleaners you have at your self-service car wash business, you need to make sure they work how they should. The last thing you want is for a customer to have a bad experience and decide they are never returning to your car wash again.Imagine for a moment you are one of your customers. You pull up next to a vacuum, pay to turn it on, and the next thing you see are big clouds of dust and dirt coming out the vacuum. Then you go to vacuum your car, and there is hardly any suction. You inspect the nozzle and see it is caked with paper, dirt, hair, and other debris. Not entirely what you expected, and the experience hardly encourages you to try to find a working vacuum and waste more money.

This is why regular vacuum maintenance is essential using the right car wash supplies. Plus, when you maintain your vacuums, you are maintaining the quality of your car wash, which translates to better customer experiences and repeat business.

Step 1: Inspect Bags Monthly

Open up the vacuums and check the bags once a month. If they are full or have rips and tears in them, change them. Many bag types are reusable, so you can empty the bags and, as long as they are in decent shape, launder them and keep them so you have a spare set.

Step 2: Clean Out the Interior

While you have the access doors on the vacuum open, use a shop vac and sweep out any excess dust, dirt, and debris that is the bottom of the vacuum. This will help prevent dirt from getting into the motor and will help your vacuums last longer.

Step 3: Visually Inspect Door Seals/Gaskets

The door seals or gaskets are used to help seal the vacuum so it can provide proper suction. If there are cracks or damages to the seals or gaskets, the vacuum will draw air in and suction will decrease. Replace seals and gaskets if you notice a reduction in suction or visual damages.

Step 4: Inspect Motor Seals

Remove the dome from the top of the vacuum. Look around the motors to see if you notice visual damage to the seals. If you do, remove the motors and install new seals. If you have previously replaced the door seals or gaskets and still notice a reduction in suction, chances are the motor seals need to be replaced too.

Step 5: Inspect Hoses and Nozzles

Check for cracks, breaks, or other visual damage on the exterior of the hoses and nozzles. Look in the bottom of the nozzle and make sure there is nothing stuck. You can use a regular head screwdriver and run it along the opening in the nozzle to remove debris and blockages.
If necessary, replace the hoses and nozzles with new ones. Never use duct tape to fix them, as this looks bad and will give a bad impression to your customers.

Step 6: Refresh the Exterior

If your domes light up, replace any burnt-out light bulbs. If the domes are faded, repaint them with a fresh coat of paint. If you notice decals are fading, cracked, or missing, replace them.
By maintaining the performance and appearance of your vacuums, your customers will appreciate your level of commitment to helping them keep their cars clean!

For car wash supplies and parts for your hand car wash equipment and vacuum cleaners, as well as products to stock in your car wash vending machines, please feel free to explore our online store or contact Superior Car Wash Supply at 800-554-9274 today!