Mobile Car Wash Service Market (By Service Type: Basic, Interior; By Application: Individual, Fleet; By Booking Mode: Online, Offline; By Mode of Payment) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2023-2032

The global mobile car wash service market was estimated at USD 5.88 billion in 2022 and it is expected to surpass around USD 16 billion by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 10.53% from 2023 to 2032. The mobile car wash service market in the United States was accounted for USD 2.2 billion in 2022.

Key Pointers

• North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of around 46% in 2022. 
• Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of about 12.93% from 2023 to 2032. 
• The exterior mobile car wash service type dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 37% in 2022.
• The interior mobile car wash service type, on the other hand, is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 11.63% during the forecast period.
• The individual segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 62% in 2022.
• The fleet segment is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 11.22% over the forecast period.
• The cashless mode of payment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 75% in 2022.
• The cash mode of payment is estimated to register a CAGR of 9.63% over the forecast period. 
• The online booking mode segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of around 69% in 2022.
• The offline booking mode segment is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 10.25% over the forecast period.

Report Scope of the Mobile Car Wash Service Market

Due to increased awareness about regular vehicle maintenance, consumers seek convenient solutions to keep their vehicles in good condition. As a result, mobile car wash services are majorly preferred by consumers as they offer the convenience of professional car cleaning and detailing at the customer’s preferred location, saving time and effort compared to visiting a physical car wash facility. This is likely to drive the market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the market. The pandemic heightened the demand for mobile car wash services as consumers preferred their vehicles to be washed at home or office.

A rise in internet penetration is increasing the demand for on-demand services including on-demand/mobile car wash services. With increased internet penetration, consumers can easily access online platforms or mobile apps offered by mobile car wash service providers. The convenience of online booking appeals to busy individuals who value time-saving solutions, likely driving the growth of the market. For instance, according to the data published by the World Economic Forum, in August 2022, over 98% of the population aged between 30-49 years in the U.S. are Internet users. Due to the absence of enough car wash facilities in developing countries, including India, Cambodia, and Mexico, the majority of vehicles are manually cleaned.

Moreover, in areas where traditional car wash facilities are scarce or not easily accessible, on-demand car wash services provide a convenient solution. Customers can have their vehicles cleaned at their preferred location, whether it's their home, office, or any other convenient spot. This eliminates the need to travel to a car wash facility, saving time and effort, likely driving the demand for mobile car wash services. The water scarcity along with extreme climatic conditions has led to a rise in the demand for sustainable mobile car wash services. Many mobile car wash services are adopting waterless cleaning techniques or using eco-friendly cleaning products. Waterless car wash solutions reduce water consumption significantly, addressing water scarcity concerns and minimizing environmental impact.

For instance, according to a study conducted by the World Resources Institute (WRI), in January 2021, the top ten countries that would face a water crisis by 2040 include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. Thus, the government of these countries promotes the recycling of water and sustainable technology for car wash. These factors are anticipated to drive the market growth. Furthermore, the growing trend of subscription models in the market is anticipated to favor the growth. The subscription model offers customers the convenience of regular services without the need for repeated booking and scheduling. Customers can set up a recurring subscription plan that automatically schedules services at specified intervals, such as weekly or monthly. This ensures that their vehicles are consistently maintained and cleaned without the hassle of individually booking each service.

Service Type Insights

The exterior mobile car wash service type dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 37% in 2022. There is a high demand for exterior mobile car wash owing to a rise in consumer concerns about the visual appearance of their vehicles. The exterior appearance of a vehicle plays a significant role in its overall visual appeal. Customers value the cleanliness and shine of their vehicle’s exterior, as it enhances its aesthetic appeal and gives a positive impression. Mobile car wash services specialize in providing thorough exterior cleaning, including washing, waxing, and polishing, to achieve a pristine and polished look.

The interior mobile car wash service type, on the other hand, is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 11.63% during the forecast period. The cleanliness of the interior of a vehicle directly affects the hygiene and health of its occupants. Regular cleaning and sanitization of the interior surfaces help remove dirt, dust, allergens, bacteria, and other contaminants that can accumulate over time. With the increased emphasis on health and cleanliness, customers are more conscious of maintaining a clean and sanitized vehicle interior, which is anticipated to favor the growth of this segment.

Application Insights

The individual segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 62% in 2022. An increase in car ownership among consumers is likely increasing the demand for mobile car wash services. For instance, according to data published by Forbes Media LLC, in May 2023, the total number of registered vehicles in the U.S. increased by 3.66%, from 268,258,178 to 278,063,737 between 2017 to 2021. The fleet segment is estimated to expand at the fastest CAGR of 11.22% over the forecast period.

Fleet operators, such as taxi companies, rideshare services, delivery services, and corporate fleets, often have a large number of vehicles that require regular cleaning. Mobile car wash services cater to the specific needs of fleet operators by providing on-site cleaning at their desired location. This eliminates the need for vehicles to travel to a car wash facility, saving time and improving operational efficiency. Moreover, these service providers offer customized services to accommodate the specific need of the operators, likely favoring segment growth.

Mode of Payment Insights

The cashless mode of payment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 75% in 2022. As the world is moving towards digitalization, there is an increased preference for cashless modes of payment. Moreover, the increase in the availability of a large number of digital payment apps offering the convenience of payment is likely to favor the growth of the segment. In addition, the number of businesses registered on these digital payment apps is increasing steadily. For instance, as of 2022, PhonePe’s merchant coverage includes 25 million stores in 15,700 cities and villages, covering 99% of India's pin codes.

The cash mode of payment is estimated to register a CAGR of 9.63% over the forecast period. Digital payments offer advantages, such as convenience, security, and seamless integration with online booking platforms. However, cash payments still hold value for customers who prefer the tangible nature of physical currency or have specific preferences regarding privacy and accessibility. Customers prefer cash payments as they offer more privacy and security compared to digital transactions, which is anticipated to favor the growth of this segment.

Booking Mode Insights

The online booking mode segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of around 69% in 2022. Online car wash booking allows customers to schedule their car wash services at their preferred date, time, and location without the need to visit a physical facility. It offers the convenience of booking services from the comfort of their homes or while on the go, saving them time and effort. Moreover, online car wash booking platforms are accessible 24/7, allowing customers to make bookings at any time that suits them. This flexibility accommodates different schedules and preferences, making it easier for customers to fit such services into their busy lives. This convenience offered by online booking mode is favoring the segment growth.

The offline booking mode segment is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 10.25% over the forecast period. Some consumers, especially, Generation X and baby boomers, prefer the personal interaction and direct communication that comes with offline car wash booking, favoring the segment growth. Consumers in this category are more comfortable discussing their car wash needs and preferences with a staff member in person or over the phone. Offline booking allows them to ask questions, get immediate answers, and receive personalized recommendations. Offline car wash booking provides the advantage of instant availability, especially if there are no prior appointments.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of around 46% in 2022. North America has a significant number of vehicle owners, with a culture that heavily relies on personal transportation. The region has a large population pool with a high rate of vehicle ownership, leading to a substantial demand for mobile car wash services. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and water conservation in North America. Traditional car wash facilities typically use large amounts of water, while mobile car wash services employ waterless or eco-friendly cleaning techniques that minimize water usage and waste.

This aligns with environmentally conscious consumers, making these services an attractive option in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of about 12.93% from 2023 to 2032. Increasing awareness about such services coupled with a rise in willingness to spend on them is likely to offer opportunities for market growth in the foreseeable future. The rising car ownership in major countries is likely to favor regional market growth. For instance, according to an article published by China Daily Information Co. (CDIC), in January 2023, Beijing, with over 6 million vehicles, had the largest number of cars in China in 2022, whereas, Chengdu had the second-largest car ownership with over 5 million cars in 2022.

Mobile Car Wash Service Market Segmentations:

By Service Type 

• Basic Car Wash
• Interior Car Wash
• Exterior Car Wash
• Premium Car Wash

By Application 

• Individual
• Fleet

By Booking Mode 

• Online
• Offline

By Mode of Payment 

• Cash
• Cashless

By Regional 

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
• Central & South America (CSA)
  • Brazil
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • South Africa