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What they say about us
I've Never Had A Quality Control Issue!
Liz Tilbury
Director of Operations at Splash2o
If you've been around one month or ten years TWP’s new learning center is an outstanding tool to help train your staff. This platform gave my team a better understanding of everything from basic wash principles, all the way to the advanced chemistry and how our products break down microscopic impurities on the vehicle surface and be able to pass this knowledge over easily to our customers. I use this platform as a regular training for any new hires as well as senior members of the team.
Eric Brooks
National Service Director at Turtle Wax Pro
TX4 is Awesome! Since we've been using it we've been very very happy with it!
Brian Carroll
Co-Owner at Pure Clean Car Wash
The TWPLearn platform has been reviewed by our salesforce with very positive feedback. The detailed information presented has helped us to help our customers with proper chemical mixture, usage and promotion.
Every car wash faces unique challenges due to weather, climate, types of debris and busyness. During their conversation, Dave explains the 5 Factors of Cleaning, which in the midst of different and difficult cleaning challenges, are the powerful elements a car wash can control, and succeed with! These factors are Water Quality, Chemistry, Active Cleaning Time, Temperature, and Mechanical Action. Once optimized, the five factors will work together and provide clean cars at an affordable price point.
Let’s look closer at each of the Five Factors of Cleaning:
1 / WATER QUALITY
Water quality includes water hardness, pH, and total dissolved solids. If not moderated, water quality issues can reduce the effectiveness of the chemicals or even cause issues. Many washes must use softened water and even reverse osmosis water (for final rinsing), for the cleanest, spot free results.
2 / CHEMISTRY
Chemistry includes the products being used at a wash (like Turtle Wax® Pro) and how they are applied to the vehicle. Proper concentration for each chemical is important to achieve the best results from the chemistry.
3 / ACTIVE CLEANING TIME
The active cleaning time (dwell time) is the amount of time a product is on the surface of the vehicle before being rinsed off or before another product is applied. Typically, a longer active cleaning time increases the cleaning power of the product.
4 / TEMPERATURE
The cleaning temperature is a combination of the air temperature, surface temperature of the vehicle, and the temperature of the products. If one fluctuates (for example, during hot summers, where the surface temperature might rise significantly) you might need to adjust the temperature of the products.
5 / MECHANICAL ACTION
In a friction wash, mechanical action is created by the cloths or brushes. In a touchless wash mechanical action is in the form of impingement (the force of the water against the surface to be cleaned).
WHAT YOU CAN’T CONTROL
There are other factors that you have less control over:
Time between cleanings
Previous products used
Humidity
Ambient temperature
Physical nature of the vehicle surface
Composition of soils
These elements introduce some unknowns, which is why it is critical to maximize the five controllable factors.
FINDING THE BALANCE
Each cleaning factor plays a role for great results, but sometimes you cannot utilize each factor fully, and that’s often able to be overcome. The absence of one cleaning factor can be countered by others to ensure a clean, dry, and shiny vehicle. For example, if the presoak temperature is too low, you might increase the wash pressure or leave the presoak on longer.
Depending on the type of cleaning, some factors might have a greater impact. For example, with the limited mechanical action involved with touchless car washing, controlling the chemistry and water quality are critical. However, in a friction wash, the most important factor is the mechanical action while the chemistry, temperature, and water quality play less significant roles. Taking the time to tailor the factors to your wash and its cleaning challenges is worth the effort, as you determine the correct balance of these elements for having great results at an affordable price point.
CONTACT US
At Turtle Wax Pro, we help ensure that our chemistry is working in synergy with the rest of the cleaning factors for exceptionally clean car wash results. If your chemistry is not optimized to your other cleaning factors, nor delivering the results you need, reach out today and see the difference that Turtle Wax Pro can provide.
31
Jul
Car Wash Chemicals
•
0 min read
Protect Your Business and the Environment: Safer Car Wash Chemicals for Success
car wash products
eco friendly
As environmental concerns rise globally across all sectors, industries such as car washing are under increasing pressure to eliminate hazardous chemicals from their products. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a pivotal step to address the pervasive issue of PFAS contamination by designating PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)as harmful chemicals [source]. Car washing is explicitly named as a key violator of new regulations surrounding PFAS. Finishing products, such as waxes, sealants and tire shines, are the most common car wash products that contain PFAS.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (and adjacent compounds) are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial applications and consumer products for their resistance to water, grease, and stains. However, PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their inability to break down in the environment, leading to widespread contamination and potential adverse health effects, including cancer and immune system impairments [Source].
The EPA's recent regulations aim to significantly reduce the presence of PFAS in industrial products and waste. These regulations are part of a broader effort to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of these persistent chemicals. Industries, including the car wash sector, must now adapt to these guidelines, necessitating a shift towards safer and more sustainable chemical alternatives.
Why Does This Matter for Car Wash Operators?
This heightened scrutiny may have significant implications for car wash operators who, intentionally or unintentionally, utilize PFAS or other harmful chemicals for their cleaning solutions.
While the dangers of utilizing harmful phosphates, Ammonium Bifluoride (ABF) and Hydrofluoric acid (HF) have long been understood by chemists, due to the high degree of cleaning efficacy and low cost of manufacturing, many car wash chemical manufacturers around the world unfortunately still choose to utilize these materials.
Running a Car Wash is More Expensive Than Ever. Why Should We Prioritize Environmental Considerations Today?
While 65% of car wash customers are very satisfied with the wash they use most often and price satisfaction with memberships maintaining their highest levels since Q4, 2021, operators are still concerned about the cost of running a car wash [source]. Consumer satisfaction is an excellent signal that the industry is continuing to head in a positive direction.
However, from an operator's perspective, the rising cost of inputs to run a car wash is noted as “by far the biggest challenge” in the 2024 Q2 Pulse Report published by the International Carwash Association. With this in mind, it is a challenging time for operators to be asked to review their chemical selection to determine if they are utilizing PFOA and PFOS in their products.
Nonetheless, there are several reasons, moral and ethical considerations aside, that should compel an operator to consider a switch:
Regulatory Risk Mitigation: Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in hefty penalties and reputational damage in the future, especially as these guidelines become more and more strict, making it imperative for car wash businesses to adopt eco-friendly formulations.
Legal Implications: Employees accidentally exposed to harmful chemistry in their working environment without sufficient education and safety precautions may have a strong legal basis to act on.
Attracting and Retaining Quality Talent: While the talent market has improved in the service sector, hiring is still ranked as the 4th largest challenge and 71% of job seekers want to work for environmentally friendly employers [Source]. Ensuring you can speak with confidence that your business is a safe working environment is critical to attracting and retaining the people that will ensure your business thrives.
Market Differentiation: Operators can differentiate themselves in the market by utilizing eco-friendly products, helping to attract environmentally conscious customers and enhancing your brand’s reputation. Nielson study showed that 66% of consumers were willing to pay more for sustainable products and services. [Source]
How Can You Assess if You’re Using Harmful Chemistry in Your Car Wash
It's not always as straightforward as looking at the label to determine if you are in compliance with national or local regulations. Here are a few tips to consider:
Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Obtain the Safety Data Sheets for all the chemical products used in your car wash. The SDS contains detailed information about the chemical composition and any hazardous ingredients.
Identify Ingredients: Look for PFOA, PFOS, and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the ingredient lists. These should be listed under the chemical identity section of the SDS.
Ask Your Distributor: If you work with a distributor, it’s important to rely on them for detailed information about the products you use. Distributors engage in detailed training with their suppliers and will be able to help you identify harmful ingredients, navigate local regulations and adjust your product selection or supplier if needed.
Contact Suppliers Directly: Suppliers can give you direct information about the ingredients in their chemistry and identify products that may contain PFAS or are clear from these ingredients. Some suppliers, such as my company, Transchem and Turtle Wax Pro, have pages dedicated to their environmental commitments.
Keep detailed records of the information obtained from SDS, supplier communications, and laboratory testing: Ensure transparency with your customers by providing information about the safety and environmental impact of the chemicals you use.
Transchem Group and Turtle Wax Pro's Commitment to Environmental Protection
Transchem Group has been supporting car wash businesses for over 50 years, most notably with superior car wash chemicals that are both effective for cleaning and safe for the environment. We have a robust commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. An aspect that both Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group has been proud of is our unwavering commitment to environmental protection and conservation by manufacturing car wash chemicals without harmful substances like phosphates and PFAS, while also adhering to stringent chemical guidelines such as REACH, Nordic Swan, and ECOLOGO (when applicable).
None of our products, including our AutoLux, Turtle Wax Pro, Private Label, and Custom Blended products contain phosphates, PFAS, or other common harmful chemicals. We’ve always understood the potential downsides to using these harmful ingredients and created the standard to avoid them at all costs.
“Instead, we review materials to ensure they are safe to handle and minimize impact on human health, benefiting both our staff as well as customers. We also take care to only select ingredients that are biodegradable (per Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents) and minimize aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation.” said Karl Berzitis, R&D Manager for Transchem Group when asked about our ingredient selection.
Compliance with the EPA and Eco-Friendly Certifications
Our products comply with EPA by only using chemicals registered in the TSCA Chemical substance inventory and abiding by any additional chemical restrictions, such as the new regulations on PFAs. Similarly in Europe, all chemicals in our formulations available in the EU are REACH registered.
We also formulate under additional voluntary environmental certifications in North America and the EU. Our UL Ecologo (NA) and Nordic Swan (EU) certified products must follow strict criteria for biodegradability and ecotoxicity of ingredients used in the formulas.
While not every region of the world has equally strict environmental guidelines for car wash chemicals, we have always done what we can to meet and even exceed the regulations in place. In fact, we helped establish the guidelines the Canadian government’s Ecologo Certification Criteria Document for Commercial Car Wash Services.
Transchem’s Environmentally Friendly Advancements
Our R&D team is dedicated to finding ways to improve our offerings environmentally and lessen our impact on the planet. One recent example is our new presoak offering, One Shot (HP-99), which is a great development in environmental design. Its consumption is as low as 1/3 that of a traditional high pH presoak, lowering its overall carbon footprint due to reductions in packaging and shipping requirements. All while maintaining high performance and abiding by all environmental and safety standards.
R&D Manager, Karl Berzitis had this to add on what’s next for the industry: “A big evolution in the industry that will continue to grow is the use of water reclaim systems which greatly reduce water consumption in the wash process. There will be more call to provide effective products that are reclaim compatible and degrade easily so more water can be reclaimed and be used for more functions in the wash."
Want to Learn More about Adding Eco-Friendly Products to your Wash?
The new requirements avoiding the use of PFAS amplify the need for our industry to adopt sustainable practices and eliminate hazardous chemicals from their products.
Transchem Group and Turtle Wax Pro exemplify leadership in the environmental sector with our biodegradable chemicals that are formulated without phosphates, PFAS, and other harmful ingredients.
We’d love to discuss how our car wash chemicals fit into your business, and help you achieve a better clean while being green in the process. Don't hesitate to get in touch!
13
May
Car Wash Chemicals
•
0 min read
A New Era of Presoaks: You Only Need One Shot
car wash products
presoak
low cost
touchless
One of the most important stages in the car washing process is right at the start. This is where most of the bulky dirt and grime is removed and it's usually the job of a presoak to complete this stage effectively. Without the use of an effective presoak, every other stage of the car wash process will have difficulty as there will be large dirt particles present which will get in the way of the other products trying to do their job.
As we at Turtle Wax Pro are constantly innovating and trying to improve our chemical offerings, we are thrilled to announce a new presoak chemical, One Shot, also known as HP-99.
A New Addition to Turtle Wax Pro’s Chemistry, HP-99
One Shot represents a major leap forward in our comprehensive line of car wash chemicals. Previously, our presoak chemicals, while effective, were often attributed as being expensive and having too many frills. We’ve heard your feedback and are pleased to announce that One Shot has been formulated to offer amazing cleaning power without all the scents, color and thus, can carry an attractive price for all car washes to rely on. On the other hand, One Shot can still play a valuable role in creating an attractive experience for your wash as it is a high foaming product, adding a valuable visual appeal to your chemical line up.
Clean with just a Shot Worth’s of Chemistry
As the name suggests, One Shot is designed to use (approx.) just a shot worth’s amount of chemistry or about 1 oz. In comparison to other presoak chemicals, this is a small amount and will mean you can wash many vehicles with just one jug of chemical!
In fact, you can wash up to 630 cars in touchless applications and 3000 cars in tunnel washes with just one 5-Gal container of product!
This keeps your cost-per-car low, makes loading and stocking the product easy, and reduces the need for your wash to constantly making orders as you run through the product.
Versatile for All
One of the major benefits of using One Shot is that it can perform in almost any environment. Whether it is a self-serve, in-bay automatic, or tunnel wash system, you can rely on One Shot to clean beautifully. It is suitable for both friction and touchless applications, but it is optimized for the latter.
Its versatile nature does not stop there, as it is friendly for water reclaim systems (thanks to being both colorless and odorless), suitable for both bio-reactive and ozonated systems and can work in a variety of water qualities.
Tackle the Toughest of Cleaning Challenges
One Shot uses dynamic alkaline presoak technology that ensures superior cleaning even in difficult cleaning environments. With 3x the potency of similar products, One Shot can act as a stand-alone product for all ordinary cleaning situations. In extra tough situations, One Shot can be combined with HP-800 to eliminate all that stands in its way. For all the power that One Shot has, it is still gentle for light cleaning situations which adds to its immense versatility.
Wash Vehicles for Less
An important focus for us in releasing this new product is addressing the cost concerns of some of our previous presoak options. One Shot was designed to be a low cost-per-car product which means both current and new Turtle Wax Pro customers can leverage this effective and economically friendly option.
It is notorious that touchless cleaning requires much higher chemical usage but One Shot was formulated to just need 1 oz. of product per vehicle! This means one 5-Gal jug can wash up to 630 vehicles in touchless applications.
Specifications
Concentration: Hyper-concentrated
TRUE-VUE 2 Compatible
Reclaim System Friendly
Biodegradable
Application Type: Friction & Touchless
Average Cars Per 5 Gal: 630 in touchless washes, 3000 in tunnel systems.
Approx Usage per Car: 30ml
Available Sizes: 2.5, 5, 30, 55 Gal
pH Level: 13
Scent: Odorless
Color: Colorless
Real World Results
While One Shot is new to the market and thus, we encourage you to contact us to try it out for yourself, we have done considerable testing with it to ensure it meets our expectations and performs just as intended.
One of our valued partners, Autowash Systems in Minnesota, have been testing One Shot for a considerable time and have used it throughout different weather seasons with remarkable success.
They have seen effective results using it in their touchless cleaning: “OneShot has been a great addition to our touch-free cleaning line at Autowash Systems! With excellent cleaning performance and very low usage per application, OneShot has been a game changer with high customer satisfaction. Give One Shot a try and see the amazing results for yourself!” said Jason from Autowash Systems.
Want to Learn More about One Shot?
We are excited for you to test One Shot at your car wash site yourself, so contact us today to see how it can elevate your business by producing a better clean and keeping costs low in the process!
10
Apr
Car Wash Distributors
•
0 min read
Shining the Spotlight: ICA Car Wash Show 2024 in Nashville
No items found.
Car aficionados, industry professionals, and enthusiasts, get ready to rev your engines because the International Carwash Association (ICA) is rolling into Nashville this May with its much-anticipated Car Wash Show 2024! As one of the premier events in the car wash industry, this extravaganza promises to be an exhilarating blend of innovation, education, and networking opportunities. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Music City, attendees are in for a treat as they immerse themselves in the latest trends, technologies, and techniques shaping the car wash sector. So, buckle up as we take a ride through what to expect at the ICA Car Wash Show and how to make the most out of this exciting event.
The Main Event: ICA Car Wash Show 2024
Scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, from May 13-15, the ICA Car Wash Show 2024 is gearing up to be a spectacular showcase of everything car wash-related. Hosted by the International Carwash Association, this annual event attracts thousands of industry professionals, suppliers, and enthusiasts from around the globe. With a jam-packed itinerary featuring exhibits, seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees can expect an immersive experience tailored to drive success in the car wash business.
Why Nashville?
Nashville, often referred to as the "Music City," is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant entertainment scene, and Southern hospitality. Beyond its musical roots, Nashville offers a dynamic backdrop for the ICA Car Wash Show, blending urban sophistication with Southern charm. Attendees can explore iconic landmarks such as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Country Music Hall of Fame, immersing themselves in the city's storied history while enjoying its modern amenities.
Tips & Tricks for Attending the Show
Plan Ahead: With a plethora of activities and sessions lined up, it's essential to plan your schedule in advance. Review the event itinerary, prioritize key sessions, and allocate time for exploring the exhibits and networking opportunities.
Attend Educational Sessions: Take advantage of the educational sessions and workshops offered at the show. These sessions provide valuable insights into industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.
Engage with Exhibitors: Visit the exhibit hall to connect with leading suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers in the car wash industry. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and explore innovative products and solutions that can enhance your business operations.
Network, Network, Network: Networking is key to building relationships and expanding your professional circle. Attend networking events, social gatherings, and meet-ups to connect with peers, industry experts, and potential collaborators.
Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Conferences can be exhausting, so remember to stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the event. Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and keep a water bottle handy to stay refreshed.
Take Notes and Follow Up: Jot down key takeaways from sessions, conversations, and exhibits. After the event, follow up with contacts, review your notes, and implement actionable insights into your business strategy.
What to Do Post-Show
While the excitement of the ICA Car Wash Show may come to a close, the opportunities to capitalize on your experience and continue to grow your business are far from over. Here are some key actions to take post-show:
Reflect and Review: Take some time to reflect on your experience at the show. Review your notes, revisit key insights gained from sessions and conversations, and identify areas for improvement or implementation within your business.
Follow Up with Contacts: One of the most crucial post-show tasks is to follow up with the contacts you made during the event. Send personalized emails or messages to express appreciation for the opportunity to connect and explore potential collaborations or partnerships.
Implement Learnings: Put the knowledge and insights gained from the show into action. Whether it's integrating new technologies, refining operational processes, or adopting best practices, implementing learnings promptly can help drive positive change and enhance your business performance.
Stay Connected: Stay connected with industry peers, suppliers, and experts beyond the show. Join relevant professional groups or online communities, follow industry publications and blogs, and continue to engage in networking opportunities to stay informed and connected.
Evaluate ROI: Assess the return on investment (ROI) of your participation in the show. Evaluate the impact on your business in terms of new leads generated, partnerships established, knowledge gained, and potential cost savings or revenue opportunities.
Plan for the Future: Use your experience at the ICA Car Wash Show to inform your future business strategies and decisions. Consider incorporating attendance at future industry events into your annual business plan, and start planning early to maximize your participation and impact.
Provide Feedback: Share feedback with the event organizers to help improve future iterations of the ICA Car Wash Show. Highlight what worked well, areas for improvement, and any suggestions or ideas to enhance the overall attendee experience.
Celebrate Successes: Take a moment to celebrate any successes or milestones achieved as a result of your participation in the show. Whether it's securing a new partnership, implementing a successful strategy, or simply gaining valuable insights, celebrate the achievements and milestones along your business journey.
By taking proactive steps post-show, you can leverage the momentum gained from the ICA Car Wash Show to drive continued growth, innovation, and success within your business. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into action, and make the most of the opportunities waiting for you beyond the show floor.
A FewFun Facts About Nashville
Nashville is home to the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running live radio show in history.
Music Everywhere: In Nashville, music isn't just confined to concert halls and recording studios—it's woven into the fabric of everyday life. From impromptu street performances along Broadway to live music at local eateries and coffee shops, you'll find music around every corner in Music City. With a diverse array of genres ranging from country and blues to rock and pop, there's something to suit every musical taste in Nashville.The city boasts over 180 recording studios, earning it the nickname "Music City."
The Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and serves as a prominent cultural landmark.
Hot Chicken Capital: Nashville is renowned for its hot chicken, a fiery and flavorful dish that has gained widespread popularity. Legend has it that the origins of hot chicken date back to the 1930s when Thornton Prince's girlfriend sought revenge by spicing up his fried chicken. Today, Nashville boasts a plethora of eateries serving up this iconic dish, each with its own unique twist on the fiery favorite.
As the countdown to the ICA Car Wash Show 2024 begins, excitement is building among car wash enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. With its blend of innovation, education, and networking opportunities, coupled with the vibrant backdrop of Nashville, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees. So, gear up, hit the road, and get ready to make a splash at the ICA Car Wash Show in Music City!