Awash has been in the vehicle washing business for over 20 years. In that time, things haven't changed all that much in the way commercial vehicles get washed. With multiple factors at play - from the green movement to an increased awareness in the harm toxic chemicals can do to the environment to the cost of utilities - there's no doubt in my mind that the time has arrived for change.

How do you wash today?

Making sure all of your vehicles are clean isn't usually on the top of your priority list, is it? But shouldn't it be? Isn't every one of your vehicles a moving billboard for your company? If you answered yes, why not start making the most of this free advertising opportunity?

Today, even more than in the past, a company's image is a huge consideration. Given the level of importance environmental issues have taken on, the water, soap and washing process you employ can either positively - or negatively - affect that image. So if making the most of your rolling billboards is so important, why then does the washing usually take place in the last bay in the building, on weekends or at night, by a power spray company or at some nearby public wash? The results (whether consciously or not) are measured every day by both your employees and your customers, but are held in obscurity or done by some unknown third party.

Today I want to address the task of hand washing. Do you have a wash bay? Do you wash outside in the parking lot? Do you use a pressure washer? Speaking with literally thousands of companies over the years, I would say that more than 50% of companies wash using one of these two methods. Since we have a database of thousands of customers and prospects, we've heard it all, including from those trucking companies that say proudly, "God washes our vehicles", which I take as shorthand for, "We can't be bothered."

Here are some facts about truck washing I think you might find interesting:

• A typical ¾" garden hose under normal city water pressure (35-50psi) will discharge up to 17 gallons of water per minute. That's 1,020 gallons for a 60 minutes wash - the minimum time it takes to wash a tractor trailer.
• A pressure washer will discharge 5-10 gallons of water per minute, depending on the Effective Cleaning Unit (ECU = PSI x GPM). That can be as much as 600 gallons for a 60 minute wash.
• An automatic truck wash can discharge from 300 gallons per minute up to 6,000 gallons per minute... no typo there.
• BUT - with advances in technology, there are now systems on the market that can discharge as little as 5 gallons of water per minute for a five minute cycle - or 25 gallons for the entire wash cycle!

When calculating the cost of their vehicle washing program, not many companies take into account the cost of the water - it's taken for granted.

Take a minute to link here to a chart with some details on how wrong that approach can be: [PDF]

(ASSUMPTIONS: it takes one hour to wash a trailer by hand, or 8 trailers in a working day)

As you can see on the chart, it can take 11,000 gallons of water per day to wash just 8 trailers, assuming your employees are not frugal and keep the water running the entire shift. Trust me...I've seen it happen!! Imagine any amount multiplied by 11,000 - that's a large number.

What is your water cost? Check out your company's per gallon cost for water the next time the bill comes in - and while you're at it, don't forget to check your sewer cost as well. Add those two numbers together and multiply by your gallons used. Okay, step one complete.

Step Two

Now, take the labor you pay per week and add to that the cost of soap, brushes and rags. You might be surprised. It can quickly become a staggering number when you take all these factors into account.

Now ask yourself this question: are you getting your money's worth? Is it allowing you to project the image your company wants to portray? Are there alternatives to your existing process that can save you money while improving quality, efficiency and consistency? I know - everyone has their own ideas about exactly how far they can push their company to be image conscious and environmentally aware while at the same time balancing those concerns with cost considerations. Only you know what your company's expectations are.

Do me a favor - when you have some free time, ask some of your co-workers what they think about your company's current washing practices. I would bet not many of them give it much thought at all. Yet, looking below the surface, beneath all the grime, you just might be surprised by the many and varied benefits taking a second look at your approach to washing might bring to your company: from cost savings to helping improve your company's corporate image through cleaner trucks and a commitment to the environment.

Unfortunately, if history is an accurate indicator, cost will be the only factor with the power to alter long-held business practices. One thing is certain, water costs and environmental concerns will one day dictate the washing methods of the future.