Mobile Car Wash at Your Driveway
A mobile car wash is the maintenance service: a safe hand wash at your driveway, apartment lot, or office parking space that keeps the car clean between bigger details — without a tunnel wash dragging grit across your paint.
Detailers offering mobile car wash
What's included
- Pre-rinse and foam to lift loose dirt before anything touches the paint
- Two-bucket hand wash with a clean mitt and grit guards
- Wheels, tires, and door jambs cleaned
- Safe drying with plush microfiber or filtered forced air
- Exterior glass cleaned and tires dressed
- Often a quick interior vacuum and wipe-down as an add-on
What's usually not included
- Paint decontamination and clay treatment — that's part of an exterior detail
- Wax, sealant, or coating application beyond an optional drying aid
- Swirl or scratch removal, which requires machine polishing
- A deep interior clean; carpet extraction and leather conditioning belong to interior detailing
Time and price
Typical duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hoursTypical price: $50–$120 for most vehicles
Most mobile washes take 45 minutes to about 90 minutes and cost roughly $50 to $120 depending on vehicle size and whether a quick interior tidy is included. It's the service to book every two to four weeks — frequent, safe washing does more for long-term paint condition than an occasional expensive detail.
The reason to skip the automatic tunnel is simple: spinning brushes and recycled water put fine scratches into clear coat, which is exactly what people later pay for paint correction to remove. A hand wash with clean media and separate rinse water avoids most of that damage, and it happens while your car is parked where it already lives.
Detailers on Drip generally arrive self-contained with their own water and power, though setups differ — message them in the app if you park in a garage or a spot without hose access. You'll see the price up front, your card is authorized at booking, and it's only charged when the wash is marked complete. Need more than a wash? Move up to an exterior detail or a full detail.
How booking on Drip works
- Browse nearby detailers — See independent detailers offering mobile washes in your area on Drip.
- Pick a wash package — Compare wash packages, prices, and reviews on each detailer's profile.
- Choose a time and place — Book a slot at your home, apartment lot, or workplace.
- Charged when complete — Your card is authorized at booking and charged after the wash is marked complete.
Start from the Drip homepage or browse every detailer near you.
Mobile Car Wash FAQ
How much does a mobile car wash cost?
Most mobile washes on Drip run $50 to $120 depending on vehicle size and any add-ons like an interior vacuum. Each detailer sets and publishes their own pricing.
How often should I wash my car?
Every two to four weeks suits most drivers. Cars parked outdoors, under trees, or near the coast benefit from more frequent washing since bird droppings, sap, and salt etch paint if left to bake.
Is a mobile wash better than an automatic car wash?
For paint health, yes. Tunnel washes use spinning brushes and recycled water that create fine scratches over time. A proper hand wash with clean mitts and grit guards is far gentler on the clear coat.
Do detailers bring their own water?
Most arrive with their own water and power, but it varies by operator. Confirm with the detailer in the Drip chat before booking if your parking spot has no hookups.
Related services
Exterior Car DetailingInterior Car Detailing
Mobile Car Wash by city
Los Angeles, CARiverside, CAAnaheim, CASan Bernardino, CAMoreno Valley, CAHemet, CABellflower, CACudahy, CALake Forest, CALa Cañada Flintridge, CAAurora, ILColorado City, TX