The rise of affordable cars like the Model T in the 1920s sparked a surge in car ownership, creating a booming market for drive-in car washes. However, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, new car sales declined. To stay competitive, car wash owners sought innovations to cut costs and improve efficiency.

By 1940, the first conveyor-based car wash appeared in Hollywood, California. This system used pulleys to move cars but still required manual labour for brushing and rinsing. In 1946, Thomas Simpson introduced overhead sprinklers and air blowers, paving the way for further automation.

In 1951, Seattle saw its first automatic car wash, designed by the Anderson brothers. These hands-free systems eliminated the need for plastic-bristle brushes. By 1959, Dan Hanna Sr. revolutionised the industry with the first mechanised car wash system that led to Hanna Enterprises, a major car wash equipment manufacturer.

In 1962, German pair Gebhard Weigele and Johann Sulzberger filed a patent for the "Wesumat 1," presented to the world as Europe's first automatic car wash. The system comprised two spinning brush heads that rotated around the vehicle to dislodge dirt and grime. Meanwhile, Hans Kleindienst was also busy developing car wash equipment and launched his three-brush roll-over model in 1964, followed by an upgraded model in 1969 that included high-powered blowers. After a few name changes and other mergers, the two companies eventually joined in 2000 to become WashTec AG.

Australia's first automatic car wash, the Robo-Wash (which operated in a similar way to the Wesumat, but touchless), arrived in 1966. Imported from the U.S., this system cleaned cars in just two minutes for only 50 cents. By the 1980s, car washes were widespread nationwide, and the global industry continued to expand and innovate.

Today, car washing has evolved with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.

🚗🚿 In-Bay-Automatics: These compact wash systems range from roll-over brushes to touch-free models. Providing a quick and efficient clean while requiring a smaller real estate holding.

🌱💧 Eco-friendly systems: Water recycling technologies help conserve water, especially in Australia's dry climate.

🤖✨ Advanced automation: Touchless and soft-touch systems use AI and sensors for a safe, scratch-free clean.

🚗✨ Tunnel Wash Systems: These high-tech systems, inspired by the early car wash innovators, use conveyors and automation to wash up to 180 cars per hour.