The best car washes in Canberra

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Find out Canberra’s most recommended car washes. Photo: NomadSoul.

According to a survey of household travel in the ACT and Queanbeyan region, around 95% of households have at least one car, and each day just under a million car journeys are made across our city. So, with our cars playing such an important role in our day-to-day lives, we need to be able to look after them properly.

Keeping your car clean is a necessary part of vehicle maintenance. And while you could grab a bucket of soapy water and a sponge and get to work right there on your driveway, a professional wash will not only save you time, but energy and water consumption as well.

There are numerous car wash services all over Canberra, so in this article we’ll give you a few things to look out for in a great car washing service, and help you narrow it down with a guide to the best of the best.

What makes an excellent car wash?

Not sure what you are looking for in a car wash? No worries. Take a look at these tips and use them as a starting point as you search out what you need.

  • Unbeatable results. There’s no point paying for a professional car wash service if the results fall flat. The best car washes in Canberra deliver flawlessly clean results time and time again.
  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you opt for a professional car washing and detailing service, you should expect experience, know-how, and attention to detail – all delivered with a friendly attitude.
  • Well priced. If it’s quick and simple you’re after, look for a car wash service that’ll cost you little more than your spare change.
  • Conveniently located. You probably don’t want to drive too far out of your way to get your car washed. Location is key.

The best car washes in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Without further ado, here are the top car washes servicing the Canberra region.

Brite Car Spa

Brite Car Spa is a locally owned and owner-operated car wash and detailer conveniently located in central Phillip. Among their numerous services, Brite offers hand car wash, full detailing and waxing, leather conditioning, tar removal and more. These services are part of a range of comprehensive packages, all at affordable and competitive price points without compromising on service or quality.

Google reviewer Rob Stretch wrote this review of their experience with Brite Car Wash, “Great service. Car looks immaculate. Interior carpets and seats look brand new. Thanks guys, awesome job.”

Enzo Auto Detailing

Enzo Auto Detailing is one of Canberra’s leading experts for auto detailing, ceramic coating paint protection, window tinting and more. As accredited detailers, Enzo has access to top level products available, and promise to deliver high quality results every time. With passion and professionalism, the experienced team at Enzo Auto Detailing can enhance your car paint to showroom shine.

As happy customer Chris Phillips writes in this Google review, “Amazing customer service and result. Had my new car opticoated and was extremely happy with the result.”

Platinum Hand Car Wash & Detailing

If you’re looking to give your car a luxury treatment, head on over to Platinum Hand Car Wash & Detailing. As well as providing a full exterior wash, tyre dressing and high gloss finish to make your car look as good as new, Platinum Hand Car Wash also offers cut and polish services, headlight restoration and interior detailing.

As Google reviewer and ‘Local Guide’ Regna Sundararajan writes, “This car wash really exceeds expectations. I bought the $55 package for my hatch and am completely satisfied with the outcome. I would certainly use their services again and would also recommend it for others as well.”

Obsession Car Detailing

Looking for something a little more high-end? Obsession Car Detailing is a premium cleaning and detail services for the most discerning of car connoisseurs. From European luxury cars to high-performance speed machines, the passionate team at Obsession are equipped to get any vehicle looking as good as new.

As Google reviewer Jasdeep Sahota writes, “I can’t recommend this place enough. Taken my brand new car there to get ceramic coated, it looked noticeably better than the first day I received my car!”

Fyshwick Car and Dog Wash

Fyshwick Car and Dog Wash is a fully refurbished, modern car wash facility. Offering a next-gen touch-free laser wash, three self-serve wash bays, seven vacuum station, and a dog wash for your furry mates, Fyshwick Car and Dog Wash is one of the best places to clean your car – inside and out – in Canberra.

Facebook user Kim Barlow left the following review for Fyshwick Car and Dog Wash, “Personalised service, fabulous coffee, awesome car wash!”

If you’re looking for more services in Canberra that can help you look after your car, check out our articles on the best mechanics and the best car service centres in town for some helpful recommendations!

Your experience with car washes in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Where do you get your car washed in Canberra? Share your experience, in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my car at the car wash?

Yes! Some car wash services will allow you to leave you vehicle behind, especially if you’ve scheduled an interior clean. Make sure you leave a key for the cleaners and clear your car of any valuables before leaving it.

How long does a full car wash take?

If a “full” wash means exterior and interior cleans, which will include windows, carpets, the dashboard and maybe some leather conditioning, a full wash can take up to two hours. Each service will differ though, so make sure you ask ahead and find out how long the wash will take.

Do I have to empty my car before taking it to the wash?

If you've scheduled an interior clean, yes. The cleaners need to be able to access every area of your car in order to give it a thorough clean, and you don't want them to accidentally throw away something you want to keep.

How much water does it take to wash my car at home?

This depends on how long it takes you to wash your car. On average, a standard garden hose uses about 10 gallons per minute, so a 10-minute car wash with the hose running can use about 100 gallons. As long as you shut off your hose while you’re not using it and keep the water in a bucket to reduce waste, you’ll be able to manage the consumption.

Why should I wax my car?

Waxing your car is a purely aesthetic choice. A coat of wax will protect your car's paint from fading, sun damage and becoming discoloured.

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Waves car wash in Gungahlin have put their prices up substantially. They have a new menu system where you pick what you want cleaned and if you don’t pick an item eg. “Wheels cleaned” this part of the car doesn’t get cleaned. I use to pay $70 to have my car cleaned and vacuumed but now it would cost between $125-150. I was told $80 should be a close match to what I use to pay and when I wasn’t happy with the results I asked for this to be fixed and was told no I would have to pay more money. I am seeking a refund through my bank and have also written to the ACCC hopefully to stop other people being innocently ripped off with the new pricing.

Ha. Our cars are not allowed to be taken anywhere were they leave marks in the paintwork (i.e. drive through car washes or places where they use buffing machines). Therefore, we do it ourselves and this constitutes a major commitment of time and effort. For those of you that don’t know…there is a technique to hand washing a car – who would have thought? I had no idea before I married a car washing perfectionist who has always driven unique cars. However, after many years of marriage I now have a firm grasp of the procedure – and yes – I do wash the cars by following the rules below:

– Have several cloths and chamois’ for washing and drying as well as a good quality detergent – we like Meguires – many of the cheaper brands are like dishwashing detergent and are likely to strip any polish you have on the car.

– Only wash the car on an overcast day, in the shade or at night. Water with detergent that drys before you rinse it off can leave water marks on the paintwork! Therefore requiring a polish to clean it up.

– Taking into account the requirement to work fast, you wash the car in sections from the top down.

– Rinse the outside of the car.
– Wash the top section of the car with your cleanest/newest sponge or cloth.
– Rinse the top section.
– Dry the top section with your best chamois.
– Wash the middle section of the car with your second best sponge or cloth.
– Rinse.
– Dry with your second best chamois.
– Wash the bottom section of the car with your third best sponge or cloth. As this section is usually the dirtiest it pays not to contaminate your first and second best cloths with this dirt.
– Rinse.
– Dry with your third best chamois.
– Wipe up any overflow water during the process. I can sometime wipe the same part of the car 3 times before I am done.

Then you can move onto the wheels where you:
– Wash them with the remainder of the bucket of water from washing the car
– Wash with your WORST rag/cloth/sponge.
– Dry with your second WORST rag/cloth/sponge.
– Paint the tyres.

Waa haa haa. It sounds much worse than it is or else I have become accustomed to it and don’t think about the process anymore. Perhaps this time and effort is why people pay other people to wash their cars!!??

rosscoact said :

I take one of my cars to Waves and apart from that slightly annoying up-selling policy I reackon they do a great job.

Good point. I went for the upsell and had them do the hand wax etc. It came to $120 which is far too pricey for me now that I’m only working part time. It was a fantastic job but I’m wondering what it costs for just the basics. Although I guess I should just bite the bullet and do it myself.

rosscoact said :

dungfungus said :

rosscoact said :

I take one of my cars to Waves and apart from that slightly annoying up-selling policy I reackon they do a great job.

Unfortunately their brushes put swirls on paint and I’m forced to take the other car to Star which does a really really good job and is hand washed, but is more expensive.

“I take one of my cars to Waves …..”
Is that the Roller or the Bently rossco?

1996 Mazda Dungers. I am a man of modest means and demeanour

That’s my style too.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back9:16 am 12 May 15

I just use our local self-wash place. Costs 7 bucks (2 bucks on the vaccum, 5 bucks on the rise, soapy brush then rinse) and dry it off when I get home.

I do it perhaps 5 or 6 times a year, and it generally looks clean and good.

As an Owner, I’m sure the Hyundai Motor Company appreciates my effort to maintain the high esteem of their marque.

dungfungus said :

rosscoact said :

I take one of my cars to Waves and apart from that slightly annoying up-selling policy I reackon they do a great job.

Unfortunately their brushes put swirls on paint and I’m forced to take the other car to Star which does a really really good job and is hand washed, but is more expensive.

“I take one of my cars to Waves …..”
Is that the Roller or the Bently rossco?

1996 Mazda Dungers. I am a man of modest means and demeanour

curlylocks said :

I have not had my car cleaned by any of the mentioned companies, but I have seen how one of them does it at Belconnen mall,I think its STAR

Just be very careful as I have seen them spray the rear door whilst the door is open so the water is actually spraying in the car. Personally I would just do it yourself, if you are time poor see if you have a teenager around the area that would be willing to wash your car for you.

I think people utilise the car wash system as they can claim it off their tax if they are salary packaging a vehicle. I dont think many people without the tax perk would fork out $69 bucks for a car wash.

I have not had my car cleaned by any of the mentioned companies, but I have seen how one of them does it at Belconnen mall,I think its STAR

Just be very careful as I have seen them spray the rear door whilst the door is open so the water is actually spraying in the car. Personally I would just do it yourself, if you are time poor see if you have a teenager around the area that would be willing to wash your car for you.

rosscoact said :

I take one of my cars to Waves and apart from that slightly annoying up-selling policy I reackon they do a great job.

Unfortunately their brushes put swirls on paint and I’m forced to take the other car to Star which does a really really good job and is hand washed, but is more expensive.

“I take one of my cars to Waves …..”
Is that the Roller or the Bently rossco?

We’ve taken our cars to the Star Car Wash at Westfield Woden a few times now and they’ve been good each time. I like that they take online bookings so we can park the car, go and do some shopping, and come back to a clean car. I paid just over $30 from memory for their basic inside and out clean.

I take one of my cars to Waves and apart from that slightly annoying up-selling policy I reackon they do a great job.

Unfortunately their brushes put swirls on paint and I’m forced to take the other car to Star which does a really really good job and is hand washed, but is more expensive.

Waves in Braddon do an awesome job as well. They use an automatic outside clean initially but follow it up with a handwash as well if you order one of their premium packs.

To be honest I have never thought about how the car gets washed but I use Waves in Gunghalin and they always do a great job inside and out.

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