A typical car wash in Europe that's still open after three years brings in $22k a month ($263k a year) and keeps about $30 of every $100. That leaves about $79k a year.
The top 10% make more than $53.8k a month. The bottom 10% make under $9k.
Thinking of starting a car wash?
- Typical cost to start
- $273k
- Still open after 3 years
- 73%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $5,200 | $9,200 | $16,400 | $27,400 |
| Year 3 | $13,700 | $22,000 | $35,200 | $53,800 |
| Year 5 | $17,200 | $28,500 | $47,300 | $74,600 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $272,700.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Wash equipment | $147,700 |
| Site works & drainage | $70,500 |
| Lease & legal | $20,500 |
| Payment kiosks & software | $13,600 |
| Working capital | $20,500 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
73% are still trading after three years, and 62% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Sold unlimited-wash memberships
- Bought the land or locked a long lease
- Recycled water to cut utility bills
How to start one, step by step
Verified car washes on HumDays
Sparkle Express Car Wash
“58% of revenue is unlimited memberships. Rain doesn’t scare us.”
Why Rinse Bros Car Wash closed: a 60% rent rise and doubled energy bills
Rinse Bros had steady demand and good reviews, but it didn't control its biggest costs. When energy prices doubled in 2023 and the landlord raised the rent 60% at the 2025 renewal, break-even jumped from about 1,450 washes a month to 2,300. The site had never done more than 1,700.
Questions people ask
Is a car wash profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical car wash in Europe keeps about $30 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $79k a year. 27% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a car wash?
The typical cost to start is $273k. The biggest items are wash equipment and site works & drainage.
How long until a car wash makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 10 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do car washes fail?
The most common reason owners give is “lease & energy costs” (32% of closures), followed by “weather-driven volume swings” (21%).
Is a car wash seasonal?
Weather-driven; spring peak. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
Ask car wash owners
No questions about car washes yet. Ask the first one.