Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Vehicle Cleaner
What vehicle cleaners actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a vehicle cleaner?
Set up the wash bay. From there, the day usually includes wash vehicles, vacuum interiors, and clean windows. Full or part time, including weekends.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a vehicle cleaner working full time.
- Set up the wash bay.
- Wash a new car for delivery.
- Vacuum and shampoo seats.
- Lunch.
- Polish paint.
- Clean a fleet truck.
- Clean the bay.
Where vehicle cleaners work
Cleaners work at car washes, dealerships, fleet yards and mobile detailing businesses.
Hours and schedule
Full or part time, including weekends.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Wash vehicles
- Vacuum interiors
- Clean windows
- Polish paint
- Detail interiors
- Clean equipment
- Inspect results
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pressure washers
- Vacuums
- Buffers
- Extractors
- Microfiber towels
- Cleaning chemicals
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Short training
- Visible results
- Can start a mobile business
- Active work
What’s hard
- Wet work
- Chemicals
- Weather
- Low pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like making things clean
- I’m detail-oriented
- I don’t mind wet work
- I like cars
- I might start a business
- I want short training
Not sure? Take the free Vehicle Cleaner fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use chemicals safely
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Prevent slips
- Use pressure washers carefully