15 UK Car Wash Statistics Every Mobile Valeter Should Know

Thinking of starting a mobile valeting business in the UK, or just curious to know how the market’s shaping up?

Today, I’ll reveal 15 key statistics about the UK’s car wash market to help you decide if it’s worth splashing out on a pressure washer and launching your own car cleaning company.

1. The UK car wash market is valued at around 1.6 billion

In 2024, the UK car wash and vehicle detailing industry generated an estimated 1.6 billion in revenue, showing just how strong the demand is for affordable and professional car care. (IBISWorld).

2. UK drivers spent over £600 million on on-demand car cleaning in 2024

For on-demand and mobile valeting services specifically, UK customers spent an estimated £610 million in 2024, with projections expecting it to reach £889 million by 2030. This surge is driven not just by more cars on the road, but by busy lifestyles, advancements in technology, and the rising number of people using cars for work or business. (Grand View Research).

3. More than 34 million UK vehicles use a car wash service

According to Brian Madderson, chairman of the the Car Wash Association (CWA), around 34 million vehicles actively use car wash services in the UK. This shows just how important professional cleaning has become to drivers, with many treating it as not just maintenance but a regular essential to protect the their car and keep it looking it’s best. (Car Wash Show Europe).

4. Vehicles in the UK are washed approximately 6 times a year

On average, vehicles in the UK are washed approximately 6 times a year, adding up to about 204 million washes annually. With so many opportunities for repeat business, it’s clear the mobile valeting industry has a reliable and growing customer base. (Car Wash Show Europe).

5. 90% of car wash revenues come from hand washes

With 90% of revenue coming from hand washes in 2023, it’s clear that UK drivers prefer a more personal and customised service compared to automated systems. This is great for mobile valeters, who can offer the same high-quality, hands-on service directly to the customer’s doorstep. (Car Wash Association).

6. Over the next 5 years, the UK’s car wash industry is expected to grow steadily

With more drivers turning to mobile services and premium detailing packages, the UK car wash industry is expected to see steady growth over the next 5 years. This is partly due to the rising UK population which will support the launch of new mobile valeting businesses. (IBISWorld).

7. The largest car wash company in the UK generated £58.9 million in revenue in 2025

Waves Car Wash, the UK’s largest car valeting company, generated over £58 million in revenue in 2025, while the second biggest, The Car Wash Company, brought in more than £41 million. These figures are evidence of the sheer scale of the UK car valeting market. (IBIS World).

8. Interior valets are the fastest-growing segment in the UK market

Among mobile car wash services in the UK and Europe, interior cleaning is showing the fastest growth rate over coming years. Increasing numbers of drivers are prioritising cleaner, fresher interiors as part of regular vehicle maintenance, especially those with children and pets, or who use their car for work or business. (Grand View Research).

9. More than 22,000 car wash businesses operate across the UK

In 2023, a staggering 22,570 car wash businesses were operating in the UK, highlighting the strong demand for vehicle cleaning services. This figure includes automatic car washes and mobile valeters. (IBISWorld).

10. A mobile valeting business can be started for as little as £1000-£2000

Launching a mobile valeting business can be surprising affordable. All you need is a car, a pressure washer, and basic equipment like a vacuum cleaner and water tank, with start-up costs estimated between £1000-£2000, depending on whether you already own a vehicle. You can also cut costs by purchasing second-hand equipment and leveraging free or low-cost marketing methods like flyer distribution.

11. Europe leads the eco-friendly mobile valeting market

With a growing focus on electric vehicles, waterless solutions, and steam-based car cleaning, Europe is leading the way in the eco-friendly mobile car valet market. Countries like the UK are quickly adopting green car wash technologies and enforcing stricter environmental laws on water consumption. For mobile valeters, this creates a prime opportunity to attract eco-conscious customers by offering sustainable cleaning services. (Future Market Insights).

12. The UK has over 40 million drivers, and about 1 million new drivers each year

As of 2024, over 42 million people in the UK hold a full driving license, with an estimated 1 million new drivers hitting the road each year. That’s a huge pool of potential customers for car wash services. (This is Money).

13. Around 320,000 Brits use their car for delivery work

With the rise of food delivery apps like JustEat and Deliveroo, as well as self-employed courier roles for companies like Evri and Amazon, there are more delivery drivers on UK roads than ever. Around 320,000 people use their car for delivery jobs, representing a significant market for car care services tailored to professional drivers. (Pegasus Couriers).

14. There are over 5 million commercial vehicles on UK roads

At the end of 2021, the UK had some 5.4 million commercial vehicles on the road, including vans, trucks, busses, and coaches. There presents a niche opportunity for mobile valeters, as targeting business fleets can provide reliable, ongoing work and steady clients. (SMMT).

15. Over 11 million UK drivers may be damaging their cars by washing them incorrectly

According to a report from The Sun, millions of Brits may be unknowingly damaging their cars through automatic car washes or poor washing practices, such as using the wrong chemicals, rough clothes, or dirty brushes. This can result in micro-scratches, faded paintwork, and damaged alloys, potentially causing thousands of pounds in repairs. For mobile valeters, this offers a unique opportunity to position their services as a safer, more effective alternative to automatic car washes or DIY jobs. (The Sun).

Conclusion

With more than a billion in annual revenue, steady growth expected in the coming years, and clear demand from customers who prefer a more personalised service, there has never been a better time to start a mobile car valeting business.

As drivers increasingly value time-saving, professional services, and with the rapid rise of people using vehicles for work or business, the potential for growth and repeat business in mobile valeting significant.