The No-Scrub Revolution: What Touchless Washing Really Means
Touchless washing does away with the physical scrubbing of vehicles.
No brooms, no sponges, no mitts—just high-pressure water and specially formulated chemicals doing the heavy lifting. It's your "water broom" that replaces manual labour with a faster, smarter system that's kinder to both your fleet and your team.
This approach is gaining serious traction across Australia, particularly among fleet operators and heavy machinery owners looking to streamline their maintenance.
But does ditching the scrubbing actually deliver better results? Let's cut through the hype.
No Scrubbing, No Problems? The Truth About Touchless Washing
When we talk about "better" in the cleaning world, it can mean different things to different operators.
Here's how touchless washing measures up across the factors that matter:
- Cleanliness: 90-95% Without the Elbow Grease
Touchless washing delivers about 90-95% of the cleanliness you'd get from traditional scrubbing. While it might not catch every bit of stubborn grime, it does an impressive job overall and excels at reaching those awkward spots brushes often miss.
- Speed: Keep Your Fleet Moving
Manual washing is time-consuming and labour-intensive. Touchless washing cuts wash times dramatically, meaning less downtime and more kilometres on the road where your vehicles belong.
- Cost: The Real Savings Are Reduced Labour
The real savings come from reduced labour costs. After all, the highest expense in any truck wash operation isn't water or chemicals—it's the person doing the scrubbing. Less scrubbing equals more dollars saved.
- Surface Protection: No Contact, No Damage
Without physical contact, you eliminate the risk of scratches and swirl marks—critical for protecting your paintwork and decals. This means your fleet not only stays cleaner but maintains its professional appearance longer.
- Safety Considerations: The Chemical Factor
Touchless washing chemicals are typically more alkaline (higher pH), which helps tackle heavy grime but requires proper handling. They can affect polished aluminium and paint if not used correctly. Always test first and follow safety guidelines carefully—most of these products are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) for good reason.
The Right Gear for the Job
To make touchless washing effective, you need the right equipment:
- A quality foaming system or foaming bottle for proper chemical application
- A pressure cleaner with minimum 14 L/min flow rate—more water means more impact and better cleaning results
While lower-flow machines might work in a pinch, they often won't deliver the same results or labour savings you're looking for.
FlowRPM Touchless Fleet Wash
FlowRPM’s Touchless Fleet Wash is a game-changer for commercial and industrial fleet maintenance, delivering powerful cleaning without the need for traditional brooming. Its advanced surfactant technology breaks the bond of traffic film, reducing cleaning time and effort while achieving outstanding results.
FlowRPM Tough Truck & Machinery Wash
FlowRPM’s Tough Truck & Machinery Wash is the go-to solution for heavy-duty commercial and industrial cleaning.
This top-performing touchless cleaner is designed to handle the toughest challenges, saving you time and effort.
Is Touchless Right for Your Operation?
Touchless washing isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's best suited to fleets where:
- Labour savings are a priority
- Consistent, time-efficient cleaning is essential
- Surface protection matters
- Regular maintenance cleaning is needed
It's not the ideal choice for show vehicles or situations where a perfect showroom finish is the primary goal—unless you plan to follow up with some manual detailing work.
Hard-Earned Wisdom: Tips From the Washing Front
- Set realistic expectations (90-95% clean is the target)
- Invest in the right equipment and chemicals for best results
- Train your team properly on chemical handling and safety
- Consider the environmental factors at your washing location
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