Have you ever wondered what a mobile truck wash entails?
From HGV Wash to fleet cleaning, hygiene services, and even MOT checks, there are a variety of services offered to keep your vehicle in top condition.
With on-site service, water and power supply, and a thorough cleaning process, a mobile lorry wash provides convenience, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly benefits.
Neglecting regular cleaning could lead to hygiene concerns, vehicle damage, and non-compliance with regulations.
So, how often should you get your lorry washed? Let’s find out.
What Is a Mobile Lorry Wash?
A mobile lorry wash, also known as a mobile truck wash, is a comprehensive and convenient cleaning service designed specifically for fleet managers who need to maintain the appearance and functionality of their vehicles without disrupting daily operations by travelling to a fixed location.
What Services Are Offered in a Mobile Lorry Wash?
A mobile lorry wash service provides a variety of high-quality cleaning options tailored to meet the specific needs of each fleet, ensuring that every vehicle is spotless and well-maintained.
Heavy Goods Vehicle Wash
An LGV wash involves the use of pressure washers and chemical injectors to thoroughly clean heavy goods vehicles, ensuring they remain in optimal condition.
- Pressure washers are highly effective in blasting away stubborn dirt, grime, and grease from the exterior of the vehicles, ensuring a deep clean that is hard to achieve through manual washing alone. The high-pressure water jets reach all the nooks and crannies, leaving no space untouched.
- Chemical injectors play a crucial role in this process by mixing cleaning solutions or detergents with the water, enhancing the cleaning power and targeting specific areas that require extra attention. These chemicals help break down tough residues and provide anti-corrosion protection to the vehicle’s surfaces.
Fleet Cleaning
Fleet cleaning services provided by a reputable fleet cleaning company often utilise automatic wash systems to efficiently clean multiple vehicles within the fleet.
The use of automatic wash systems in fleet cleaning offers several advantages. These systems are equipped with specialised brushes, detergents, and water jets that can effectively remove dirt, grime, and road debris from the vehicles, ensuring a thorough and consistent clean.
Professional fleet cleaning companies have trained technicians who understand the specific cleaning requirements of various vehicle types and sizes. By hiring such a company, fleet owners can ensure that their vehicles are cleaned efficiently without risking damage to the surfaces. This not only enhances the appearance of the fleet but also extends the lifespan of the vehicles by preventing corrosion and deterioration.
Hygiene Services
Hygiene services in a mobile lorry wash include the use of biodegradable cleaning products and steam cleaning to ensure a hygienic environment within the vehicles.
Utilising biodegradable cleaning products is crucial because they are environmentally friendly and do not leave harmful residues that can affect both the fleet and the environment. Plus being eco-friendly, steam cleaning is highly effective in killing germs and bacteria, ensuring that the vehicles are not only clean but also healthier for drivers and passengers.
MOT and Pre-MOT Checks
MOT and pre-MOT checks are vital services offered to fleet owners to ensure that their vehicles meet legal safety and environmental standards.
These checks play a crucial role in helping fleet owners maintain regulatory compliance and avoid penalties for non-compliance. Before the MOT test, a thorough pre-MOT inspection is conducted to identify any potential issues or repairs needed to pass the test successfully. This inspection covers various aspects such as brakes, lights, exhaust emissions, and overall vehicle condition.
By adhering to these checks, fleet owners can proactively address any safety or environmental concerns, ensuring that their vehicles operate safely on the road. Regular MOT and pre-MOT checks also contribute to extending the lifespan of vehicles, minimising downtime, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Hot Water Cleaning
Hot water cleaning uses specialised pressure washer attachments, such as a lance, to deliver high-temperature water that effectively removes stubborn dirt and grease.
These tools ensure that the water reaches the desired temperature, typically above 140°F, to break down tough stains and grime effortlessly. Hot water is particularly beneficial for cutting through oil and grease, making it ideal for cleaning tasks in commercial kitchens or industrial facilities. The heat from the water helps to disinfect surfaces, providing a more hygienic cleaning solution compared to cold water methods. The combination of pressure and heat results in a thorough clean that is both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Bio-Degradable Cleaning Products
Biodegradable cleaning products are environmentally friendly solutions that comply with EPA regulations, ensuring that the cleaning process does not harm the environment.
These products offer a range of benefits beyond being eco-friendly. For instance, they usually contain natural ingredients that are less harsh on surfaces, making them suitable for various cleaning tasks without causing damage. Additionally, biodegradable cleaning products often have less impact on indoor air quality, benefiting the health of occupants. By choosing these products, individuals can contribute to reducing water pollution and minimising their carbon footprint. The use of such cleaners aligns with sustainability goals and supports a healthier planet for future generations.
How Does a Mobile Lorry Wash Work?
A mobile lorry wash works by bringing all necessary equipment and cleaning solutions directly to the fleet’s location, ensuring efficient fleet cleaning while utilising advanced methods such as water recycling to minimise environmental impact.
On-Site Service
On-site service is a key feature of mobile lorry washes, providing fleet owners with the convenience of having their vehicles cleaned without needing to leave their premises.
This not only saves time but also minimises the downtime for the vehicles, ensuring that they can quickly get back on the road with a sparkling clean appearance. On-site services offer a personalised touch as the cleaning can be tailored to specific needs and schedules, enhancing customer satisfaction. On-site services also reduce logistical hassles by eliminating the need to transport vehicles to external wash stations, saving both time and money for fleet owners.
Water and Power Supply
The mobile lorry wash service relies on an independent water and power supply to operate pressure washers and other cleaning equipment efficiently.
Managing water and power supply needs is crucial for these mobile lorry wash services. They typically have large water tanks mounted on their lorries, capable of holding hundreds of gallons of water. This allows them to operate independently without the need for a continuous external water supply. Many of these services use generators to power their equipment, ensuring they can reach remote locations lacking power sources.
Cleaning Process
The cleaning process in a mobile lorry wash involves several stages to ensure high-quality cleaning, including pre-wash preparation, washing, and post-wash inspection.
Pre-wash preparation typically includes applying specialised cleaning solutions to loosen dirt and grime, as well as inspecting the lorry for any particularly stubborn stains. Once the pre-wash prep is completed, the washing stage commences, often utilising high-pressure washers and brushes to thoroughly clean the exterior of the lorry.
After the washing is done, a post-wash inspection is carried out to ensure that all areas are cleaned to satisfaction. This stage may involve hand-drying certain parts of the lorry for a streak-free finish, using microfibre towels to achieve optimal results.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mobile Lorry Wash?
Using a mobile lorry wash offers numerous benefits, including efficient fleet cleaning, access to trusted fleet washing services, and adherence to environmental compliance standards.
Convenience
The primary convenience of a mobile lorry wash is that fleet managers can schedule cleaning services at their preferred location and time, eliminating the need to transport vehicles to a wash facility.
Additionally, mobile lorry wash services offer flexibility in terms of operating hours, allowing fleet managers to get their vehicles cleaned during off-peak times, minimising disruption to their operations. These services can also be customised to meet specific fleet needs, whether it’s a single lorry or a large fleet, providing tailored solutions for each client. Mobile lorry washes help in reducing downtime for fleets since they can be washed on-site without the need for vehicles to be out of service for extended periods. The convenience and efficiency of mobile lorry washes make them a valuable asset for fleet management.
Cost-Effective
Mobile lorry washes are cost-effective solutions because they reduce fleet washing costs by eliminating the need for dedicated wash bays and leveraging efficient pressure washers.
On-site mobile lorry wash services offer a convenient way for fleet owners to maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles without the overhead expenses of building and maintaining a physical washing facility. By bringing the wash services to the location where the trucks are parked, fleet owners can save both time and money. The use of advanced cleaning equipment ensures thorough cleaning and reduces water consumption, contributing to overall cost savings. These services help in preventing potential fines for non-compliance with environmental regulations, further enhancing the financial benefits for fleet owners.
Time-Saving
Mobile lorry washes save time for fleet owners by using automatic wash systems that quickly and efficiently clean multiple vehicles without requiring significant manual labour.
With the rise in demand for efficient cleaning solutions for fleets, mobile lorry washes have become increasingly popular due to their ability to minimise vehicle downtime. The automatic wash systems integrated into these mobile units not only ensure a thorough cleaning process but also contribute to faster turnaround times, allowing fleet managers to keep their vehicles on the road more frequently.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly practices in mobile lorry washes include the use of water recycling systems and environmentally compliant cleaning products that minimise the environmental impact.
By implementing water recycling systems, these mobile lorry washes significantly reduce their water consumption and minimise wastage. This not only aids in conserving water resources but also contributes to cost savings for the business.
By opting for environmentally compliant cleaning products, such as biodegradable soaps and detergents, harmful chemicals are kept at bay, ensuring that the surrounding ecosystem remains unharmed.
What Are the Risks of Not Regularly Cleaning Your Lorry?
Neglecting regular fleet cleaning can lead to:
- poor cleaning results
- potential non-compliance with regulations
- increased risks to vehicle hygiene and integrity
Hygiene and Health Concerns
Poor hygiene due to infrequent cleaning can lead to significant health concerns for drivers and passengers, highlighting the need for regular use of biodegradable cleaning products.
When lorries are not cleaned regularly, they become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and germs. These pathogens can easily transfer to occupants through touch or air, increasing the risk of illnesses such as respiratory infections and skin irritations. By incorporating biodegradable cleaning products in the maintenance routine, drivers and passengers can avoid exposure to toxic chemicals that may have long-term health effects.
Damage to the Vehicle
Neglecting regular cleaning can cause long-term damage to the vehicle, which can be prevented by using pressure washers and steam cleaning methods.
Over time, dirt and grime can build up on the exterior of your vehicle, leading to corrosion, rust, and paint damage. Neglecting to clean the interior can result in foul odours, mould growth, and deterioration of upholstery. By utilising pressure washers and steam cleaning, you can effectively remove stubborn contaminants, ensuring the longevity and aesthetics of your vehicle.
Non-Compliance with Regulations
Fleet owners risk non-compliance with environmental and safety regulations if they do not maintain a regular cleaning schedule according to EPA guidelines.
Ensuring vehicles are kept clean not only helps in abiding by regulatory standards but also plays a vital role in maintaining the overall safety and efficiency of the fleet. Be it removing dirt and debris that could compromise vehicle performance or eliminating potential contaminants that may harm the environment, upholding cleanliness standards is paramount. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to hefty fines, damage to reputation, and even posed risks to the health of employees and the general public. Investing in stringent cleaning protocols is an investment in both compliance and the long-term success of the fleet.
How Often Should You Get Your Lorry Washed?
The frequency of lorry washing depends on various factors including the type of cargo, driving conditions, and regulatory requirements, with fleet owners typically opting for fortnightly to monthly intervals for optimal fleet washing.
When determining the appropriate cleaning schedule for lorries, it is crucial to consider the specific environment in which they operate. Lorries that regularly traverse dusty roads or industrial areas may require more frequent cleaning to prevent the build-up of grime and debris that can affect their performance and appearance. The type of cargo being transported plays a significant role in the cleaning frequency, with hazardous materials often necessitating more frequent and thorough cleaning processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s involved in a mobile lorry wash?
A mobile lorry wash typically involves a team of trained professionals who use specialised equipment and eco-friendly cleaning products to wash and sanitize HGVs and fleet vehicles. This service is often provided on-site for convenience and can include services such as exterior washing, interior cleaning, and disinfection.
What is an HGV Wash?
An HGV wash is a thorough cleaning and disinfection service specifically designed for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and other large commercial trucks. It involves using high-pressure hot water and bio-degradable cleaning products to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
How important is fleet cleaning for maintaining hygiene?
Fleet cleaning is crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the safety of both drivers and cargo. Regular cleaning helps to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can lead to the spread of diseases. It also helps to maintain the appearance and value of the vehicles.
Why is it necessary to have a clean and sanitized vehicle for MOT or pre-MOT?
A clean and sanitized vehicle is necessary for MOT or pre-MOT inspections because it ensures that the vehicle meets the required standards for safety and hygiene. A dirty or unhygienic vehicle can lead to a failed MOT and potential fines or penalties.
Is hot water used in mobile fleet cleaning?
Yes, hot water is often used in mobile fleet cleaning services. Hot water helps to effectively remove tough stains, grease, and grime from the surface of the vehicles, providing a more thorough and efficient cleaning process.
Are the cleaning products used in mobile fleet cleaning bio-degradable?
Yes, most professional mobile fleet cleaning services use bio-degradable and environmentally-friendly cleaning products. These products are safe for both the vehicles and the environment, making them a better alternative to harsh chemicals.
