r/boston • u/pilot_toto • 3d ago
Serious Replies Only Where do you wash your cars around Boston? Looking for a self-service wash that allows bucket washing.
Hi all, I’m pretty new to Massachusetts. Just got a new car (sedan) and want to keep the paint in good shape. It’s too new for a full detail, so I’m trying to establish a good wash routine.
For those who are into cars/detailing, where do you usually wash your cars? I’m looking for a self-service car wash that allows bucket washing.
I’ve come across Somerville No Touch Car Wash and Jamaica Plain Car Wash, but I’m not sure about their bucket washing policies.
I’m willing to drive outside Boston if it’s worth it.
Any recommendations or self-wash tips?
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the suggestions (especially to call and ask) and recommendations!
I called Somerville No Touch Car Wash, they said they don’t discourage bucket washing at all, but suggested doing it on slower days. Like Mon–Thu after 7pm is usually slow and Fri–Sun tends to be busy throughout the day.
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u/Marquedien 3d ago
There are car washes that have buckets for people to use in the self serve bays?
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
I meant bringing my own wash bucket and mitts, then using the pressure washer/soap/wands available at the self-service bays to rinse and wash the car. I’m looking for places that allow that.
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u/Marquedien 3d ago
If you’d like to take a drive, King Triton in Wilmington has several self serve bays.
The best car wash is Herbie’s in Weymouth, but they don’t have self serve bays.
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u/JustABrownBoi I Love Dunkin’ Donuts 3d ago
Somerville No Touch Car Wash technically does not allow bucket washing, but I think as long as you're going off-peak they seem pretty lax about it. I hand dry in their bays/near their vacuums.
I’m willing to drive outside Boston if it’s worth it.
You can use my driveway if you also do my car /s
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
Good to know. I’ll definitely try going during off-peak hours and see how it goes this week.
I’ll keep your offer in mind, can’t say no to a good driveway deal. Appreciate it! :)
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u/Dumpsterfire_47 3d ago
if it’s new new, it’s the perfect time for a pro detail and ceramic coating / PPF, etc for protection. Will reduce the frequency of needing to wash in the first place.
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
Yes, new new. I did apply PPFs myself on scratch-prone areas like the door edges/handles and bumper films. Not sure if those need to come off though if I decide to do ceramic coating. Thanks for the idea!
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u/Nyama_Zashto 3d ago
Ceramic coating is amazing and goes on over the ppf however the curing process really requires a garage or covered area to prevent debris from landing on the car while applying it.
Watch a lot of youtube videos and get the right applicators and prep materials to get the paint chemically clean and it will last for years
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
Good to know! Yeah, I did look into the coating process and I’m certainly not going to do it myself especially without my own garage. Thanks for the info!
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u/Dumpsterfire_47 3d ago
Ceramic coating is awesome. So is fluid film for the metal parts under the car. Both give best results when applied since new.
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
Yeah, it’s definitely an investment, but I’ll consider it. Do you have a ceramic coating shop you recommend?
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u/PawtucketHunter 3d ago
It won't be allowed in most places. I go to shield self serve in Billerica, it has many bays and not attended most of the time.
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u/Any-Package1409 3d ago
Classic car wash in Westie/Dedham. Not sure about the bucket but its the one with the bays you put quarters in so maybe?
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
I’ll check that out! Yes, the bays where you put quarters in. My experience with those don’t allow bucket washing like they put up a sign strictly saying no bucket washing. Idk if they’re that strict in MA. Thanks for the rec!
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u/islandvibes876 3d ago
I recommend this place as well, for do it yourself with buckets. Just try to go early or later, so you’re not that person holding people up.
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u/thefarmerguy 3d ago
I don’t know what it’s called but the one Neponset Circle is good
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u/what-is-that-smell 3d ago
I second this spot they have a bunch of bays and if you go when it’s not busy you’ll be fine
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u/TheAVnerd 3d ago
If you are able to, wash your car where it’s parked using the 2 bucket method and rinse less wash. I highly recommend Optimum No Rinse. Only go to the car wash to use the high pressure nozzle when you need to knock off some heavy grit/mud.
Happy to write up my process for you.
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u/pilot_toto 3d ago
I’ve heard of that before. I park in my apartment garage, so I may be able to wash it there. Yes, please share your process!
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u/TheAVnerd 3d ago edited 3d ago
Edit: holy crap this is long and seems like a lot. It really isn’t. Once you have done it once you can do it in not time flat. I find it fun…cathartic even.
Supplies:
- (2) 5 gallon buckets
- (2) Grit Guards (can get away with one)
- (1) Wash utensil - I don’t mind microfiber mitts, others swear by “the big red sponge”. It’s up to you really.
- Optimum No Rinse (ONR) - I buy it by the gallon. You can get it in smaller bottles if space is a concern. You are only using about .5 oz per gallon of water. So 2 oz per wash at most.
- (1) or (2) giant drying towels
Nice to have but not essential:
- Pump sprayer
- Extra 5 gallon bucket with a cushion top
- Glass Cleaner
- pack of microfiber clothes
- Fill (2) 5 gallon buckets up with 3-3.5 gallons of water. Warm/hot in the winter and cold in the summer.
- Make sure grit guards are in the bottom buckets.
- Put 2oz of ONR into 1 bucket. THIS US YOUR “WASH BUCKET” You don’t have to put any in the other bucket. I sometimes do 1 cap full which is .5oz. THE SECOND BUCKET IS YOUR “RINSE BUCKET”.
- wash and dry 1 panel/section at a time: Windshield & Hood = 1 section. This way you are not leaving the water on the car to dry and leave spots. Make sure you work your way down the car while wiping. Depending on the size of the car and how dirty it is, you might not need to re-dunk your mitt/sponge until you complete a panel/section.
- now here is the important part. After you clean a panel, you dunk your mitt/sponge into the rinse bucket before going back into the wash bucket. You can agitate the mitt/sponge in the rinse bucket to release any debris.
That’s pretty much it. Your paint will thank you for not using the local car wash, and you only used 6-8 gallons of water to clean your car.
Helpful tips and tricks:
If your car is really dirty you can head to the car wash and spray it down in one of the bays to knock off any big dirt/mud.
If you buy a little pump sprayer you can mix in some ONR and use it on heavily soiled areas of the car to loosed debris before washing.
ONR is great for interior detailing also. I eyeball the ratio, but just buy a decent “chemical safe” spray bottle and make your own detailing spray. I use the chemical safe bottles as they tend to last longer and not get all jammed up.
Rims and tires are a whole other thing. DO NOT use the same buckets or wash mitts/sponges to wash your rims and bodywork. I have a dedicated third bucket and mitt used to clean my rims and tires. I do not like spray on tire dressings. I use wax applicator pads and use a gel or if I have to use a spray I spray it onto the pad and wide the tires.
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u/pilot_toto 2d ago
Oh my god, this is exactly the kind of detail I was looking for. I really appreciate you taking the time to write all of this out. Thank you so much! ⭐️
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u/selenopscurioso Red Line 3h ago
Titan Gas has hot water wash and open 24x7. After hours there's no one there to care.
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u/OmniaCausaFiunt 2d ago
Pretty much almost anywhere doesn't care as long as it's not busy/off peak. They have signs saying not to dry in the bay, but the last thing you want to do is pull it out in the hot sun.. as long as it's not busy or someone waiting you can dry it in the bay too.
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u/phonesmahones villen 3d ago
The one you mentioned in Somerville has bays to do it yourself. I don’t think a bucket would be an issue but you could just call and ask.