A £600K state-of-the-art unique valeting centre called ‘Planet Wash’ has opened in York.
It’s the only one of its kind in the North of England and people who cherish their car are travelling for miles to use it, says owner Graham Kennedy.
The new six-bay jet wash facility has opened at Inner Space Stations on Hull Road – after a ‘near disastrous’ fire destroyed the previous equipment.
Fortunately, the fire was contained within the jet washes, but it meant that the fuel station’s popular car wash centre was out of action for several months.
Graham’s search for a replacement system led him to a Croatian company called Adriateh, selling what he believes is the best car wash package on the market in Europe – and he invested over £600,000 to open Planet Wash.
Each of the bays is overseen by a different coloured Dalek – as befits a space-themed business which also features a Cyberman, Tardis Star Wars characters and Transformers!
However, Graham stresses that the jet washes are “for humans only”.
And the humans love it! He says drivers have come from Leeds and Wakefield to use the wash after seeing it on social media.
So what makes it so special?
“There’s only one other place in the UK like this. The technology has advanced completely,” Graham told YorkMix.
“All the water is passed though giant water softeners first, which makes car washing so much better.
“There is an option to cover the car in ‘snow foam’. As well as looking fantastic, it helps penetrate that initial cover of dirt.”
Another big difference is the system uses hot water in the jet wash lances and brushes. The soft wash brush is made from Scandinavian hogs hair, which won’t hold any particles and means it won’t scratch your car.
“The chemicals we use are important too,” Graham said. “When you use it with a wax and the ‘reverse osmosis super clean water rinse’ it makes sure the car dry’s perfectly with no spots or streaks.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been testing it regularly on my own car and everyone comments how fantastic the results are.”
Two of the wash bays are 3.2m high, so people can clean a motor home, caravan, or other larger vehicle, even a Mercedes sprinter.
The new jet wash system also uses less water, making it more environmentally friendly. 4 of the bays also have vacuum and air check units.
It is operated on a time sell system. “A small car you can do for £4, a bigger car for £6 and a van, or a 4×4, would probably cost £8,” Graham says.
There are 4 different ways to pay, ranging from contactless to coins, to tokens bought inside Inner Space Stations, and a new tech Ready2Wash phone app.
He has one top tip. Read the instructions first! “It’s so good. It leaves it leaves your vehicle drying perfectly, if you use it correctly.
“What we can see already, is that women come in, read all instructions and do it properly. Men come in, don’t read anything and use everything in the wrong order!”
But he added: “Everybody’s loving it. There’s nothing else like it. It also keeps you fit, as it’s like a mini workout at the gym!”
If you don’t want to do the jet wash yourself, you can use the £100k automatic car wash, called ‘The Transformer’.
This also is unique, as it has a touchless hi-pressure option as well as the brush programmes that no other car wash in the region offers.
And you can even clean your pooch! There is a self-service Dog Wash on site.
Really, what are you waiting for? A clean car is a happy car!
Find out more about all the new facilities on the Inner Space Station website, Facebook page and Instagram channel.