January 9, 2026
A freshly washed car somehow feels better to drive and looks instantly more polished. Many drivers know the value of a clean vehicle, but when it comes to hand car washes, one of the most common questions is how long the process actually takes.
Hand car washes are a professional, thorough approach to cleaning your vehicle. Unlike automated washes, they involve careful attention to detail and specialised products to ensure your car is not just clean, but protected too. In this guide, we explain what influences the duration of a hand car wash, what you can expect from the service and how to plan your visit.
A Hand Car Wash is carried out by trained staff who manually wash and dry your vehicle. Every surface, from paintwork to trims and glass, is treated individually. One of the biggest advantages of hand washing is that it reduces the risk of scratches, swirl marks and missed spots that can happen in automated washes.
Hand car washes can also include additional treatments and protective finishes, giving your car a high quality, showroom look.
There isn’t a single timeframe that fits every vehicle. The duration depends on several factors including your car’s size, the service you choose and how many vehicles are already in the queue. With that in mind, the following examples can help set expectations for a typical sedan :
These are approximate timings only. Your actual wait can shift depending on the day and your vehicle’s condition.
A few factors naturally influence how long a hand wash takes :
Smaller cars are usually quicker to work through than larger vehicles, SUVs or vans, simply because there’s more surface area and detailing involved. Curves, trims and bigger panels naturally add extra minutes.
A lightly dusty car may move through the process smoothly, while heavy mud, road film, coastal salt or built-up grime takes longer. Sometimes areas need a pre-soak or more careful attention to avoid scratching the paint.
Not all hand washes are created equal. A lighter, express clean will be faster than a more detailed service, which naturally requires extra care and attention.
Older or neglected paintwork can slow things down. Oxidation, scratches or stubborn marks often need a gentler, more deliberate approach to get a good result without causing damage.
Heat, sun or cool conditions all influence drying time. Working around these to avoid streaks or water spots can add a little time, especially when hand-drying for a clean finish.
Understanding what happens during a hand car wash explains why it takes longer than an automated wash.
Step 1 - Pre-Wash
Detailers rinse the car with water to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents scratching during the main wash.
Step 2 - Shampooing
High quality car shampoo and soft mitts or brushes are used to clean paintwork, trims and glass. Every area is washed carefully to ensure contaminants are removed without causing damage.
Step 3 - Wheels and Tyres
Wheels, wheel arches and tyres carry the most grime. Specialised cleaners and brushes remove brake dust, mud and road debris effectively.
Step 4 - Rinse
Shampoo and loosened dirt are rinsed away thoroughly to ensure a clean, residue-free surface.
Step 5 - Hand Drying
Microfibre cloths or drying towels are used to remove water spots and streaks, leaving the paintwork flawless.
Step 6 - Optional Treatments
Additional services may be applied to protect and enhance the car’s finish.
Hand car washes are slower because every step is performed carefully. Automated washes are faster, but they cannot reach all crevices, adjust pressure based on paint condition or apply protective finishes in the same way. The extra time ensures a superior result and protects your car’s exterior.
The frequency depends on driving habits, climate and how much dirt your car is exposed to. Many drivers book a hand wash every few weeks, while others may schedule monthly visits. Regular washing not only keeps your car looking its best, but also reduces the effort required for each session.
To keep your car looking pristine and protected, our trained team is ready to help. As Australia’s leading professional hand wash, Star Car Wash has been delivering high quality car cleaning since 2003. Every wash is carried out by skilled detailers using specialised products and techniques, ensuring your vehicle leaves spotless and well cared for.
Book Online Today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch to enjoy a professional hand wash tailored to your car. Explore our full range of Car Wash Services and find the right option for your vehicle.
