Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipments
Overview
Vehicle and equipment cleaners keep cars, trucks, machinery, and other equipment spotless using specialized cleaning tools, pressure washers, and eco-friendly products. You'll work hands-on washing vehicles, moving materials around facilities, keeping detailed records, and coordinating with machine operators as part of a team. This job develops strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and organizational skills while working in diverse environments from car washes to industrial facilities. Many cleaners today use advanced equipment like steam cleaners and automated washing systems alongside traditional tools.
Did you know?
Vehicle detailing requires prolonged standing, exposure to cleaning chemicals, and often working in outdoor or garage environments which can be physically demanding.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$34,480.59 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Quality Control Analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Sweep, shovel, or vacuum loose debris or salvageable scrap into containers and remove containers from work areas.
- Pre-soak or rinse machine parts, equipment, or vehicles by immersing objects in cleaning solutions or water, manually or using hoists.
- Clean the plastic work inside cars, using paintbrushes.
- Disassemble and reassemble machines or equipment or remove and reattach vehicle parts or trim, using hand tools.
- Monitor operation of cleaning machines and stop machines or notify supervisors when malfunctions occur.
- Lubricate machinery, vehicles, or equipment or perform minor repairs or adjustments, using hand tools.
- Rinse objects and place them on drying racks or use cloth, squeegees, or air compressors to dry surfaces.
- Clean and polish vehicle windows.
- Drive vehicles to or from workshops or customers' workplaces or homes.
- Connect hoses or lines to pumps or other equipment.
- Inspect parts, equipment, or vehicles for cleanliness, damage, and compliance with standards or regulations.
- Maintain inventories of supplies.
- Turn valves or disconnect hoses to eliminate water, cleaning solutions, or vapors from machinery or tanks.
- Transport materials, equipment, or supplies to or from work areas, using carts or hoists.
- Fit boot spoilers, side skirts, or mud flaps to cars.
- Press buttons to activate cleaning equipment or machines.
- Scrub, scrape, or spray machine parts, equipment, or vehicles, using scrapers, brushes, clothes, cleaners, disinfectants, insecticides, acid, abrasives, vacuums, or hoses.
- Apply paints, dyes, polishes, reconditioners, waxes, or masking materials to vehicles to preserve, protect, or restore color or condition.
- Turn valves or handles on equipment to regulate pressure or flow of water, air, steam, or abrasives from sprayer nozzles.
- Mix cleaning solutions, abrasive compositions, or other compounds, according to formulas.
Career Considerations
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Vehicle detailing requires prolonged standing, exposure to cleaning chemicals, and often working in outdoor or garage environments which can be physically demanding.
Income Growth and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
While entry-level positions offer modest wages, experienced detailers can advance to specialized services or establish their own mobile detailing businesses for higher earnings.
Stable Market Demand
The American automotive market provides consistent demand for vehicle detailing services, offering reliable employment opportunities across various business settings.