How to Wash Semi Truck

Whether you’re driving thousands of miles across country or on the roads of Southern Florida, you’re semi- truck is exposed to the elements and the grit and dirt of the road. No matter if you’re a company driver, owner-operator, keeping your truck clean shows other drivers your professionalism and pride for your truck. Take your truck care into your own hands, and learn how to wash your semi truck. Follow along with the semi truck wash guide from Rechtien International Trucks, and contact us if you have any questions about semi truck care.

Ways to Perform a Semi Truck Car Wash

When you’re on the go, there’s no shame in searching, “Semi-truck wash near me.” Some larger companies partner with truck wash services to provide washes to their drivers for a convenient wash that gets them back on the road. Truck drivers looking for how to wash a semi truck themselves have a couple different options:

Semi Truck Wash by Hand

1. Pre-soak the semi truck: Dirt and grime build up over time. Drivers performing a semi truck car wash find that pre-soaking the truck saves scrubbing later and gives them an idea of which areas they need to focus on.
2. Lather the semi truck in soap: Mix warm water and an automotive/truck soap. Avoid detergent or dish soap as it can do damage to the paint. Drivers may find it’s easier to work with one section or area at a time depending on how dirty the truck is.
3. Scrub and brush your semi truck: With a soft wash mitt and/or foam brush, scrub the harder-to-reach areas. Avoid breaking out the ladder, and use an extended brush.
4. Rinse the semi truck: Spray away the soap and dirt. Working in sections may help so drivers can avoid having soap drip off the area being cleaned or drying too soon.
5. Dry the semi truck: Truck drivers can let the truck air dry on a sunny day or dry the truck by hand with a soft cloth to prevent scratches.
6. Wax the semi truck: Once the truck is dried, apply a coat of wax for paint protection and a nice, eye-catching truck.

Touchless Cleaning

By using the right chemical, drivers can perform a one- or two-step touchless semi truck wash. It’s recommended to pressure wash away large chunks of dirt, and let it air dry for best results. For high pH (alkaline) detergent, the strength should be 1:20, while the low pH (acid) detergent should be a strength of 1:64.

One-Step Touchless Cleaning

1. Focus on one 8-10 feet wide section at a time. Spray a high pH (alkaline) detergent to the vehicle surface using a foamer from the bottom to the top.
2. Let the solution sit for 45-60 seconds. Ensure the chemical doesn’t dry on the surface to prevent streaking.
3. With warm water (90°F – 100°F), pressure spray the truck from top to bottom and repeat all steps until the truck is clean.

One-Step Touchless Cleaning

1. Focus on one 8-10 feet wide section at a time. Spray a high pH (alkaline) detergent to the vehicle surface using a foamer from the bottom to the top.
2. Spray the high pH (alkaline) detergent on top of the low pH (acid) detergent.
3. Let the solution sit for 45-60 seconds. Ensure the chemical doesn’t dry on the surface to prevent streaking.
4. With warm water (90°F – 100°F), pressure spray the truck from top to bottom and repeat all steps until the truck is clean.

Find Semi Truck Care Tips at Rechtien International Trucks!

Whether you’re like performing a semi truck wash by hand, or simply search, “Semi-truck wash near me”, it’s important to take care of your semi truck. Interested in other ways you can take care of your truck? Follow along with the Rechtien International Trucks guides like caring for your semi truck battery or semi truck oil change frequencies.