What Is 2-Step Fleet Washing?

What if you could cut your fleet washing time down to mere minutes while getting a more complete clean? Enter the touchless 2-step wash process. 

The only true way to remove stubborn road film without spending hours breaking your back with a brush.  But how and why does it work?

Let's Start with the Basics

A 2-step wash process gets rid of the need for extra scrubbing and rinsing between each step. But you need to make sure you have the right 2-step soaps for this to work properly. The process goes as follows:

Step 1: Apply a low-pH acidic pre-soak 

Let it sit on the vehicle for a minimum of 30–60 seconds. This starts to work on breaking down mineral build up and oxidation on the surface.  Aggressive low pH pre-soaks will also brighten aluminum.  Whereas polish safe presoaks will not.

Step 2: Apply the high-pH alkaline soap

This second step attacks stubborn oily residues, soils, grease, soot and bugs.  This alkaline soap is applied directly on top of step 1 without rinsing. 

Now just rinse

Think of it like a one-two punch: the acidic pre-soak loosens the grip of minerals and grime (the setup), while the alkaline soap delivers the knockout blow to stubborn residue (the finisher). The rinse water then easily flushes the road film away.  

This process allows you to spend less time and labor physically scrubbing away dirt and grime.  This also results in a near neutral pH runoff that is more environmentally friendly than using a low pH or high pH alone. You can use the 2-step method in different ways, including an automated wash system, or a manual pressure washer.

Road Film: The Hidden Enemy

If your truck still looks dingy after a thorough wash, you might be dealing with ever-persistent road film. This layer of contaminants is nearly invisible to the naked eye but can stick to the surface of your vehicle like glue. A stubborn combo of dirt, oil, grease, and pollution creates a film that regular washes often can’t penetrate. 

This is because when the trucks move down the road, they generate friction and static electricity.  This forms an electrostatic bond that holds the road film on the surface like metal shavings on a magnet. 

Using a brush will remove the road film, but it requires more manpower and is much more time-consuming. Scrubbing may also cause micro abrasions on painted surfaces and scratch decals. 

That’s where the science behind a 2-step wash comes into play.

When the chemicals in the acidic pre-soak and alkaline soap mix together on the surface, they neutralize each other while simultaneously neutralizing the surface. This reaction helps to cancel out the electrostatic bond, releasing the road film without the added stress of brushing.  This saves you time, energy, and potential damage to your truck surface that comes with the elbow grease method.

See the Process Work

2-step Best Practices

To make sure you get the most optimal touchless results when using a 2-step wash method, there are several factors to keep in mind.   

• Apply quality products:  Investing in high-quality detergents is well worth the expense. You might want to choose products specifically designed for 2-stepping trucks to increase your washing success and avoid unnecessary damage. 

• Maximize the water quality and temperature: Using good quality water to mix your detergents will produce good quality soap. Additionally, water temperature is often overlooked but is essential for top results. Warm water (between 100-120°F) is ideal for the proper cleaning reaction. If it’s very hot out, you may find that cooler water works best.

• Maximize the pressure: The pressure at which the detergents are being applied is another big factor. Typically, the more pressure, the better. We often recommend 1800-2500 PSI. There are several ways to increase the pressure, such as using different injectors, nozzles, and 2-step systems. The extra pressure helps the soaps to penetrate the road film even better. 

• Wash regularly: Establishing a regular wash schedule is the best way to make sure your fleet stays on top of its cleaning and maintenance. Weekly to every other week is an ideal wash interval. You can still use the 2-step process for trucks with more time in between washes, but you may need to factor in additional chemicals and time.

• Maintain your equipment:  Whether you’re using an automated system, a manual pressure washer, or special 2-step systems, keep your equipment well cared for. If you want consistent washing performance, it all starts with properly maintained equipment. This will also save you the headache of breakdowns while in the middle of washing.

• Know your numbers: It’s important to know if your detergents are being applied at the proper strength and dilution. A simple soap draw test will tell you all that you need to know. This also helps you to keep track of your soap usage and your cost per wash.  

How You Can Get Started

Switching over to a 2-step wash process can feel like a big leap from the current methods that you are used to. While any initial implementation does take time, this is a relatively simple change, and it will save you time on washes. This means more trucks washed in less time and with unbelievable results. 

Combining science with efficient 2-step washing will deliver clear, superior results. Whether you’re washing a small fleet or a large-scale operation, implementing these best practices and modern wash methods can help keep your vehicles looking their best for less.

Help your fleet continue to be a reflection of your company’s image and professional brand while minimizing the damage roads have on your vehicles.