# How To Wash A Semi Truck ? Experts suggest the best way to keep your truck in tip-top shape and take pride in your ride. Whether you're a company driver, owner-operator or fleet owner, the cleanliness of your tractor and trailer will showcase your professionalism to other motorists, law enforcement and customers. It is proven that keeping your equipment clean is part and parcel of keeping up the value of a lifetime utility. Here's how to wash a semi-truck exterior using all primary methods: by Hand, touchless, or brushes and at a professional [truck tyre shine](https://www.shineexpresswash.com.au/services/) facility. ## How to wash a semi-truck by Hand Depending on your role as a company driver and any company policies, or as an owner-operator, you can use a self-service truck wash, an automated touchless wash or wash your truck at home. Regardless of the chosen method, the procedure is similar: ## Pre-soak your semi-truck. Layers of road dirt can build up over time. By quickly spraying your truck with non-toxic, non-corrosive chemicals, you can save scrubbing time later and better understand which areas to focus on. Chemicals that reduce friction and allow dirt to loosen are far superior today than they once were. This step and knowing the hardness of the water are critical to a top-notch clean result: bad water=, a wrong wash. So beginning with the excellent water softness is a crucial element to a great wash. ![](https://i.imgur.com/BpeHsBm.jpg) ## Lather your semi-truck in soap. Use good water and a professional truck soap rather than detergent or dish soap to ensure it doesn't damage the paint. Depending on the truck's dirty, you can do one side or area of the car at a time if washing by Hand. By Hand—-Here is a great debate- Some feel washing by hand means with a wash mitt and elbow grease. This can be done at home and is very time-consuming. In the commercial truck wash industry, "hand wash" means by hand wand power washer. Many hand wash companies utilize a "two-step" pressure wand with a button that can toggle between chemicals and water. ## Scrub and brush your semi-truck Use a soft wash mitt and foam brush to scrub in harder-to-reach areas. Use an extended brush to avoid using a ladder. Great Debate—- Do brushes damage the paint and finish? Ask several and get several opinions. In the commercial wash industry, brushes are built in a gantry where the brush spins at high speed and travels back and forth on a floor or overhead track to reach as much truck and trailer surface area as possible. Some wash aficionados feel commercial brushes are damaging and prefer touchless drive-thru washes. The trouble with the 2-step wand process is it takes a long time to get washed and often leaves streaks and damages equipment. (hence the nickname Streakin-Beacon). ## Rinse your semi-truck. Spray the soap and dirt clean with good water. Again, you may want to do one area of the truck at a time to avoid the wet soap dripping off the area you're cleaning or starting to dry too soon. ## Dry your semi-truck. You can let it air dry if the weather is decent or dry the truck by Hand with a soft cloth, sure not to scratch the surface. ## Wax your semi-truck. Once the truck is washed and dried, applying a wax coat can protect the paint and help your vehicle stand out. ## Conclusion It is proven that keeping your equipment clean is part and parcel of keeping up the value of a lifetime utility and Depending on your role as a company driver and any company policies, or as an owner-operator, you can use a self-service truck wash, an automated touchless wash or wash your truck at home. Regardless of the chosen method, the procedure is similar