Keeping your truck clean is more than a matter of pride. It protects your brand, extends the life of your vehicle, and keeps you compliant with hygiene and safety standards. But many drivers and fleet operators make the same mistakes when it comes to cleaning their trucks. This ends up costing time, money, and reputation.
Here are the top 7 truck cleaning mistakes to avoid, plus how LPW can help you get it right every time.
1. Skipping Regular Cleans
Waiting until a truck looks filthy before booking a wash is one of the biggest mistakes. Road salt, grime, and traffic film build up fast, and the longer you leave it, the harder it is to remove. Regular cleaning keeps vehicles looking professional and prevents long-term damage to paintwork and metal.
At LPW, our sites are designed for quick, consistent cleans so you can keep on top of your schedule without downtime.
2. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Household detergents and cheap cleaners can strip protective coatings and even damage paint. Trucks need specialist detergents that are strong enough to cut through traffic film but safe for the vehicle’s finish.
We use ISO-certified Traffic Film Remover at all LPW Truck Wash sites, proven to deliver safe and effective results.
And if you manage a fleet, we don’t just provide professional truck washes. We also supply the same high-quality cleaning products through our LPW Fleetcare range. Fleetcare offers everything from bulk Traffic Film Remover and screenwash to industrial pressure washers and cab cleaning kits. All of our products are engineered for commercial vehicles, tested to ISO standards, and available in bulk quantities to keep your fleet clean, compliant, and ready for the road.
3. Ignoring the Chassis and Wheels
Many operators focus only on visible surfaces. But dirt, grease, and salt collect heavily on the chassis and wheels, leading to corrosion and expensive repairs down the line. A full clean means tackling these high-risk areas properly.
Our team hand-finishes cabs, wheels, and chassis to make sure every part of your vehicle gets attention.
4. Rushing the Job
A rushed hose-down might make a truck look better in the short term, but it won’t shift stubborn film or bacteria. It also leaves you at risk of being stopped for poor hygiene standards, especially if you’re hauling food or sensitive goods.
Our average wash only takes 10–15 minutes, but it’s a professional clean designed to meet industry standards.
5. Forgetting the Cab Interior
The cab is a driver’s workspace. Spilled drinks, food crumbs, and dust can build up quickly, turning into unpleasant odours and a breeding ground for bacteria. Ignoring the inside of the truck is a common mistake that affects health as well as comfort.
We offer interior cab cleaning products through our Fleetcare range.
6. Not Cleaning Tanks Properly
For tankers, skipping certified internal washes is a serious error. Even tiny residues can contaminate entire loads, leading to rejected deliveries and lost contracts. DIY cleaning won’t meet food-grade standards.
Our Avonmouth and Purfleet sites offer certified tank washes that meet strict compliance requirements.
7. Treating Cleaning as an Afterthought
Too many businesses see cleaning as a chore rather than part of their operations strategy. In reality, a spotless fleet is a mobile advert. Customers, regulators, and the public all judge your business by how your vehicles look on the road.
With our UK-wide network of truck wash sites and mobile fleet cleaning units, you can build cleaning into your routine without disrupting operations.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes will save you money, protect your assets, and keep your brand looking sharp. At LPW, we’ve spent over 50 years perfecting the process of cleaning trucks, lorries, and tankers across the UK.
Don’t risk your fleet’s reputation on poor cleaning practices. Trust the specialists.
Call us: 01708 463400
Email: in**@lp*******.com