If you’ve ever asked yourself “What is a truck wash?” you’re not alone. Trucks cover thousands of miles each week, battling rain, dust, grit, and road film. Exposure to the elements makes cleaning tough. Trucks need more than a quick rinse to stay in good condition. 

A truck wash is a professional cleaning service designed specifically for large vehicles like heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), lorries, and tankers. A truck/lorry wash is different from a car wash. It uses specialist equipment, detergents, and processes to deal with the size and demands of heavy vehicles. 

At LPW, we’ve been cleaning trucks for over 50 years. We run dedicated truck wash sites, mobile fleet cleaning units, and certified tank wash facilities. This experience means we understand how to keep vehicles looking their best. 

What Happens at a Truck Wash?

The process of washing a truck involves more than just soap and water. Each wash removes stubborn dirt, protect vehicle surfaces, and leave the truck looking professional on the road. 

If you’re a driver planning your next visit, it’s worth knowing what to expect before you arrive. We’ve put together a Truck Wash Checklist to help you prepare and make the process as quick and smooth as possible. 

Here’s what happens during a typical wash: 

  1. Pre-wash and rinse: The vehicle is sprayed down with high-pressure water to loosen dirt and grime. 
  1. Detergent application – Professional detergents, such as ISO9002-certified Traffic Film Remover (TFR), are applied. This breaks down oils, grease, and the thin film that clings to trucks. 
  1. Deep clean – Brushes and high-pressure lances are used to clean cabs, wheels, trailers, and chassis. Hard-to-reach areas are given extra attention. 
  1. Hand finishing – Many HGV washes use manual brushing to ensure no detail is missed. This gives cabs, mirrors, and trims a spotless finish. 
  1. Final rinse and check – The vehicle is rinsed clean and inspected before heading back on the road.

Why Do Trucks Need Regular Washing? 

Your fleet isn’t just transport. Every truck is a moving advertisement for your business. A clean truck represents professionalism, reliability, and pride in your brand. 

But beyond appearance, there are practical reasons to wash trucks regularly: 

  • Prevent long-term damage – Dirt, salt, and road film eat away at paint and bodywork over time, leading to rust and costly repairs. 
  • Protect reputation – A dirty vehicle sends the wrong message to customers, while a clean one shows pride and care. 

The Benefits of a Professional Truck Wash 

Washing a truck properly takes time, space, and the right equipment. Dirt, oil, and road film are tough to remove, and trying to tackle them without specialist tools often leaves vehicles only partly clean. A professional truck wash adds extra benefits: 

  • Consistent results – Every vehicle gets the same high standard of clean, no matter how big the fleet. 
  • Specialist products and tools – Professional detergents like Traffic Film Remover are designed to remove grime safely and effectively. 
  • Expert knowledge – Trained teams know how to reach problem areas and finish every cab, wheel, and chassis to a spotless standard. 
  • Convenience – With sites near major roads and mobile units that come to you, it’s easy to fit a wash into your schedule. 

If you’d like to learn more about why regular washing is so important, read The Benefits of Regular Truck Washing. 

At LPW Truckwash, we bring all these benefits together. Our teams use industrial pressure washers, ISO-certified detergents, and careful hand finishing to deliver spotless results. With locations near major roads and truck stops, drivers can fit a clean into their schedule without losing valuable time. 

Mobile Fleet Washing 

Not every fleet can get to a wash site. That’s why LPW also provides a Mobile Fleetwash service. With over 120 units operating nationwide, we can clean fleets on-site at depots, yards, or distribution centres. 

Our mobile teams bring all the equipment and detergents needed. Our wastewater containment systems keep everything safe and environmentally compliant. This makes it easy for businesses to maintain large fleets without disruption. 

What Products Are Used at a Truck Wash? 

A lorry wash uses specialist cleaning products designed for heavy vehicles. These include: 

  • Screenwash: Keeps windscreens clear for safer driving. 
  • Brushes, cloths, and hand tools: Used for detail cleaning on mirrors, trims, and wheels. 

At LPW, we use these products in our truck washes. We also sell them through our Fleetcare shop so fleets can maintain their vehicles between professional cleans. 

Why Choose LPW Truckwash? 

With more than 50 years of experience, LPW is the UK’s leading truck wash specialist. We’re trusted by brands like DHL, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Maritime Transport. 

  • UK-wide coverage: From Land’s End to John O’Groats. 
  • Dedicated wash sites: Located in Purfleet, Avonmouth, Castleford, and Coneygarth. 
  • Mobile fleet cleaning: Over 120 mobile units available nationwide. 
  • Tank wash facilities: Certified internal cleaning for tankers. 
  • Eco-friendly focus: Wastewater containment and environmentally conscious methods. 

Whether you’re an independent driver or managing a large fleet, we make keeping your trucks clean simple and efficient. 

The Value of a Professional Truck Wash 

So, what is a truck wash? It’s more than a rinse. It’s a service that protects your vehicles, keeps your brand looking its best, and ensures your fleet stays safe and compliant on the road. 

At LPW, we’ve spent decades perfecting the truck washing process. Whether you visit one of our dedicated Truckwash sites or book our Mobile Fleetwash service, you can rely on a fast, thorough clean every time. 

A clean truck doesn’t just look better. It performs better, lasts longer, and represents your business with pride. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • What is a truck wash? It’s a professional cleaning service designed for HGVs, lorries, and other large vehicles. 
  • A truck wash is more than just soap and water. It uses strong detergents, high-pressure washing, and careful hand finishing to leave vehicles spotless. 
  • Why do trucks need washing? Regular cleaning prevents long-term damage, improves safety, and helps fleets stay compliant. 
  • A professional truck wash saves time, ensures consistent results, and uses the right products for heavy-duty cleaning.