Carpet Shampooing NOT An Express Service

[smokun]

In 1999, ICA introduced its Express Detailing Certification Program. Specifically excluded was carpet shampooing, due to significant liability exposures. In addition, ICA did not feel it was appropriate for a vehicle to be returned to the customer with damp carpeting. It was not only a safety issue, but also a customer satisfaction challenge.

The specific liability issue was the risk of the driver's shoes to become wet and potentially causing the driver's foot to slip off the brake pedal, and possibly causing an accident resulting in bodily injury and/or costly damage.

1. Since it is documented as a specific safety and liability exclusion in the Industry's Certification program as being an inherent danger, should car wash operations be providing carpet shampooing as an express service?

2. And if so, what precautions should be taken to safeguard the consumer and protect the car wash operator?

 

[Waxman]

If an operator uses a dry foam type product in an aerosol can as an express shampoo, wetness would not be an issue.

I've always thought an extractor-based shampoo process was not appropriate for express and I really only perform this as a full-service offering, where the car is at the shop most of the day and we can dry interiors adequately.