Mat Cleaning Machine

[Fluffybunny]

Does anyone have any luck with Mat Cleaning Machines? I have been looking at them recently and it looks like the good ones are pricey (over $5,000), so before pulling the trigger I wanted to see what everyone's experience is with them. Do you think installing one would cut into vacuum profits?

 

[Eric H]

I had one years ago. The customers that used it LOVED it. It was hard to get customers to try it but once they did they were hooked. Still probably made $50/month until I removed it during a renovation. I didn’t have a good spot to install the machine. I sold the machine to Waxman.
Also, customers didn’t read the instructions and would just drop the mats through the machine where it would land in the dirt bin. Then they’d complain that the mats were dirtier than when they put them in!
If you have someone on site to educate the customers you could do well. Most customers prefer to violently wack the mats on my fence, the side of a vacuum or the front of my building

 

[Fluffybunny]

I had one years ago. The customers that used it LOVED it. It was hard to get customers to try it but once they did they were hooked. Still probably made $50/month until I removed it during a renovation. I didn’t have a good spot to install the machine. I sold the machine to Waxman.
Also, customers didn’t read the instructions and would just drop the mats through the machine where it would land in the dirt bin. Then they’d complain that the mats were dirtier than when they put them in!
If you have someone on site to educate the customers you could do well. Most customers prefer to violently wack the mats on my fence, the side of a vacuum or the front of my building

Thank you Eric! Very informative. I am from MA as well btw

 

[gee gee]

I’ve seen a few operators say the MatClene units hold up pretty well, but yeah, the price stings. If you’ve got steady volume, they pay for themselves in a year or so

 

[Car_Wash_Guy]

I have one. PITA to maintain during winter. Most people have molded mats these days . I don't know what I'm going to do with it.

 

[MudMoney]

I've had a Rugbeater for 25 years,sets my wash apart from others. My wash is attended so when a customer is using the vacuum we offer a free demo on their mats. Roi takes a while and other than greasing the perks, haven't spent any money on maintenance. No issues in winter either!