In the self-serve carwash industry – the Splash Car Wash chain immediately comes to mind – the use of hog’s hair brushes is becoming the norm. Many of the carwash establishments, of course, still use synthetic brushes made of polyester, nylon and polypropylene because these are less expensive. But many more are switching to hog’s hair brushes and here are the reasons why.
Higher Customer Satisfaction
Foaming brushes are arguably the most important item that customers use when in a self-serve carwash. As such, these can be considered as de facto calling cards – the more satisfied the customers are with the foaming brushes, the more likely they will come back for more services. The repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising will add to the bottom line.
In contrast, synthetic brushes are often seen as potentially damaging to the vehicles’ paint where customers are concerned. This isn’t such a surprise because synthetic brushes have coarser filaments than hog’s hair brushes, thus, these can make small scratches on the paint. These also bend out of shape and, thus, become more difficult to use in tight corners.
The bottom line: Hog’s hair brushes are more likely to result in higher customer satisfaction.
Lower Overall Costs
When processed for use in brushes, hog’s hair is so soft and gentle so it’s less likely to scratch paint, among other types of damage. The hairs are also tapered, the perfect design since these are soft enough for gentle washing yet stiff enough for scrubbing, if necessary.
These qualities translate to a longer life for hog’s hair brushes. In fact, many carwash owners day that hog’s hair brushes can outlive synthetic hair brushes by up to 45%! Such longevity is partly due to the natural ability of hog’s hair to recover their natural shape quickly, even when it’s bent at a 90-degree angle.
Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, not only bend out of shape within a few weeks after use but these also remain out of shape once bent. The carwash manager and/or owner have to replace them lest the customers become completely dissatisfied with their poor condition.
Hog’s hair brushes also spreads the detergent foam better than synthetic brushes. The reason: The former have six foam holes, a higher number than in the latter; this is in a 9-inch brush. The higher number of foam holes also means more lubrication for the brush and, thus, a more effective lubrication between the car’s surface and the brush.
The bottom line: Hog’s hair brushes are more effective in cleaning dirt, dust and grime than synthetic brushes.
The next time you’re in a self-serve carwash, ask for hog’s hair brushes. You may have to pay more but you’re also getting more bang for your buck.