To start mobile valeting you need a pressure washer such as the Kiam DTLR 2 Pro, a generator sized to run it, a long hose on a reel, a wet and dry vacuum and a pre-wash sprayer, plus mitts, towels and a few chemicals. Add an extractor, pure rinse water and a blower as the work grows. It is all in our pressure washing and water systems range.
What equipment do you need for mobile valeting?
Think in three groups: the machines that wash the outside, the machines that clean the inside, and the hand kit and chemicals that go with them. A van-based setup has to run away from mains power and often away from a tap, so power and water decide most of your choices.
| Job | What you need | What we stock | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing | Pressure washer | DTLR 2 Pro, DTLR 2 Lite | 160 bar at 10 litres a minute, or 150 bar at 8.45 litres a minute |
| Power | Inverter generator | Gorilla Power GP3500i, GP2000i | Match the running output to the machines you run together |
| Hose | High pressure hose reel | 100ft fixed base reel | Takes up to 30m of 3/8 inch hose, rated to 275 bar |
| Pure rinse water | De-ionising filter | Aquaspray DI Carry Tank | 10, 15 or 25 litres, supplied full of resin |
| Interior dirt | Wet and dry vacuum | DTLR Valet Vac | 1200W, 15 litre tank, small enough for a van |
| Fabric cleaning | Spray extractor | Aquarius Pro Valet | Sprays and extracts in one pass |
| Pre-wash | Pump sprayer | DTLR Spray Cannon | 2 litres, Viton seals for stronger chemicals |
| Drying | Blower and towels | DTLR Vortex Mini Blower | Cordless, for badges, grilles and gaps |
For the vacuums, extractors and steam cleaners, our guide to car valeting machines compares the three.
Which pressure washer is best for mobile valeting?
One with a strong flow rate, a long hose and a motor built for regular use. Flow, measured in litres per minute, is what rinses foam and dirt away quickly, so for car work we look at flow before pressure.
Kiam DTLR 2 Pro Electric Pressure Washer
Up to 160 bar and 10 litres a minute from a 3.0kW induction motor, with a 15 metre high pressure hose and a 5 metre cable. It weighs about 22kg and takes water up to 60 degrees C.
£725.00In stockKiam DTLR 2 Lite Electric Pressure Washer
Up to 150 bar, 114 bar working pressure and 8.45 litres a minute from a 2500W motor, in a more compact body that suits smaller vans.
£595.00In stock
Our guide to the best pressure washer for car detailing explains flow, pressure and fittings in more depth.
What size generator do you need for mobile valeting?
Add up the rated power of every machine you will run at the same time, then choose a generator whose running output, not its maximum output, covers it. Check the rating plate on each machine rather than guessing.
Gorilla Power GP3500i Inverter Generator
3500W maximum and 3000W running output, a 6 litre fuel tank and up to 14 hours at a quarter load, at around 63dB measured at 7 metres.
£499.00In stockGorilla Power GP2000i Inverter Generator
2000W maximum and 1800W running, a 4 litre tank and up to 10.5 hours at a quarter load. It suits lighter loads such as a vacuum, a blower or battery chargers rather than a full-size pressure washer.
£399.00In stock
Both are true sine wave inverters and can be run in parallel. A 3.0kW pressure washer is beyond what the GP2000i delivers, so size the generator to the pressure washer you choose.
Do you need pure water for mobile valeting?
It is not essential, but it saves a lot of drying time. De-ionised water has the dissolved minerals taken out, so a final rinse with it dries without the spots that hard tap water leaves behind.
Aquaspray De-Ionising Water Filter Carry Tank
A portable DI vessel in 10, 15 or 25 litre sizes, supplied full of resin and connected to a standard tap with brass hose fittings. The resin can be replaced when it is spent.
Our guide to deionised water for car washing explains how the filters work and how to rinse with them.
How do you set up a mobile valeting van?
Plan the layout around the jobs you do in order, so the kit you need first comes out first and heavy machines sit low and secured.
- Secure the heavy machines: fix the pressure washer and generator low down near the doors, and keep the generator where its exhaust vents outside the van when it runs.
- Mount the hose reel: a fixed base reel bolted down lets you pull out only the hose you need and wind it back in without kinks.
- Plan your water: decide whether you will use the customer's tap or carry your own supply, and fit your DI filter where you can reach it for the final rinse.
- Store chemicals upright: keep bottles in a tray or crate that stops them tipping, with a pump sprayer ready for pre-wash.
- Keep the interior kit together: vacuum, extractor, brushes and cloths in one place so an interior job never means emptying the van.
- Separate clean and dirty towels: carry clean microfibres in sealed bags and bring used ones home separately for washing.
What chemicals and hand tools do mobile valeters need?
A pH-neutral snow foam and shampoo, a wheel cleaner, a glass cleaner, an interior cleaner, a tyre dressing, wash mitts, drying towels and a set of brushes. Starting with a few products that suit most cars keeps the van tidy and your costs down.
Stjarnagloss SNÖ pH Neutral Snow Foam
A double-strength, pH-neutral snow foam that is safe on ceramic coatings, waxes, sealants, paint protection film and vinyl wraps, so it suits whatever car arrives.
FibreKing Silver Label Drying Towel
50 x 80cm and 1100 GSM, holding up to seven times its own weight in water.
Our detailing kit list covers the hand tools in more detail.
Common questions
Can you run a pressure washer from a van?
Yes, with a generator sized to the washer and a water supply that keeps up with its flow rate. Never run a petrol generator inside a closed van: its exhaust must go to open air.
Is a carpet extractor worth it for mobile valeting?
For interior work, yes. Dogs, children and spilled drinks all end up in seat fabric and carpets, and an extractor is the machine that washes fabric and pulls the dirty water back out in one pass.
Do you get trade prices on valeting equipment?
Businesses that detail or valet cars can apply for our Trade Membership, which is made for detailers and valeting companies.
Need help choosing?
Tell the TDHQ team what vehicle you are fitting out and the work you plan to take on, and we will help you build a sensible first kit. You can also browse our pressure washers, water tanks, pumps and generators and hoses and hose reels.
