MA5X Heavy-Duty Car Wash Concentrate 55-Gallon Commercial Drum | Fleet & Tunnel Car Wash Soap
For car wash tunnels, fleet maintenance operations, mobile detailing contractors, and auto dealerships that need consistent, high-yield washing performance at scale. Available in a 55-gallon drum for centralized storage, drum pump dispensing, and pallet delivery.
MA5X Heavy-Duty Car Wash Concentrate in the 55-Gallon Drum delivers rich, long-lasting foam and efficient soil removal in a mildly alkaline (pH 9-11) formula designed for commercial wash volumes. At standard 1 oz per gallon dilution, one drum produces 1,408 vehicle washes at $0.25 per wash, delivering a predictable cost per wash at scale. Safe for ceramic coatings, clear coats, aluminum, and all painted surfaces at recommended dilution. Compatible with bucket wash, foam cannon, tunnel injection, and pressure washer systems from 40°F to 140°F.
Key Features & Benefits
- 1,408 washes per drum at $0.25 each: At 1 oz per gallon × 5 gallons per wash, one 55-gallon drum (7,040 fl oz) yields 1,408 complete vehicle washes at the current drum price, a direct-manufacturer cost advantage not available through distributors or janitorial suppliers.
- Mildly alkaline formula (pH 9-11) - safe for all surfaces at recommended dilution: At standard 1-3 oz/gal working dilution, the formula is non-corrosive and safe on ceramic coatings, wax, clear coat, aluminum wheels, chrome, and painted plastics. Avoid using at concentrate strength on finished or coated surfaces.
- Rich foam with 5+ minute cling: High-foam surfactant system maintains foam contact time long enough to break down road salt, brake dust, tar, and road film before rinsing, reducing brush pressure and preventing swirl marks in high-volume operations.
- Works in hard or soft water, 40°F to 140°F: Formulated for consistent performance across water quality variations and seasonal temperature swings. Reliable year-round and functional in cold-weather fleet environments without reformulation or additives.
- Formulated for commercial environmental compliance: The surfactant system supports wash water capture and treatment programs at commercial facilities. Not regulated as a hazardous material for DOT transport, simplifying receiving and chemical storage compliance.
- Built for bulk handling: Standard 55-gallon drum with 2" and 3/4" bungs integrates with drum pumps, proportioning injectors, tunnel system feedlines, and foam cannon reservoirs for continuous, uninterrupted operations.
Dilution & Application
For bucket washing and foam cannon use, start at 1 oz per gallon of water for routine cleaning and increase to 2-3 oz per gallon for heavily soiled fleet vehicles, construction equipment, or post road salt washdowns. For tunnel systems and pressure washer injection, calibrate based on your equipment's injection ratio to deliver the equivalent of 1-3 oz per gallon at the point of application. The formula performs consistently across this dilution range without foaming irregularities or rinse residue.
Automotive Use Guide - Surface Compatibility & Best Practices
This concentrate is formulated for broad automotive surface compatibility, but matching dilution to the surface type and soil level ensures the best results and protects finishes in high-volume operations.
Recommended applications and dilution by surface:
- Painted exterior and clear coat - all dilutions: Safe at all recommended dilutions. Higher concentrations (2-3 oz/gal) are appropriate for fleet vehicles with road salt, brake dust, or tar buildup. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a wax or sealant program if not using a wash and wax product.
- Ceramic-coated vehicles: At 1 oz/gal working dilution, the formula is safe for ceramic coatings and preserves hydrophobicity. Use at 1 oz/gal for routine maintenance washes. Do not mix with dedicated wheel cleaners or degreasers in the same tank, mixing disrupts both products and can cause streaking on coated surfaces.
- Aluminum wheels and chrome: Safe at all dilutions. The formula will not etch or pit aluminum or chrome with normal contact times. For brake dust-heavy wheels, pre-soak with a dedicated wheel cleaner before the main wash for best results.
- Matte and satin paint finishes: At 1 oz/gal dilution, the mildly alkaline formula is compatible with matte finishes. Apply with a soft foam mitt. Avoid brush contact and high-pressure direct spray on matte surfaces, which can create sheen inconsistencies independent of the product.
- Glass and windshields: Effective for road film and light contamination. For water spot removal or hard mineral deposits, follow the wash with a dedicated glass cleaner, car wash concentrate is not formulated for mineral scale removal.
- Plastic trim, rubber seals, and vinyl: Safe at all dilutions. Will not dry out or crack rubber seals or moldings with normal contact time and thorough rinsing.
Situations and surfaces to approach carefully:
- Unwaxed or recently polished paint: While the formula will not damage bare paint, high-concentration washing (3 oz/gal+) on regularly waxed vehicles will strip wax faster than standard dilution. For customers with freshly detailed vehicles, use 1 oz/gal and recommend a wax or sealant top-up after.
- Foam cannon dwell time on dark paint in direct sun: Foam applied to hot dark paint surfaces in direct sunlight can dry before rinsing on very hot days. Pre-rinse the surface with water to cool it before foam application, then rinse promptly after the recommended dwell time.
- Do not mix with wheel cleaners or degreasers in the same tank: Mixing car wash concentrate with acidic wheel cleaners or alkaline degreasers neutralizes both products and can cause unpredictable foam behavior in tunnel or recirculating systems. Use separate feedlines for each chemical.
Commercial Specifications
- Drum size: 55 gallons with standard 2" and 3/4" bungs
- Drum weight: Approximately 550 lbs (product + container)
- Pallet: 4 drums per pallet, forklift-accessible
- Shelf life: 36 months from manufacture date in proper storage
- Operating temperature: 40°F to 140°F
- pH: 9-11 (mildly alkaline)
Shipping & Fulfillment
55-gallon drums ship via LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight, rates are calculated at checkout based on pallet weight and delivery destination. Up to 4 drums fit on a single pallet at approximately 2,120 lbs total; ordering a full pallet reduces your per-drum freight cost. This product is not classified as a hazardous material for DOT transport, simplifying receiving and storage compliance at your facility. Local pickup is available at no charge from our Coral Springs, FL facility (4105 NW 124th Avenue) Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm; allow up to 2 business days for drum preparation. For recurring supply, contract pricing, or multi-pallet arrangements, contact our sales team directly.
Safety
This product is non-flammable and not regulated as a hazardous material for transport. It is classified as causing skin and eye irritation. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling concentrate. Avoid direct discharge to waterways and manage spills with absorbent material per local regulations.