Suggested read: Clean Express Auto Wash — Part 18: Membership Value and Water-Saving Tech Transform the Express Wash Experience

Clean Express Auto Wash Part 30: Expansion & Tech Upgrades

By the Editorial Desk

October 2025 — 8 min read

Catching Up: What’s Changed Since Our Last Report

The six months since Part 29 have been among the most active in the company’s history. When we last covered Clean Express, the chain was finalizing permits for three additional sites in Summit and Cuyahoga counties and had just introduced a basic mobile app. At that point, the company reported 21 locations. (Readers can find the full series archive here.)

Since then, the most significant developments — according to company statements, permitting records, and public filings — include: the reported opening of five new washes, bringing the stated site count to 26; the acquisition and rebranding of a two-site independent chain in Lorain County; a comprehensive mobile app overhaul with integrated payment, wash tracking, and push notifications; and the launch of a pilot “Clean Express Plus” tier that pairs exterior service with basic interior cleaning at select locations. The company also reportedly secured a funding round of undisclosed size from a Cleveland-based private equity group, with stated plans for expansion into the Columbus and Toledo markets by mid-2026. Real estate filings reviewed for this article indicate the Clean Express name attached to at least seven additional parcels currently in zoning review.

At the same time, competitors have not stood still. Mister Car Wash has opened new Northeast Ohio locations, and Zips Car Wash has renovated older sites, narrowing the experience gap that Clean Express once enjoyed. The regional market is increasingly contested.

Suggested read: Clean Express Auto Wash — Part 17: The Scalable Technology Engine Driving Automation, Data, and Eco-Innovation for Growth and Customer Loyalty

Site Surge: New Locations and the 2025 Growth Map

Clean Express’s geographic strategy continues to favor high-traffic suburban corridors over dense urban neighborhoods. The five newest operational washes — located in Strongsville, North Canton, Medina, Mentor, and a second Akron site — each sit on parcels adjacent to grocery-anchored shopping centers with traffic counts reported in planning documents above 15,000 vehicles per day. This real estate formula has become the company’s template.

Sites currently under construction include Brunswick, Cuyahoga Falls, and a first Columbus-area location near Polaris Fashion Place. The Columbus entry is notable as the company’s first move outside its Northeast Ohio base, putting it in direct competition with Mister Car Wash’s established Columbus presence. Early indications from job postings suggest the Polaris site may test a dual-tunnel configuration to double throughput during peak hours — a layout Clean Express has not previously deployed.

The Lorain County acquisition also merits attention. The two acquired washes — previously operating under the “ShinePro” brand — were reportedly retrofitted and rebranded within 60 days, a timeline that required pre-stocked equipment inventories and a dedicated transition team. If this acquisition model proves repeatable, it could accelerate growth beyond the 9-to-14-month timeline typically required for ground-up construction. However, independent confirmation of the acquisition terms and timeline remains limited to business registry filings and company statements.

Inside the Membership Machine: Pricing, Perks, and Retention

The Unlimited Wash Club remains the financial core of Clean Express Auto Wash. Based on current promotional materials and site visits, the standard monthly rate is $19.99 for the basic exterior wash plan, while the mid-tier “Clean Plus” at $29.99 includes underbody wash, tire shine, and a ceramic sealant application. The new pilot “Clean Express Plus” tier, priced at $39.99 per month at test locations, adds interior vacuuming, mat cleaning, and dashboard wipe-down — effectively bridging the gap between express exterior and full-service without a hand-dry finish.

Introductory offers have grown more aggressive: new sites frequently offer the first month at $9.99, and some run a “first wash free” campaign during launch weeks. While these tactics drive membership acquisition, they also appear to affect early retention. According to data shared by the company, approximately 22% of members who join on a promotional rate cancel within three months. Beyond that window, retention stabilizes, with 12-month member retention estimated by the company in the 74–78% range. For context, publicly traded competitors in the express wash space have reported lower monthly churn — though with more mature membership bases and a different promotional mix. Clean Express management has acknowledged that churn numbers remain elevated but points to a reported total of more than 55,000 active members as of August 2025 as evidence the model is working.

Suggested read: Clean Express Auto Wash — Part 15: The Ultimate Review of Services, Membership, and Eco-Friendly Tech

Tech at the Tunnel: Equipment and Digital Upgrades</h2