The industry has come a long way from the days of nylon bristle brushes. Today, there are two primary friction materials – cloth and foam. Both materials offer unique advantages and have few limitations. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best fit for your dealership’s specific needs. There is also an unexpected third option that might be the answer.
Polyester/Cotton Cloth Material: Proven Power and Durability
This traditional style has stood the test of time in the carwash industry, and for a good reason. Broadway Equipment’s cloth brushes utilize high-quality, durable textiles engineered to tackle dirt effectively.
Advantages:
- Non-Abrasive Softness: Gentle on vehicle surfaces, minimizing the risk of damage while ensuring a thorough clean.
- Water and Chemical Resistance: Performs consistently even when exposed to water and cleaning agents.
- More weight and Flexible: Conforms easily to vehicle’s contours and offers increased surface contact for better cleaning.
- Durability: Tightly woven and resistant to tearing with gradual wear that indicates when replacement is needed.
Drawback:
- Performance and appearance deteriorate over time.
.
Foam Material: Gentle Touch and Visual Appeal
Polyurethane foam is a more recent addition to the carwash industry, gaining popularity for its soft touch, clean look, and compatibility with electric washes. Since it doesn’t absorb water, this material offers a lighter, more forgiving contact with the vehicle surface.
Advantages:
- Light on Paint: Offers the softest touch while still effectively cleaning vehicles surfaces.
- Low maintenance: Less likely to trap debris and requires minimal deep cleaning, reducing downtime.
- Quiet Operation: Operates with significantly less noise, creating a more pleasant wash experience.
Drawback:
- Light contact doesn’t always remove dirt and grime effectively.
Smart Blend: The Best of Both Worlds
Smart Blend brushes combine cloth and foam to deliver both the light touch needed for delicate areas and the scrubbing power required in tougher spots. This combination is especially useful in harsh winter climates.
Advantages:
- Balanced Durability: Foam adds resilience to the cloth, extending the lifespan of the material, while also reducing water usage.
- Enhanced Cleaning Power: Combines the gentle nature of foam with the cleaning strength of cloth.
- Superior Surface Protection: A non-abrasive blend that conforms to the vehicle’s contours for safe, effective cleaning.
Finding the Right Balance for Your Dealership
Choosing between materials depends on your dealership’s priorities. If you need maximum cleaning power and long-lasting performance for a busy service bay, our cloth-based system is the ideal choice. For those who prioritize a softer touch that is gentle on paint, especially for the luxury vehicles, our foam option delivers just that. If you’re looking for the best of both, our blended brushes combine the strength of cloth with the gentle contact of foam for a balanced and versatile solution. All systems are engineered by Broadway Equipment for durability, efficiency, and seamless integration into your operation.
