The new Express and Fine Detail Centers at Splash Car Wash are now open, making it easy to keep your ride looking fresh
By Patricia Nugent
A marvel of automation, the recently opened Express and Fine Detail Center at Splash Car Wash in Fairlawn is testimony to the operation’s high-tech cleaning protocol and ongoing pursuit of innovation.
“The vision of becoming everything people would need to keep their cars like new, both inside and out, was one that began with my grandfather, John Mallo, who founded Splash in 2015, and came to life through my father, Joe Mallo,” says Vice President Danielle Mallo. Though her grandfather passed away last year, she says he would be pleased to see his dream realized.
The Express Detail technology comes from Canada and Splash is the first place so far in this country to use it.
“We’ve always gone above and beyond in offering our customers the next big thing for their cars,” she says. “Our mission has remained constant since opening: To provide not just a car wash, but rather a car wash experience. Our VIP customer service extends to people who opt for single-use or any of our membership programs that reward loyal clients.”
Two Levels of Detailing
Within the Detail Center, you’ll find two departments—Express Detail and Fine Detail.
On the Express side, your car will pass along a precision conveyor belt with technicians at stations to vacuum the carpeting, clean the door jambs, wipe down the interior, and clean the windows. It takes about 15 minutes to go through the tunnel and customers can relax and chill out in the inviting lounge area while their car is being serviced.
“We’re in the planning stages to bring in vending machines and set up a play area with gaming systems for our customers’ kids to enjoy while they’re here,” says Detail Director David Wachs.
Express services range from sedans to SUVs and XLs (Tahoes, trucks) and cost $24, $27 and $30, respectively. Members will receive $5 off these prices.
The Fine Detail department dives deeper with a more comprehensive service that takes place within eight spacious, oversized bays in the center. Customers make an appointment either online or by calling. Trained technicians deep clean the interior and exterior of the car, shampooing carpeting, cleaning cloth seats and cleaning and conditioning leather seats, cleaning floor mats, and scrubbing everything in the interior. The job is finished off with a hand wax and buff, and ceramic coating. This service starts at $169.
“Our techs are specially trained from the ceramic sealant company, Malco, which is headquartered in Barberton,” Danielle says.
“The Express Detail service is like a spring cleaning and the Fine Detail is a super-deep clean, like a day at the spa for your car,” she says. “We expect customers to get the Express Detail and Fine Detail services often. Maintaining a clean vehicle will keep your car looking like new for years to come.”
David reports they also repair dents, dings and repair windshields with chips that have not spread. For newer cars with clear coat on the tire rims that may have curb rash, they can fill it in, sand and repaint it.
Next-Level Washes
“Northeast Ohio is not known for being kind to cars,” says Danielle, laughing. “People are struggling with a haze of pollen in the spring and summer, and harsh road salts in the winter. But we’re ready for that. We invest in only the best products to produce the best results. Our top-of-the-line Simonize cleansing agents break down oils and road salts. And the hot wax and ceramic sealants we use actually make the car easier to wash over time and look great longer since they repel dust and grime. Think of these products as an insurance policy for your car’s exterior.”
Splash offers both touchless and traditional washes. “For those who are against the regular washes, I hope they understand that our high-tech system does not use the old-fashioned brushes like other car washes do,” says Danielle. “Our non-abrasive NeoGlide foam provides gentle friction that feels like dolphin skin. It does not absorb dirt and grime, but rather repels it. The system is effective at getting off tough stains like bird poop.”
To accommodate the high volume, they built a 175-foot-long tunnel, with a curved polycarbonate roof to let in light and provide better air circulation.
“Our services go the extra mile,” she says. “We call it ‘rolling out the red carpet’ treatment.”
Not surprisingly, the formula of innovation and heightened customer service is a “splashing” success. Vince DeCapua, director of sales and Joe’s nephew, reports that joining their three locations in Fairlawn, Green and Coventry will be a fourth location, to be built on land purchased near the Belden Village area.
Customer Appreciation Events
“My family has been born and raised in this town for generations,” says Danielle Mallo, vice president of Splash Car Wash. “We’ve been involved in many charities, sponsored sports teams and school functions, and held fundraisers for causes that are close to our hearts, such as the Boy Scouts, breast cancer research and ALS, something my grandfather suffered from.”
The caring staff also has a knack for treating its customers like family.
“You’ll see us bringing in food trucks and cooking up burgers and dogs for our customers on holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July,” she says. “We want them to know how much we appreciate them.”
Splash Car Wash locations include: Fairlawn, at 130 South Cleveland Massillon Road (next to Aldi), just south of Route 18, 330-576-3940; Green, at 3405 S. Arlington Road (in front of Lowe’s), 330-536-WASH (9274); and Coventry, at 3385 Manchester Road, 234-334-1173. Come in Wednesdays for $3 off any wash or Express Detail. Monthly memberships are available online at SplashCarWashCo.com. Visit their Facebook or Instagram pages for special deals. Those who are already members can receive discounts on the new detailing services.