Car Wash Fundraiser Supplies Checklist (Printable)

For a typical one-lane charity car wash with 10–15 volunteers, you’ll need roughly 3–4 hoses with spray nozzles, 6–8 buckets, 2–3 bottles of car wash soap, a dozen wash mitts or sponges, 20+ microfiber drying towels, big signs, and a cash box with change. Here’s the full list, grouped so you can split it among parents.

Washing gear

3–4 garden hoses (50 ft) with adjustable spray nozzles
A hose splitter (Y-connector) for the spigot
6–8 five-gallon buckets (label one or two “WHEELS ONLY”)
2–3 bottles of car wash soap — not dish soap, which strips wax
10–12 microfiber wash mitts or soft sponges
2 long-handled soft brushes for truck and SUV roofs
1–2 stiff brushes for wheels and tires
20–30 microfiber drying towels (they get soaked fast — bring more than you think)
A couple of step stools for reaching roofs
Optional: a squeegee for windows, tire shine for an “upgrade” price

Signs and promotion

4–6 large poster-board or foam-board signs (see sign ideas)
One big price sign at the entrance
A sign saying who you are and what the money is for
Thick markers, duct tape, and zip ties
A printed QR code for your phone-payment account, and one linking to your car wash’s page so people can share it

Money

Lockable cash box with about $50–$100 in small bills for change
Phone-payment QR code (Venmo, Cash App, PayPal) or a card reader
A donation jar for tips
Pen and paper to log totals per shift

Volunteer comfort and safety

Plenty of water and a cooler with ice
Sunscreen and a pop-up canopy for shade
Folding chairs for breaks
A basic first-aid kit
Bright shirts or safety vests for anyone near the street
Trash bags
Printed shift schedule with adult contacts

Water runoff (check your city)

Storm-drain cover or a car wash runoff kit, if your city requires or loans one
Biodegradable, phosphate-free soap

Rules vary a lot by city — read permits, runoff and local rules before the day.

Tips for saving money

Ask families to lend hoses and buckets — label everything with tape and a name.
Ask the host business or a local auto parts store to donate soap and towels in exchange for a “thank you” sign.
Buy microfiber towels in bulk packs; they’re reusable for next year.

Ready to go? Post your car wash on the map so drivers nearby can find it.