Pune founder tests 600 formulas to create a waterless car wash
A Pune entrepreneur spent two years and 600 formulations to build a plant-based, waterless car-cleaning solution. The business, Go Waterless, now operates 214 franchises across 22 states and reports initial investment of Rs 10 lakh growing to about Rs 10 crore in five years.
Key takeaways
- A plant-based cleaner using 100 ml can replace about 25 litres of water per car wash.
- Around 600 formulations were tested over two years to develop the product.
- Go Waterless operates 214 franchises in 22 states with international orders.
What Happened
The founder of Go Waterless, based in Pune, pursued a waterless method to wash cars after observing seasonal water shortages during his family’s automobile business work. After about two years and testing nearly 600 formulations, he developed a plant-based cleaner that uses 100 ml of solution to replace the need for roughly 25 litres of water in a conventional car wash. The cleaner is described as anti-corrosive, disinfecting and capable of leaving cars streak-free due to a blend of five plant extracts. The venture began with an initial investment of around Rs 10 lakh and has since expanded into 214 franchises across 22 states, with international orders reported as well.
Family support included the wife mortgaging her jewellery to back the project, while other relatives questioned whether the initiative was too risky. Despite these doubts, the founder advanced with the project and built a growing network of operations.
Why It Matters
The method aims to reduce water consumption in car cleaning, addressing water scarcity concerns in many urban areas. By replacing large volumes of water with a small amount of cleaner, the model proposes a scalable approach to maintenance services in environments prone to drought, potentially curbing water waste linked to routine car washing.
Background
The push toward a waterless approach emerged from recurring summer water shortages that affected the family’s car-wash business. The effort to find an alternative water source led to the development of a cleaner based on plant extracts designed to work without water.
Key Facts
- Traditional car washes use about 25 litres of water per vehicle.
- The new cleaner requires 100 ml of solution to wash a car without water.
- Formulations tested: nearly 600.
- Cleaner formulated from a blend of five plant extracts; described as anti-corrosive and disinfecting; claimed to leave a streak-free finish.
- Initial investment: approximately Rs 10 lakh.
- Current scale: 214 franchises across 22 states; international orders reported.
- Family support included the wife mortgaging her jewellery to support the venture.
- Five-year growth: business reported around Rs 10 crore in value.
What Happens Next
The owner indicates ongoing franchise expansion and ongoing international orders, suggesting continued growth of Go Waterless as a player in the waterless car-cleaning segment. Further details on timelines or new markets were not provided in the source material.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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