In recent years, the global car wash industry has undergone a significant transformation. Growing environmental awareness, rising water costs, and the demand for versatile cleaning solutions have fueled the rapid development of steam technology. Once considered an alternative, steam car washes are now becoming the standard for modern vehicle care, offering efficiency, ecology, and profitability in one package.
To better understand the trends shaping this market, the innovations driving change, and the opportunities for entrepreneurs, we sat down with Krzysztof Traczyński, Founder and CEO of Fortador—a European leader in professional steam cleaning machines powered by Lamborghini burners. In this conversation, he shares insights on market dynamics, customer expectations, and Fortador’s vision for the future of steam technology.
Interviewer: What does the steam car wash market look like today? Are customers buying more or fewer machines than before?
Krzysztof Traczyński, Founder and CEO of Fortador: The market is developing very dynamically. More and more entrepreneurs and even private customers are choosing ecological and water-saving solutions over traditional washing methods. In recent years, we’ve seen double-digit growth rates in sales, both in Poland and abroad. The shift from water-based car washes to steam technology is no longer just a trend—it’s a fact. Rising water costs, growing environmental awareness, and the demand for versatile solutions are driving this transformation. For many investors, steam is no longer the alternative—it’s becoming the standard for modern vehicle care.
Interviewer: Which devices are most popular today—stationary or mobile? And how much do they cost?
Krzysztof Traczyński: Mobile machines clearly lead the way. They offer maximum flexibility and can be used practically anywhere—at gas stations, shopping centers, or even right at the customer’s home or workplace. This model doesn’t require large infrastructure investments and allows businesses to scale quickly.
Stationary machines are still chosen, mainly by detailing studios and workshops, where continuous availability and high performance matter most.
As for prices, entry-level models start at around €8,000–€15,000, while advanced units with extended equipment and multifunctional systems can reach €20,000–€25,000. This makes the technology accessible both to smaller startups and larger enterprises.
Interviewer: Have there been any new technical solutions in recent years?
Krzysztof Traczyński: Absolutely. We’ve invested heavily in innovation. Our latest machines integrate IoT and telemetry systems that send real-time data on usage, water and fuel consumption, and maintenance requirements. This gives operators full control over their fleet and helps optimize operating costs by preventing downtime.
And there’s more—this November at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, we’ll be unveiling our brand-new model, the Fortador Sensory. It combines high power, modern design, intuitive operation, and digital connectivity. We’re confident it will set a new benchmark in the global steam car wash market.
Interviewer: Who are your customers, and where can we usually find steam car washes?
Krzysztof Traczyński: Our clients are mainly entrepreneurs in the automotive industry—owners of detailing businesses, mobile cleaning services, and fuel stations looking to expand their services.
But we’re also seeing strong growth in industrial and transport sectors. Steam is now being used to clean heavy equipment, production lines, and vehicle interiors.
You’ll find steam car washes everywhere: in city centers, shopping malls, fuel stations, and increasingly in mobile setups that deliver the service directly to the customer. That flexibility is one of the main reasons the technology is so attractive.
Interviewer: What are the main advantages of steam car washes? Why do customers choose them?
Krzysztof Traczyński: There are several key reasons:
- Ecology – up to 90% less water is used compared to traditional washes.
- Versatility – it works on car bodies, interiors, upholstery, and even mechanical components.
- Disinfection – steam naturally eliminates bacteria and viruses.
- Efficiency – cleaning is quick and often doesn’t require expensive chemicals.
- Low infrastructure costs – in many cases, the machine itself is all you need to launch a business.
Interviewer: And does such an investment pay off quickly?
Krzysztof Traczyński: Yes, definitely. Depending on the model and the business scale, the return on investment usually comes within 6 to 12 months. That’s thanks to low operating costs and the fact that customers are willing to pay more for an eco-friendly, premium cleaning service.
For many entrepreneurs, a steam car wash isn’t just advanced technology—it’s a profitable, forward-looking business model that aligns perfectly with today’s ecological and economic expectations.
