Who doesn't get a bit mesmerized by the sights and sounds of a car wash? In recent years, brands have been capitalizing on that shared, nostalgic experience by creating car wash-themed consumer activations—complete with throwback signage, eye-catching colors, shimmering curtains, spinning buffers, and more.
"The throwback, childhood car wash aesthetic is a nod to a simple pleasure of the past,” explained Matt Dilman, creative director at Superfly, about a recent activation his team produced for Yahoo. Scroll down for a look at six of our favorite ways the concept has been used in recent years.
FX's 'Snowfall' Neighborhood Car Wash
Photo: Courtesy of FX
Photo: Courtesy of FX
Photo: Courtesy of FX
Photo: Courtesy of FX
Kia's 'Soul Station' Activation
Photo: Courtesy of Kia
Photo: Courtesy of Kia
OGX's Car Wash-Themed Product Showcase
Photo: Courtesy of MKG
Photo: Courtesy of MKG
Photo: Courtesy of MKG
MKG's Car Wash-Themed Summer Party
Photo: Sara Kerens
Photo: Sara Kerens
Photo: Sara Kerens
Lyft's Pink Car Wash
Photo: Paul McKelvey
Photo: Paul McKelvey
Photo: Paul McKelvey
Yahoo's 'Glow & Go!' Activation
Photo: Courtesy of Superfly
Photo: Courtesy of Superfly