Every time I have done here the staff has been exceedingly helpful and attentive. I just went today and Julian was super kind and amazing He saw I had a scratch that needed removing and took it right out for me! Truly the best service here . read more

If you've lived in La Mesa for a while, you might remember when Aqua Clean used to be a traditional full-service drop-off car wash. They've recently remodeled the entire place, and the new setup is fantastic. It now has the drive-through feel of places like Soapy Joe's, but what makes Aqua Clean stand out is that they still kept the service element afterward. After your wash, you have the option for the team to hand dry your car and clean up the interior for a small additional charge. They'll wipe down surfaces, clean the windows, and make sure everything looks great before you leave. That combination is honestly the best of both worlds ...the speed and convenience of a drive-through wash with the finishing care of a full-service car wash. The staff was professional, efficient, and clearly takes pride in what they do. You can tell they care about the final result and about the customer experience. If you're used to doing all the finishing work yourself at other chain washes, Aqua Clean is a really nice upgrade and still a great value. Really glad to see this La Mesa spot refreshed and thriving. I'll definitely be back. read more

Don't get your car washed here. I used to frequent this car wash consistently for several years and always considered it a reliable local gem. I came back for my first wash since the remodel and reopening and unfortunately left very disappointed. Please see the attached photos of my $40 car wash. From incomplete vacuuming in the interior and an untouched console to water and dirt spots on the exterior and a windshield still covered in bug fragments, this was easily the most expensive car wash I've ever done that will require me to finish a significant portion of the detailing at home. What's now labeled as "full service", meaning they vacuum the car, adds an extra $20 to the BASE price of the wash. Base prices range from $12 up. Otherwise you can pick your wash price and drive through and then vacuum your car yourself. Given that premium, I expected a noticeable improvement in quality, but that wasn't the case. I had driven through the desert and had heavy bug buildup on the windshield and front of the car. While I appreciated that they allowed me to go through the wash twice to try to get the exterior cleaner, ultimately the interior service fell far short and so did about 30% of the exterior. The vacuuming was poorly done and the wipe-down was inconsistent. On top of that, there are no air compressors available, which is a big miss. My side mirrors hold water, and the moment I pulled out, water poured out of them and sprayed all over what was supposed to be a freshly dried car. For the price, the quality simply doesn't justify the cost anymore. It's disappointing to see an attempt to "upgrade" a once-great local spot result in higher prices and lower attention to detail. That said, I do want to give credit where it's due: Julian provided truly five-star service. He was kind, attentive and professional from start to finish. He's the bright spot in an otherwise frustrating experience. They also need an angled mirror to hang above where you drive into the wash so you can align your tires properly with the machine. The turn from entry into the wash isn't quite fluid and leaves a lot of people trying to back up and correct with basically no space. It's also difficult to see their hand gestures and instructions because they're spraying your car down and you can't see them through a wet window when you're inside. Last, the sitting area for full service is going to be a NIGHTMARE come summer. They used a cheap fabric awning cover -- who's going to pay $40+ for a car wash and sit in the 90 degree heat La Mesa heat there after? I also think it should be a significant liability concern that it could take just one car going a little too fast headed west on fletcher parkway before they run a full speed vehicle right up the little grass hill into the waiting/seating area. You're not more than 15ft from bumper to bumper cars approaching freeway speeds headed onto 8 West. It was not a well thought out decision and I'd argue it's borderline dangerous. The design reflects the thought of someone who didn't spend any time at the previous wash and is frankly concerned about maximizing profits while minimizing customer overhead and experience. It's a shame they're losing so many loyal local customers. I really wanted this to be a great return visit, but as it stands, it's absolutely not worth the money for the level of service being delivered. read more

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I thought this car wash stood out from any other i've been at! Kind gentleman at the front helped pick my wash option and guide me in, and Julian + Alberto helped dry the car immediately after the wash ends. It was slightly rushed, but considering they handled most of the work, it was much easier to focus on drying and wiping any smudges out rather than drying the entire car too. What made it great was when I was at the self service, Julian came by after noticing a scuff from another cars paint and wiped it clear in seconds. He went around with me and got every smudge that stood out. On top of all that, he guided me how to clean my rims and even brought me a glove and left some solution to use to help wipe away the break dust and even guided me to wash my hands immediately after working with the chemical. I was impressed with how kind and willing he was to help and how much he cared about my car and even me. First time coming, won't be my last ! read more

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Stopped in about 5:30 PM yesterday to get an express wash. The gentleman, who I think is a supervisor, was very friendly and attentive, which made my day. Thank you! There was no lineup of cars so I was able to get through the car wash in great time. Two employees did a great follow up job using towels to dry off the car. I used their vacuums and towels to clean the interior of my car.. Vacuums have great suction. Plenty of towels, and noticed one of the employees restocking each towel bin stand to be sure there was plenty of towels. Overall excellent experience and I highly recommend. read more

I fiancé and I went to go get both of our cars done. We got the $24 tidal wave plus the $20 full service, in total we both paid $44 and each tipped $10. It was our first time going since the revolution and since we live near we were excited to try it. My car was first. It came out okay. But my fiancés truck was not the best. Dust and hair everywhere on the interior and the outside looked okay but still. Some parts didn't look like they got cleaned or wiped down. Definitely disappointing. Will not be going back. read more

Aqua Clean Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - La Mesa, California

I would like to amend my original review. Danielle reached out directly to me and she and her dad resolved the situation. They also apologized for the behavior of the employee, refunded me for the overcharges and even gifted me 2 free car washes for my inconveniences. I definitely recommend this company. It is a small family run company and I want to give them credit for resolving an unfair situation fairly. Definitely get your car wash there. read more

My go to car wash! The cost is about the same for the low tide at Soapy Joes, but the clean is 5x better than Soapy Joes. They spray your car down before you go in and hand dry it for you. I always make sure I have cash handy to tip the guys! Highly recommend!! read more

Have been using Aqua Clean carwash a few times since 2023 when I don't have time to handwash my cars. Overall it is one of the best full service (albeit wash is automated, no handwash available) carwash businesses in San Diego. You can be sure that the regular full service options will get you in and out within an hour, detail services may take up to 2 hours. What you can expect plenty of value for your purchase, with several wash options to meet your needs. Prices for full service (Jan 2025) range from $22 to $65 not including tip. Be sure to pay attention to your vehicle as it's being hand dried/vacuumed, they work quickly and parking is limited so they want customers to retrieve their cars as soon as they are ready. All full service washes include interior cleaning (vacuum, wipe windows, door jams, dash and center console) and hand drying exterior. read more

Aqua Clean Car Wash - Limited parking after carwash - Car Wash Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Everything! Ever since they remodeled, the place is crap! They got rid of the best part, hand wax detailing....now is just another car wash.

I really enjoyed my experience here. This was my first time coming, and my car really needed a wash after a few months of not being washed. I met one of the owners named Ezra, and he walked me through how it all works and even told me about a special that they're having for new customers which I thought was a really good deal ( 9.99 for the first two months). I got my car through the wash the first time and Ezra let me go through a second time because he noticed how much dirt was on my car. I really appreciated this and showed that he really cared about the people that come through to his business my car left very clean and I was able to finish off any leftover wet marks as well as vacuum the interior of my car for free. read more

It's a $20 up charge for the full service but is worth it! Their waiting area is nice and in the shade. They get your car done pretty quick and the service is good. read more

Please don't be fooled. This place does not offer hand washes. It's a regular car wash that will guarantee mess up your paint.

I used to come here before and while they were remodeling, I joined Soapy Joe's. My truck got progressively more dull. Aqua clean just reopened and I drove through. Two guys were waiting to dry my truck for me on the exit. My truck is looking new again. Evidently lots of new tech has gone into this one. Recommend! read more

Aqua Clean Car Wash - Super shiny result after one carwash. - Car Wash Near Me - La Mesa, California

Very disappointed since they remodeled this car wash. U pay more and get less. This was a great full service car wash and now its crap. I tried it once since they remodeled. Besides driving thru the car wash yourself, the minute u exit, 2 guys run up and quickly try to dry your car and smear your outside windows. Then u move to the vacumn and inside service portion. There is no air to dry off those long streaks of water dripping down my vehicle. Plus my inside windows were very streaked, especially the windshield. I couldnt believe how bad it looked. 2 minutes they were done. All while u r standing in the hot sun. I drive buy often and see 4 or fewer cars there. Nothing like the nice long line of cars b4. My business is now going to Uptown Car Wash on Normal Street. Excellent job! And its less money. Shame on u Aqua Clean. U ruined a good thing. read more

The only place I'll get my car washed! My car came out perfectly clean - spotless. The renovation has made it faster and easier but has the same quality that the hand wash had. Also love that it's family run!!! read more

We've been going to Aqua Clean for many years. The place has undergone a major renovation. It's definitely more modern now, but I'm not convinced that's an improvement. Today was my third of fourth visit since the updates. The wash was pretty good, but I really miss the old Full Service, which included everything inside and out, window washing, vacuuming, and so on. You can still opt for that if you're willing to pay extra. But honestly, given the cost, if you're fine with doing some of the work yourself, it's a pretty good car wash at an OK price. Full Service, though is way too high. read more

Really bummed for these guys after a long remodel. I've lived down the street for decades. Have used their oil change and car wash services. I'm not so inclined to go. The most basic full service jumps off at $32. (Plus tip) Best thing they could've done with their remodel is just remove the single lane bottleneck area. They were always busy... now I drive by and things have changed, not for the better. I'm still driving around with a dirty car trying to find a place that is like what this once was. read more

Aqua Clean... you had a good thing going. I remember when you were the last true "hand wash" in town. Then you switched to an automated wash -- okay, at least you still had the detail center. I remember when you used compressed air to get water out of all the nooks and crannies -- that really set you apart. I remember sitting under the big canopy, waiting for my car to be called. Now, sadly, you've transformed into an odd Soapy Joe's-style operation. No more detail center, no more compressed air, no more shop. Honestly, you might as well have opened a Soapy Joe's -- it would have been a better fit. I paid $44 for "full service," but I had to drive through myself, then pull up to the finishers, get out, and stand in the sun while they "dried" the car. Honestly, if this is what counts as "full service" now, you might as well call it self-service. read more

I've come here a few times and always have had great service. Good quality, good price, and very efficient. It's also a family owned and run business which I love. You can tell they really care for their customers. Would definitely recommend! read more

This place offers great prices for fast, high quality service. One of the best car washes in the surrounding area. Can't recommend enough!

I loved Aqua Car wash in La Mesa before they decided to remodel. Now... not at all. we used to get full service... now we pay in our car while waiting to go through the washing process. Having a new car I was not happy with the strong washing process that felt like the side mirrors could come off. After I went through the machine I got out and two workers wiped the car dry and did a fast vacuuming.... unlike the full treatment they used to do. I was also disappointed that they have one small Canopy... with barely any shade... and room for maybe 3 people. sorry.... but I will not be coming back. read more

This is my favorite place to wash my car. All the workers are really nice and they go over and beyond to keep my car looking great. I pay$40 a month for the trial wave and$20 everytime I can't clean the inside of my car myself. Now you have an option to clean the inside of your car for free and they dry your car off right when you get out so it will be spot free. read more

I'm so glad it's back open after the remodel. The employees have always been friendly and the express washes are really affordable and are perfect for a quick refresh. I usually use the free vacuums after and they have towels you can use too. I'll come back later when I have more time for a full service wash and report back. read more

Love when I can leave a positive review about a company that's doing things right. Brought my husband's car here to see what kind of wash and cleaning job they do and I was so happy that I ran home and brought my car right back!! I opted for the full service for both car and it's the best "extra" $40 ($20 per car) I've spent and will happily do it every time I come here. And I plan to be back very soon! Keep up the good work guys! read more

Went for a car wash. Paid extra for the one called Tidal Wave $35.99. It was explained that they would wipe down all the interior for the extra $15. Very disappointed. It looks as dirty afterward as it was before. I'll attach pics and let you decide...the only reason I didn't give it a 1 star review is because josé, the manager was very nice and professional. I've been coming here for 30 years, but unfortunately, even if they offered me free car washes for the rest of my life, I'm not going back there. It's not worth my time. I even asked the guy should we get the $70 one cause we want it really clean we're gonna be driving people in our car and he said no no just get whatever one you want and we'll ask him to wipe it out real good apparently he just wanted to go home early read more

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CAREFUL!! The risk of leaving this place with car DAMAGE is very high! RIMS, BUMPERS, AND MOST CHROMED COMPONENTS OF VEHICLES will get destroyed Because the machines are cheaply maintained! The workers get slaved like there is no tomorrow, therefore nothing gets done right! AND FOR THE CHERRY ON TOP OF THE CAKE? ! I saw one of the workers grab a customer by the hand and AGGRESSIVELY SET it on the hood of her own car.. while screaming SEEE ITS CLEAN ALREADY!!! Not to bright folks... Not to fcn bright! read more

Aqua Clean Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - La Mesa, California

I use to love this car wash so very much before the remodel. I use to go there 1-2 times per month. They use to offer detailing. I would get my car detailed 2 times per year. Now since the remodel it's just like the basic other car washes but way more expensive. I'm very disappointed and will not be returning. We understand you're running a special at $9.99 for the first two months but that takes from the usual service that we were previously getting. So the cheapest drive thru wash may be $12 but then you have to pay an extra $20 to get your car vacuumed. That's $32 which is way higher than what the full Service used to cost (which through the years started out less than $20 and then went up to around $24 which was still reasonable for the full service). You were a stand alone service. Before you set yourself apart from all the other soapy Joe's and like car washes. You were helping moms, elderly and the disabled by having a full service car wash. You turned your back on all you long term loyal customers. Look at your old reviews and you'll notice you should rebrand yourself once again . Let's remember what Cracker Barrel did. Let's revert right back to that !! People will probably only use this place as desperation. You'll be a one hit wonder with no return customers. I'm so sad and disappointed with the remodel and service. Have you ever heard of the term "don't fix what's not broken". Just look outside, you don't have your long lines anymore and that speaks volumes. You cut many jobs all for the goal to turn a higher profit and not for the communities benefit. read more

beware before you decide to go to this place and get your car washthis used to be a great place to get your car wash and the price was reasonable. now everything has changed since they remodeled. you no longer go inside to pay and by this time you know what you are paying for. now you are kind of stuck when you enter to get your car wash. all of a sudden you're asked to select a wash right at that moment. alert you would think for paying $37.00 you at least get your tires dressed with armoral. but no not only that this kind off self service car wash you have no time to read what the fuck you are gettingonce you enter the carwash you are kind of stuck and can not back out because others are waitingin back in back of you. my car was not washed well. bird poop is still on my car. and to make matters worse my inside windows were not cleaned at all. also, because of half service that you get many jobs of hard working people were losti wonder if trump was part of the remolding of this place like he is doing at the oval office in the white house. and lets not forget kristie noem, she probably had something to do with people losing their jobsnever ever will this car wash get my business read more

So sad to see this car wash turn into a "Do it Yourself" place. I've been going there for nearly 20 years. I miss the crew and being able to sit down while my car is cleaned. I would buy greeting cards etc. Now, I'm looking for another place for my dirty car! read more

it is ironic that Aqua clean is going to eliminate the detail and oil change part of their operation. Julian did a job on my Tesla model S this week that made it look better than brand new. He went over the whole car with first rate carnuba wax and even waxed the rims of the tires. The inside is perfect, shiny and immaculate. To the owner: perhaps you should reconsider and continue to have Julian do detail work. I think it would draw a lot of business to the place. read more

The new wash is awesome! Best car wash I've had in a long time. Fast and reliable Bye bye. Soapy

Horrible wash and I should have listened to the reviews but hey it was pack with people so why not give them a try. Well I bet you they are just as disappointed as I am with the quality of work. I can't even believe I waisted my hard earned money on this place. Do not go here unless you have money you don't mind wasting. read more

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I went back twice to have them vacuum the floor in the passenger area to remove the dog hair from my previous dog. I can not do it because of my disabilabled hands. I pointed out and it still didn't do any good. read more

Aqua Clean Car Wash - Car Wash Near Me - La Mesa, California

has the car wash re-opened after its remodeling? I drove by a couple of weeks ago and it looked almost ready to re-open. It looks there will be at least 10 self-service vacuum stations. read more

Paid $30 for full service interior and exterior wash and yikes. Came at 8am line was long which was fine, I waitron the street to turn into the line at the car wash. They didn't clean the interior whatsoever. I'm so confused as to why I paid so much for something I could've gotten for under $10.... Got done at 8:35a and daaamnnn I went home and pulled out my car rags and started wiping cause they didn't dry my car whatsoever. Side mirrors, windows, trunk, etc. read more

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I got an oil change and a car wash in 25 minutes! 25 minutes! Ptetty sweet deal if you ask me.

I went to Aqua Clean this afternoon and to my surprise there was no line when I got there. I selected the full service Tidal Wave wash, and for $33.99 would have been MUCH better off washing it myself. There were about 25 workers for 3-4 cars total and zero care was taken. My display screen was not so much as wiped down, exterior scuffs I can remove with my fingertip remained untouched... horrible job. Been coming here 20 years and I can't say I'll be continuing. read more

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Not what they used to be. Took my SUV in yesterday. Got the top $35 wash plus tip. Apparently I should have walked around the entire vehicle. Driver side was perfect, including HALF of the hood. Went to the store afterward. When I returned to my car I saw the rest. Passenger side looked untouched, including the hood. The driver side door was also now a mess as they hadn't blown the side mirror out. Trunk area not vacuumed well either. read more

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Don't go here you're better off cleaning your car yourself waste of money and time ! First timer and never going back my car looks so fkn dirty still. read more

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