Keeping it clean. That’s what I try to do — at least with my vehicle. If you are a regular reader of this newsletter, you may recall a past column I wrote on my obsession with washing my truck. It has been 14 months since I wrote that, and I have noticed even more car washes popping up in various towns and cities.

Grimes is the home of Ryko Manufacturing, one of the first car wash producers to develop a fully automatic car wash machine without an attendant. What started modestly in 1973 is now based in a 150,000-square-foot facility. As such, Grimes has been affectionately known as the car wash capital of the world. Maybe the city should consider a new slogan: “Get the grime off in Grimes!” A drive through this sprawling suburb shows this “king of car washes” title is taken seriously, as a new car wash facility seems to pop up each month. And Grimes isn’t alone. Car washing is projected to see a boom in the coming years as the number of car owners continues to grow. Here are a few facts from Detail Pro POS that will shake the dust off your bumpers.

• The International Carwash Association indicates that less than 28.4% of consumers prefer to wash their vehicles from home compared to 1996 when 48% did. Count me in.
• In 2018, the global net worth of the car wash industry was estimated to be $33 billion. The number is expected to grow at 3.2% through 2025. I am contributing.
• According to a report by First Research, the U.S. boasts more than 60,000 car wash facilities that contribute upwards of $5.8 billion to the market annually. Half of them are in Grimes. I jest, of course.
• Thirty-eight gallons of water are used every time a vehicle is washed. Millions of cars are washed every day, which adds up to 304 million gallons of water being used globally. Suddenly, I am thirsty.
• Statistics indicate that 51% of car users prefer in-bay automatics. Self-service comes second and is preferred by approximately 32% of car owners. I do enjoy hand-washing in the summer months. But in Iowa winters? Forget it.
• Car wash water statistics indicate that 66% of Americans get their cars washed approximately 13 times per year. Slackers.

Can you relate? Let me know how (and how often) you make your vehicle squeaky clean.

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

CITYVIEW announced its 2023 Best Of Des Moines readers' choices Jan. 31. You can find all the results from the poll in the February issue of CITYVIEW magazine!

Best Local Japanese Food

1. Sakari Sushi Lounge

2. Wasabi

3. Akebono 515

SEE EVENT PHOTOS HERE...

Your Clear Mortgage forecast from Jason Parkin

Snow, mixed with rain at times, will continue into late evening. Expect 2-4" to fall by then in the Des Moines area, turning to slush on roadways. Friday and part of Saturday look dry as temperatures remain in the upper 30's to near 40. Another chance for snow, mixed with rain, comes late Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning

For help with preapprovals or refinancing, get in touch with Jason at parkin.mortgage

Swanson encourages all to make the best of their community

By Lindsey Giardino

In 2006, Laurel Swanson and her husband, Jamie, purchased land and built a house north of town.

“We moved here because we wanted to build a home with land around it and wanted to be in a smaller school district for our kids,” she explains. “We both were raised in small towns and wanted that same feel.”

When building their home, the Swansons used a floor plan they had been drawn to for several years before they were ready to build. It “just spoke to our style,” she says.

Swanson is quick to identify her favorite part of the home.

“For sure the porch and the pond in the front yard,” she says.

... Read more in the February issue of Bondurant  Living magazine.

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