Elston Hand Car Wash, LLC

To keep it short: Elston Hand Car Wash is a great location that I’ll stay loyal to as long as I’m in Chicago! Great service, comfortable waiting area, and fair prices. After parking under the train for a week, our car was covered in rusty run-off which would not come off from water alone. We’ve gone to drive-thru car washes before but they never fully clean the car, so I knew we had to try something else. Juan and the team at Elston Hand Car Wash already knew it was from the train without me telling them, and helped suggest the right option to clean her up. It was pretty busy inside, clearly many people know where to go for a good car wash, but there were couches inside with AC, and other seats to sit along with windows to watch the car be cleaned. Super friendly professional service. You really can’t beat hand washed, the attention to detail and making sure the customer is happy is well worth the price in my opinion. They also have an early bird special on weekdays before 10:30 AM which is a great deal, if your car needs a more basic wash than what I needed.

LOW QUALITY SERVICE AND UNPROFESSIONAL DETAILING I brought my Audi here for a full detailing service. I clearly stated that I wanted a complete detail wash for my vehicle. I also asked what could be done about minor scratches on the exterior of the car. I was told that they would do their best. I had visited this business a few times before. However, this time the service I received was far below the quality level I expected. Although the standard price for sedan vehicles is around $225, I was charged approximately $275. The reason given was that my car is black and requires more effort. I left my car there, and it stayed at the facility for two days. At the end of this period, I was told the car would be ready around 4 PM. Despite the car staying there for two days, the result raised serious questions about how the time was actually spent on it. When I picked up the vehicle, the wash area was dark and I could not properly inspect the details. However, once I brought the car out into daylight, I noticed that dust, dirt, and towel marks were still present inside the car. Even worse, there was heavy dust accumulation almost everywhere in the interior. Considering the price I paid and the service I purchased, the result was a major disappointment. This was definitely not a $275 detailing service and did not meet expectations. The interior looked more like a superficial cleaning rather than a proper full detail. I informed them about the situation and they told me to bring the car back so they could make some touch-ups. On my way back to the wash, my car displayed an engine warning light and an oil pressure sensor warning. Because of this, I had to immediately take the car to a mechanic. When I returned to the wash, I also clearly stated that a $275 charge was too high for this service and that the pricing needed to be reconsidered. After opening the hood and inspecting the engine bay, it was found that the engine compartment had been washed with chemicals and some sensors had been exposed to water. As a result, the vehicle began triggering warning lights intermittently. After the issue was addressed, I returned to the wash. I showed them the photos I had taken in daylight. We inspected the vehicle together in natural light. Despite clearly pointing out the dust, stains, and uncleaned areas in the photos, no solution was offered. This once again highlighted how superficial the service was. When I pointed out the issues, I was repeatedly told that the exterior of the car looked fine. However, my complaint was not about the exterior but about the interior, which was supposed to receive a full detailing. Even after showing the heavy dust, stains, and uncleaned areas inside the vehicle, I did not receive a satisfactory response. When I asked whether this was considered normal for a full detailing service, the response did not change. Instead, they simply took a cloth and tried to quickly wipe the areas I pointed out. I told them that this was not a professional approach and that the car needed to be properly detailed again. After all, I paid $275 for this service. However, they stated that they could not take the car back for detailing and that the job was already completed. Despite seeing the condition of the vehicle themselves, they said there was nothing else they could do. Isn’t the purpose of a full detailing service supposed to be a thorough cleaning? If so, how can all the dust, stains, and uncleaned areas shown in the photos be explained?

I went this past Saturday. I have used this wash before and go here when my first pick is closed. When I go to service dept/carwash I always use my spare key. I bring it with me because I would prefer to have to replace one CAR key vs Car key and house keys together. When arriving I removed my spare and set it on my seat. I payed for my Premier Plus full-size ($47) wash and informed Kumar that my car key was on the seat for them. To my surprise, one of the guys came and asked me for my key. I told him Its in the truck. He told me "no its not." I told him it was. Instead of hearing me out and listening, he preceded to attempt to gaslight me and was adamant that I did not bring my key. I did not want to argue with him and I told him I understand things happen. I just need to locate it. Kumar even acknowledged that I told him it was on the seat. The elder machismo even tried to further discredit me saying, "Why would you bring your spare with you, that doesn't sound right." I told him, "I bring it in case of issues like this." The other guy was being elderly machismo and was still loudly telling me that I was confused and I did not bring the key. I told Kumar please run the tapes back when you can and you will see me step out of my truck and take my key off my ring. He said he would do that. After my wash was complete, I was already done with the exchange with elder machismo wearing the wet suit (the one who moved my vehicle, but was so sure there was no key) decides to make more comments to me as I'm leaving. "Yeah, you are going to find it when you get home." I told him, "Sir I will not because I brought it here. I am a very detailed minded person, I work in healthcare so I have to be precise in my way of thinking and what I am able to recall." He then again with the machismo energy says, "We wash 100's of cars a day and never loose a key." and I calmly replied, "That doesn't mean that it cannot happen once sir." The next day, I got a call they found my key. The owner said one the workers put it in the wrong place. Gave me $3 off. Now, if I got a wash that was worth ($47) and they lost my key and found it, I wouldn't be writing this review. I won't even comment about the wash I received. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. In response to owner's comment: I was pleased you found my key, correct. First and foremost, you did not announce yourself as the owner and we never talked about how I felt about the service I received because I would've told you the truth. You never asked and we never discussed this. If you recall I had my phone in hand and was ready to show you pictures. You had a room full of customers and I giving grace to your business. I did not want to create a scene or disruption at that time. I only know who you are as I have been a customer over the years. I do understand things happen, and still am continuing to be faulted when this is the fault of your business. If you read my detailed review and you still not sure why I wrote it, then I see why staff members lack accountability. The pictures tell the story. I cleaned the inside myself after you all washing it. There was no reason to complain as I see the response I've received here as well as me not ever being interested in another wash there. I can do better at the $4 wash and cleaning it myself.

I’ve been coming here regularly for about 2 years, and I’ve never had a bad experience. They clean the car very thoroughly and pay attention to every detail. Both the interior and exterior cleaning are excellent, and they always handle the car carefully without causing any damage. The staff is friendly, and the place is very well maintained. Their prices are also very affordable compared to many other places in Chicago. In my opinion, this is the best car wash in Chicago. I highly recommend them. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”

This is my go to spot for my bi-weekly car washes. They’re always very kind, do an excellent detail oriented job and are efficient. Pricing is fair and waiting room is comfortable. I ended up scheduling a full inside and out detail today - my car looks brand new. They were able to get up every piece of dog hair as my pup goes everywhere with me so this was a big job. Highly recommend, Elston Hand Car Wash. Thank you to Juan and his team for the awesome work you do.

Worst car wash I’ve ever gotten. After the “wash” pointed out dirty spots that came off when I touched them, and he said those were for detailing. Spend your money elsewhere. Edit: they’re using the tar and brake dust as excuses not to clean the rest of the car. What a scam.

Took my Lexus here and they did an amazing job. Super detailed, fast service, and my car came out spotless inside and out. Definitely worth it—highly recommend!

I've been to a lot of car washes all over Chicago, and I can honestly say Elston Car Wash is by far the best I've ever been to. Juan and his crew do an outstanding job every single time. They pay attention to the little details, work efficiently, and truly take pride in making sure your car leaves looking its absolute best. What really sets this place apart is the customer service. Juan and his team make you feel like they genuinely appreciate your business, and that level of care is hard to find these days. I would recommend everyone to come here at least once and prove me wrong about this review. I have a feeling you'll leave saying the exact same thing I am. Elston Car Wash has definitely earned a loyal customer.