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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to find people think it’s alien to hand wash your own car?

68 replies

SweetMagnolia423 · 15/02/2025 11:15

So yesterday, I had a bit of spare time and with the weather being what it has been, my car was in need of a wash. Now, when I am busy, I will go to my local car wash and get it hand washed there. But, generally I have always liked washing my own car. I really don’t see it as a big deal. But, recently I am starting to get fed up of people walking past having to say something ‘jokey’ or about a woman washing her own car. I even went on to wash my husbands car after mine because it was convenient and I just thought I might as well since I’m here with all the stuff.
Normally, I usually have the laugh and can respond in a jokey way back. But, I just wasn’t in the mood for it and wish I could just do it without the comments.🙄

OP posts:
oakkiln · 15/02/2025 11:18

"Can you do mine next?" Never stops being funny. Ever. Apparently 🙄

RitaFromTheRanch · 15/02/2025 11:19

Did you get any can't park there comments? They always raise a laugh.

Shade17 · 15/02/2025 11:20

No one washes my cars but me and one trusted high end detailing company.

LillyPJ · 15/02/2025 11:20

Take no notice of people's comments. Just do what you like.

denhaag · 15/02/2025 11:21

Never get comments when I do mine.

Isittimeformynapyet · 15/02/2025 11:23

Shade17 · 15/02/2025 11:20

No one washes my cars but me and one trusted high end detailing company.

High end, eh? Get you.

PenguinIce · 15/02/2025 11:24

I always get the comment ‘You have too much time on your hands’ from the same neighbour whenever I wash my car. It would literally take me longer to drive to the car wash and wait whilst it is washed but oh my neighbour thinks he is so funny and original commenting every single time.

maudelovesharold · 15/02/2025 11:25

I think maybe your frame of mind affected your reaction! It can be a bit awkward when you’re passing by someone doing their front garden, for example, and don’t know if you should acknowledge them or not, and end up saying something cringey like “nice day for it”! That could be what’s happening?
I see lots of people (m and f) round where I am, washing their cars. Why pay when it’s easy enough to do yourself?

TickingAlongNicely · 15/02/2025 11:28

Had the opposite from my brother when we asked if he knew a good car wash near his house. He said he had a bucket and sponge.

We do that in summer, but in winter DH likes it to go for an under car wash for all the salt and grit to be properly removed.

JudgeBread · 15/02/2025 11:28

My car is tiny so I begrudge paying for it to be washed so always hand wash it. Some fucking clown always gives it "can you do mine next?" or "the jet wash is only up the road" or some other hilarious quip. Jog on Peter Kay I'm busy.

Overtheatlantic · 15/02/2025 11:28

My dad made me and my brother wash his car every Saturday. 😟 And it was never good enough for him.

Isittimeformynapyet · 15/02/2025 11:30

oakkiln · 15/02/2025 11:18

"Can you do mine next?" Never stops being funny. Ever. Apparently 🙄

Absolutely. In the same way as "no thanks, I'm sweet enough" when asked if they take sugar.

I understand your irritation OP.

FindusMakesPancakes · 15/02/2025 11:32

Isittimeformynapyet · 15/02/2025 11:23

High end, eh? Get you.

Show quote history

Mumsnetters only do high end or super. Never mind range or average!

catin8oots · 15/02/2025 11:33

Shade17 · 15/02/2025 11:20

No one washes my cars but me and one trusted high end detailing company.

FFS lol. This place never gets old:

Shade17 · 15/02/2025 11:35

Isittimeformynapyet · 15/02/2025 11:23

High end, eh? Get you.

Show quote history

As in experts, not some mobile bloke who turns up and charges £30. I’m VERY particular about who touches my paint. I had a main dealer wash a car once after being expressly told not to, I went apeshit at them.

Original poster
SweetMagnolia423 · 15/02/2025 11:36

maudelovesharold · 15/02/2025 11:25

I think maybe your frame of mind affected your reaction! It can be a bit awkward when you’re passing by someone doing their front garden, for example, and don’t know if you should acknowledge them or not, and end up saying something cringey like “nice day for it”! That could be what’s happening?
I see lots of people (m and f) round where I am, washing their cars. Why pay when it’s easy enough to do yourself?

I think it annoyed me because I’m in my driveway, off the road.
it’s usually the ‘will you wash mine next’ jokes that are fine. It is more the ‘where’s OH, shouldn’t he be doing that?’ like I’m some fair maiden comment that I usually have a comeback but yesterday I just wanted to be left alone.
maybe it’s because I didn’t have my earbuds in listening to music, I was more aware of the passing comments.

OP posts:
bloodredfeaturewall · 15/02/2025 11:38

yanbu to wash your own car if it's allowed where you are and you want to do it.

where I live (not uk) it's not allowed unless you are doing it at a place that doesn't allow run off into the environmeny or sewage systems.

Isittimeformynapyet · 15/02/2025 11:38

It can be a bit awkward when you’re passing by someone doing their front garden, for example, and don’t know if you should acknowledge them or not, and end up saying something cringey like “nice day for it”!

Y'see Maude, it's really not awkward. Just smile and say hello.

There is no obligation to trot out some hackneyed phrase that makes people look like a boring old twat - which then makes it awkward for me, because I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes and mutter "oh, fuck off".

Sunshineandrainbow · 15/02/2025 11:38

I would love to wash mine. I love the feel of the jumbo sponge and soap suds, I don't have a hose though. Does anyone use a watering can?

AquaPeer · 15/02/2025 11:39

Oh im one of those people but would only comment on neighbours or people I know 😂

it’s freezing cold, freezing cold water all over your hands and arms to wash a massive car that someone else will do for little money, I just don’t get it. I’ve never washed a car.

Seeline · 15/02/2025 11:41

Do you use a hose or just a bucket?

You can get strange spray patterns when using a hose on a car.....
Just saying

ANameForOscar · 15/02/2025 11:43

AquaPeer · 15/02/2025 11:39

Oh im one of those people but would only comment on neighbours or people I know 😂

it’s freezing cold, freezing cold water all over your hands and arms to wash a massive car that someone else will do for little money, I just don’t get it. I’ve never washed a car.

Use warm water on a warm day. Easy!

Shade17 · 15/02/2025 11:44

AquaPeer · 15/02/2025 11:39

Oh im one of those people but would only comment on neighbours or people I know 😂

it’s freezing cold, freezing cold water all over your hands and arms to wash a massive car that someone else will do for little money, I just don’t get it. I’ve never washed a car.

The reason for not using someone who’ll do it for very little money is that your paint gets fucked. Obviously there are plenty of people who don’t give a shit about their paint and that’s absolutely fine.

Shade17 · 15/02/2025 11:45

Seeline · 15/02/2025 11:41

Do you use a hose or just a bucket?

You can get strange spray patterns when using a hose on a car.....
Just saying

Eh?

Getitwright · 15/02/2025 11:46

How about this as an alternative…….good cause, bit of fun, say hello to some nice, brave Firefighters😁Firefighter Charity