Self-Serve Hand Wash Bays
Our Self-Serve Hand Bays are ideal when you want more control over the cleaning process. Many customers use them to spend extra time on wheels, tires, truck beds, bug residue, mud, or heavy road salt buildup.
They are also a great option for larger vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, vans, trailers, and vehicles with aftermarket accessories. With professional-grade equipment and 24/7 access, our DIY car wash bays let you wash at your own pace.
Pay for the Time You Use
No packages to choose from. Put in money, pick a function, and wash.
Cash
$5 buys the first 5 minutes. Add more at any time to keep the timer running.
Credit card
$5 minimum. A $16 balance check may appear on your statement and clears on its own if you used less.
Finishing up
Hit STOP on the credit card reader to end the transaction. You are only charged for the time you used.
Professional Equipment, Ready to Go
You do not need to bring anything. Every bay at every location has the same setup.

High Pressure Soap
Cuts through road film and grime

Presoak
Loosens dirt before you start scrubbing

Triple Foam Polish Gun
Adds shine and a protective layer

Tire and Wheel Cleaner
Breaks down brake dust and road salt

Foam Brush
For bug residue and stubborn spots

Engine Cleaner
Degreases the engine bay

High Pressure Wax
Adds protection before the final rinse

High Pressure Rinse
Flexible wand reaches the whole vehicle

Spot Free Water
Filtered, so nothing dries on the paint

Hand Air Dryer
Dry it yourself, no towel marks
When Should You Wash It Yourself?
The automatic washes handle routine cleaning well. The hand bays are for the jobs that need attention in one specific place, or a vehicle that will not fit in a tunnel.

Pick the Hand Bays
When you want to spend extra time on wheels, tires, truck beds, bug residue, mud, or heavy road salt. Or when the vehicle is too tall or too long for an automatic bay.
Pick an Automatic Wash
When you want the whole vehicle cleaned quickly and consistently without doing the work yourself.
What You Can and Cannot Do
A few guidelines keep the bays clean, efficient, and available for everyone.
Go ahead
Please do not
All Five Locations, Around the Clock
Every Water Works location has Self-Serve Hand Bays, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Vacuums, Shampoo, and Vending
Finish the inside while you are here. Available at all five locations.

Vacuums
Cash operated, all five locations
Shampoo
Upholstery and carpet
Fragrance
Scent machines on site
Vending
Car care products
Members Wash by Hand Too
A membership covers the automatic washes, and Works and Signature plans include complimentary time in the Self-Serve bays as well.

Touch Free Automatic
All 5 locations · 24 hours- Nothing touches your paint
- High-pressure water and advanced cleaning solutions
- Safe for new, luxury and ceramic-coated vehicles

K&G Auto Detailing
Catonsville only- Full interior and exterior detailing
- Removes stains, odors and pet hair
- By appointment
Self-Serve Questions
Answers to what drivers ask us most.
Our Self-Serve Hand Bays are ideal when you want more control over the cleaning process. Many customers choose a Self-Serve Hand Wash Bay to spend extra time cleaning wheels, tires, truck beds, bug residue, mud, or heavy road salt buildup. They are also a great option for larger vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, vans, trailers, and vehicles with aftermarket accessories. With professional-grade equipment and 24/7 access, our DIY car wash bays let you wash your vehicle at your own pace and focus on the areas that need the most attention.
We provide the tools you need for a convenient Self-Serve Car Wash. Our 24-hour self-serve hand bays are equipped with a high-pressure wash wand, foam brush, triple-foam polish gun, and hand air dryer so you can clean your vehicle without bringing your own equipment. For added convenience, we also offer vacuums and vending machines with automotive cleaning products. While you’re welcome to bring your own microfiber towels or cleaning supplies for finishing touches, everything needed for a quality car wash is available on-site.
You are welcome to bring your own basic cleaning products for use in our Self-Serve Hand Bays. However, bucket washing and detailing services such as waxing, polishing, and paint correction are not permitted. These guidelines help keep our self-serve car wash bays clean, efficient, and available for all customers.
Our Self-Serve Hand Bays can be used to remove mud, dirt, road salt, and other debris from your vehicle. However, if your vehicle has excessive mud buildup, we ask that you rinse off the majority of the mud at home before visiting. Large amounts of mud can clog our drainage and water reclamation systems. Once excess mud has been removed, our high-pressure wash equipment is perfect for cleaning away remaining dirt and restoring your vehicle’s appearance.
Cash is $5 for the first 5 minutes, then $1 a minute up to 16 minutes. Credit cards have a $5 minimum. If you pay by card you may see a temporary $16 balance check on your statement. That is not the final charge. It confirms the card is valid and any unused portion clears on its own. When you are finished, hit STOP on the credit card reader to end the transaction so you are only charged for the time you used.
Yes. The Self-Serve Hand Bays are the best option at Water Works for larger vehicles. They give you room for trucks, SUVs, vans, trailers, and vehicles with roof racks, ladder racks, cargo carriers, lift kits, or oversized tires, all of which may not clear the 7 foot height limit on our automatic washes. Bay sizes vary slightly by location, and Elkridge has bays ranging from 10.5 feet to 12 feet wide.
Other Services
Not every wash is the same job. Pick the one that fits the car and the day.
Touch Free Automatic
High-pressure water and advanced cleaning solutions. Nothing touches your paint.
Best for: newer vehicles, ceramic coatings, and routine upkeep.
K&G Auto Detailing
A much deeper service that restores the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
Priced by vehicle size, car through large SUV. Book ahead: 410-744-4798.
Find a Self-Serve Bay Near You
Annapolis · Arbutus · Catonsville · Crofton · Elkridge
