Without a splash!

BUDDING entrepreneur Wassim Sami Farhoud is steaming ahead with his innovative car and boat cleaning service in the kingdom.

The Lebanese-Saudi university student believes his green machines will help save the environment as well as precious water.

Introduced three weeks ago at Bahrain Mall the service appears to be winning over customers grateful to return to a gleaming motor by the time they have finished their shopping.

"The one-of-a-kind concept is eco-friendly and saves water. Our steam machines that are used to clean cars can hold up to 15 gallons of water. Only one gallon of water is used to clean an entire car as opposed to three or four times that amount when one is cleaned using water," said Wassim who researched the development in cleansing on the internet and ordered the specialised equipment online from Italy.

Presently, 'car washers' boasts five machines and 15 more are on their way. He has set up six service stations outside the popular mall and has a mobile unit ready for car and boat cleaning call-outs.

"Steam washing is very popular in the US. Steam technology is actually the future of car washing in my opinion and is ideal for people who love their cars having shiny wheels as it cleans without any scratches," said Wassim.

The 23-year ex-Bahrain School student is a final year pupil at the University College of Bahrain (UCB) and is involved with other business ventures involving automobiles campaigns, shows and magazines.

In fact, Wassim started his first business venture aged 15 with his pocket money. "I had a knack for picking up something silly and turning it around to make money out of it," smiled the enterprising young man.

But you need a touch of determination to succeed too.

When Ministry of Environmental Affairs appeared to be dragging its feet in giving the approval for 'car washers' to start business, Wassim got his staff to clean vehicles at the ministry. "When the officials saw that we just needed an electrical output, no water drainage and there was no dirty soapy water in the car park, they gave us the approval immediately!"

Wassim has started his venture with an initial investment of BD30,000 which according to his business plan and forecast he will hopefully recover in the first three months.

The 'car washers' stations are particularly busy on week nights and weekends. "There is an increasing demand for a cleaning service that is not time consuming - it takes 20 minutes to clean the exterior and interior of the automobile - and given the dusty weather nobody wants their prized possession look less than spotless."

Wassim is now planning to expand his empire to Saar Cinema, Alosra Supermarket in Budaiya and talks are underway to launch it at the City Centre.

He is also planning to design franchise packages so that his concept can reach other countries in the region.

"A home washer service is also in the pipeline where subscribers to the service will have access to professional cleaners to spring clean every nook and corner of the house," he added.