This is hands down my favorite Soapy Joe's location. It's right off the freeway, so it's super easy to get in and out without going out of your way. The staff is always friendly. The machines do a great job getting my car clean, and I really appreciate how well everything is maintained. There are plenty of vacuums and the suction is actually strong, not like some places where you feel like you're wasting your time. They also have really good quality towels that actually absorb and get the job done. On top of that, their monthly wash packages are very reasonably priced, especially if you like to keep your car clean regularly. Overall, it's just a smooth, easy experience every time I come here. Highly recommend. read more

I went to Soapy Joe's for a basic car wash and was pressured FIVE times to sign up for a membership. I repeatedly said I do not want another auto-debit coming out of my bank account, yet the employee still wouldn't just let me purchase a single wash without continuing the sales pitch. It got to the point where I backed up and left. People should be able to get a simple car wash without feeling cornered into a subscription. The constant pressure completely turned me off from ever coming back. read more

Soapy Joe's on Mission Gorge Rd. (west of Cuyamaca) in Santee is 1.6 miles from my house. A Basic Wash is $13. 5-Star Express Car Wash on Mission Gorge Rd. (east of Cuyamaca) in Santee is 1.8 miles from my house. A Basic Wash is $10. My well used '02 Tundra is fine with a $10 wash. Three stars for Soapy Joe's. One for each dollar more expensive. read more

Clean and efficiently run Soapy Joe's. I agree with other reviewers that the attendant in charge of spacing out the cars as they go through the car wash could do a better job of putting more space between the cars. I didn't get enough time under the dryer because the car behind me was so close. The service here is not as great as other better run locations (like Mira Mesa) - the attendant guiding the cars into the car wash is too far inside the wash -- you could barely hear her when she tells you to put your car into neutral, they don't put the piece of tape on your rear wiper, and when they give you the air freshener you get a whole ton of water spraying into your car because the attendant is literally doing everything last minute before you get into the car wash. Maybe they could stand further out (like at other locations) as they guide cars in? Other than that, there are ample towels and the vacuums suction well. There aren't as many attendants walking around greeting you or offering more towels like they are at other better run locations. But it is a relatively new Soapy Joe's location so maybe there is room to improve? read more

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Came for the opening, so there were of course lines of cars. However, they had kids carefully placed to keep the traffic moving. I would've considered upgrading, but I think because it was the opening they weren't necessarily encouraging it? That was fine as I was extremely happy to get a free car wash. It was so easy to maneuver and the wash was powerful. It didn't get all the yellow dots off of my car, but that's OK. The dryer was powerful. I'm leaving. There's a line of vacuums ready for your Use. Suction was very strong and didn't effective job. Given the line of people I didn't linger at the vacuum, but I would've liked to have done just a little bit more there. The tricky part as someone noted before is when you have as many cars as they did for the opening getting in and out can be a challenge as it's right at the gas station. Other than that fabulous experience and will definitely consider it in the future. PS wouldn't it be great if they had someone on staff who for a little Extra would be willing to vacuum the car either with you or for you. read more

Soapy Joe's - Car Wash Near Me - Santee, California

I have been to several different soapy Joe's. I like the facility itself. However, I don't think I'm going to come here anymore because I consistently get harassed by the people that run your credit card. I tell them no less than two times that I don't want the membership and they keep going with it. And then the woman got an attitude when I said no means no and to stop asking me. I told her the first two times I said no should've been enough. Then she told me it's her job and that I'm a rude person. Wow. Another reason I don't want the membership is my younger daughter got a membership here and got charged two or three times in a row in a month. It seems very scam like here. If you want to retain customers, please stop having them harassed customers when they say no to your membership. It's ridiculous. read more

I do like this new Soapy Joe's in Santee. It if definitely much larger than the one in in Santee on Cuyamaca Street. The employees, then I pulled up were very friendly and helpful. The vacuum machines were very strong and cleaned up the carpet in my care very well. The car wash did a great job on a single pass through. It removed bird poop on the side of my car. There were plenty of new towels for driving and the parking spaces had good room. read more

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I believe this is less than a mile from another SJs but this one is much larger, more spaces to park in, and much easier to navigate. Also the blow dryer here completely dried the top of my car. That's efficient. I dig this one and it may be my go to in Santee! read more

The attendants and management of this facility are horrible. I am canceling my membership due to the attendant's poor treatment of my 16 year old daughter. She went to get a wash and the attendant told her the pass on the windshield was fake. She asked for a manger he said he wasn't going to do that and made her back up and leave. Since I have been paying for two 'fake' memberships the past year they should refund my money. Absolutely ridiculous and appalling customer service. read more

went to santee soapy joes yesterday (3-15-26) and going through as normal then I look up and I'm totally to the left my mirror bent up so I was honking for help! Aaron who works there tried to get me back on the track and after what felt like an hour I drove out and parked! My front bumper is totally destroyed now! Waiting to hear from management regarding getting my car fixed. read more

Soapy Joe's - Car Wash Near Me - Santee, California

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1/17/2026 - this is new and wonderful younger employees who can answer your questions. I just did the basic car wash for $13. Quick and easy. Getting in and out may be hard if there's a line at either of the two main entrances to enter the car wash. Leaving you have to exit one if the two ways as well which could be difficult if there is traffic in mission gorge. read more

first, I absolutely love the new Soapy Joe's! One suggestion: the staff sending cars through should space the vehicles a bit farther apart, offer the air fresheners before customers pull onto the track, and confirm the vehicle is in neutral. The last two times I've been there,, so tightening up that process might help prevent future issues. I do not pull up until I personally feel it's safe. The above should be stressed. Ps. I love the air! read more

Went there to wash my wife's car and she was happy when I got it done. She always enjoys the value I put in to get her car cleaned.

Really disappointed how dirty it looks after the wash. I park in a garage at home and at work so it doesn't get too dirty to begin with. I didn't even get the basic wash, I got the level above basic! read more

Soapy Joe's - Car after carwash - Car Wash Near Me - Santee, California

This was the best Soapy Joes location that I've visited by far, not only do they have a bunch of vacuuming / drying bays, the vacuums were powerful, in good working order and the towels were clean and well stocked. On top of this, the young woman in the front was super helpful, friendly and had a huge smile. I've never had that experience in the past at any other Soapy Joes location. What a nice change. I did have to drive my car through the was two times in a row to get it clean.If your car is super dirty this might not be the best option for you. For the price, I'm. not complaining. read more