Update: I want to update my original review because the manager handled the situation very professionally. They invited me back to have my car rewashed, and this time the cleaning was done thoroughly. I was very happy with the result. Bad experiences can happen, but what really matters is how a business responds. I truly appreciate that the manager took my feedback seriously and made things right. My second experience was excellent, and I appreciate their commitment to customer satisfaction. read more

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Decent but fairly standard $17 upgraded carwash. Was glad the dryer did manage to get most of the water off so there weren't a ton of spots to clean off the exterior. read more

Waterway Carwash - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Came here for just the drive through for the basic $10 car wash. The line went through pretty quickly, but I did unfortunately end up behind some 'challenged' people who required additional assistance before they could figure out the kiosk. It's pretty simple, you drive up to the kiosk select what you want done. Then you stay in the car, go through the car wash with your car in neutral. Then at the end there's a screen that gives you a 3-2-1 OK to exit. After going through it the front and sides of my car are clean, however the back didn't seem to get enough jets so not all of the dirt came off. All in all it still got the majority of the job done and now I don't have the risk of kids writing 'wash me' on my car. read more

Waterway Carwash - Pricing as of Feb 2025 - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Quick exterior was $10 . The car was spotless after it went through the wash and blow dry. The attendance were very helpful.

I'm so sorry but this is the 2nd time I'd like a refund after paying $30. I keep trying this location and after two unsuccessful exterior and interior washes it must be time to move on. Not wiping down the exterior leaves it dirty and not touching the dashboard after paying for an interior clean too (among other issues) really makes me want my money back. Happy I tipped them, it's the right thing to do, but this location just has been unable to actually clean my car better than I would have done. Thank you for the effort. read more

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Great service and great work!! I paid extra for them to clean my mats too. They did a great job and my mats were embarrassingly dirty. They did a good job on the inside of my car too. I have dogs and most of the dogs here was gone. I was very impressed. read more

Paid for coupons at northbrook days, but didn't realize they expire at the end of the year. I came 7 days past expiration and they wouldn't honor at all. Don't waste your money on the raffle. Taking my business elsewhere. read more

I frequent Highland Park location as I live nearby, however Northbrook location does a much better job. Drive through itself is longer, giving your car more time in the wash. Not a huge bother since I have unlimited car wash membership. Also, my membership includes tires and wheel clean, but at the Highland park, it never looks clean. Drive through Northbrook, and they come out clean and tires have dressing applied. read more

We used to love this Waterway, and have spent $60/$70 a month for our two cars for many years (unlimited exterior, and we upgrade to interior every few months as needed). We noticed a couple of months ago that they stopped doing the power spray on the top of the hood, and our hoods have been very dirty ever since (obvious black grime all the way across, especially near the windshield). Today I spent the $43 to upgrade, take care of that dirt on the hood and do the interior. I asked the employee who seemed to be directing the other employees about why our cars aren't getting clean lately with the usual exterior wash. These are literal quotes (question marks and exclamation points after each quote are mine): "Most of the car washes stopped using and even removed those power spray machines a couple months ago -- it's just not efficient for us" ??! "You're right, your hood is dirty, maybe you should park your car somewhere else, not under trees" ??! "No, you can't ask for the person at the entrance to spray the hood, maybe you should consider stopping outside at our bug station and doing that work yourself before going in to the car wash" ??! "Family discount for two cars? No. We have a 10% or 20% discount for 5 cars, maybe you can get some neighbors together for the discount" ??! Another customer who was waiting told me that he'd noticed the dirtier wash lately too, so he has been going to the Skokie location which was a little better since they have newer equipment in the drive-through wash. We've tried that one, same dirt on our hood after wash but it's nice that they have people wiping cars even if you just do exterior. I'm rethinking our monthly memberships, telling my friends, will not use the Northbrook location, and looking for a car wash with unlimited plans that doesn't feel that actually cleaning our cars is too inefficient for them. UPDATE: Today I tried another Waterway, Highland Park on Skokie Valley Rd. near Lake Cook, and I'm happy to say that during my exterior-only drive-through the attendant used the power sprayer on the hood and windshield, as a matter of course (I didn't have to ask). The car looks great, no hand toweling needed. This location is further away, but well worth the drive. Many thanks to the Highland Park team and management! read more

Waterway Carwash - View out window of hood after wash (it's a white car) - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Poor job drying the car. When it first opened, there were employee after the wash to hand dry the car, so inferior drier wasn't an issue. Now, only offered if you get interior cleaned as well. Gas station car washes do a better job drying. read more

Paid for an upgraded Carwash. As I was waiting for the car to dry, still in the carwash, an employee entered and sprayed the mats from another car. Since the air was blowing all of the water hit the side of my clean car leaving salt spots everywhere. Disappointing!!! read more

Quality service. I left my AMEX card in the vehicle. One of the guys cleaning my car, found it and placed it in the car receptacle. His honesty and the service earned the team a $10 tip. Peter B. read more

Their carwash completely stripped the fender liner (plastic covering above the wheel) off my car so that it was hanging/dragging from my car. Though I filed a claim, they took NO responsibility. DO NOT visit this carwash unless you want to leave with a damaged car! read more

I've been paying for the auto exterior wash for years. So last time I went, I did the usual... get a wash then wait for a towel dry. All attendants were doing the interiors of other cars, so no attendant came to exterior-only line. I eventually called someone over. The manager stopped by. I asked about drying. He said I didn't read at the start. (I didn't respond to that, but I've been coming to a couple of these waterway washes for about 2+ years. Of course I wouldn't read the signs anymore.) He said they no longer towel dry exterior only anymore. I asked if they charge less for the unfinished job? He said I paid for the wash. I said yes, and the wash includes drying so it doesn't spot. He said "the reverse osmosis water leaves less water marks." I showed him the dried water marks on my mirror while telling him that's just a way to filter water. It has nothing to do with leaving water marks. (While thinking don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining.) He said they stopped doing exterior only towel dry last year. But that's not true because I washed my car at this location during the summer and got a towel dry. Then he just said he's just the manager and he didn't make this change. I realized ok yeah he's the manager. But I still don't get why I'm paying for an unfinished job. I just decided the conversation was finished and left. Water spots and all. I'm contemplating stopping the auto renew monthly membership. read more

I just incredulous that I just spent $43 with tip on a car wash and they said that doesn't include wiping the seats down or the door jams. I got interior clean for $28 which is wiping the windows and the council plus an exterior wash for $10. Now I have to go home and clean the interior of my car. It's crazy! Go to splash on Dundee lesson and learned read more

Their drive up computer is the most confusing thing ever. You insert the cc card and there's two messages on the screen on top of each other. One says "remove card immediately" and the other one says "keep card inserted". The whole thing is crazy read more

Did a fine job of cleaning a messy salt covered SUV. No complaints. No long wait times in self-service. Prices are fair.

Do not get your car detailed here! I called and made an appointment to get my minivan detailed. After being told that it takes around 4-6 hours for a sedan and 6-8 hours for a larger car, I told them that I would need an early appointment because I use my car in the evenings to drive my kids around. I dropped off my car at my 8:30 appointment time. I called around 2 and they said they just started cleaning it and it wouldn't be ready until 7! I'm unsure why they made an 8:30 appointment if they weren't going to start working on it until 2. They called at 6:45. I had my husband rave me over there and did a quick inspection of the car. The website says interior details include an exterior wash but they didn't wash it. He said I could run it through afterwards but by 7 pm I really needed to get home. Considering my car had been there for 11 hours, I'm sure someone there could have "run it through". The car was very clean inside which is why I gave it an extra star. However, I would never go back. If you went to a doctor appointment at 8 and they didn't see you until 2, I'm sure no one would go back! read more

Waterway Carwash - They had my car for almost 11 hours and the exterior wash wasn't done. - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Their service is solid The pricing is not a great value The membership price went up from 39 to 55 a month over the last two years. Then getting the other cars washed there's no discount if you are already a member. Then I paid for my 2nd car to get washed and paid for what I believe to be the entire inside, vacumed, mats, tires. But guess what they don't wipe the inside of the doors! What? Yeah that's extra....you pay extra for the mats, you pay extra for the doors, and you have to pay extra to wipe the doors ? Annoying. I'm can my membership bc that's absurd. It's like dropping off your dry cleaning and them saying we will wash your shirt but the sleeves are extra. Any hand wash place washes the inside and outside for one price and wipe the entire cAr down. Tires are extra. I get that piece But why is wiping the door extra ? When you wipe the center console and windows you have to pay extra to wipe the inside of the doors? Makes no sense and why is this not included in every wash? Who doesn't want their entire car clean? You either just clean the outside or clean the whole car not just part of the inside. read more

A solid business with great customer service. Waterway is the Neiman Marcus of car wash places. It is clean, large, and well staffed. The only downside is that if you are looking for a $5 wash this is probably not your place. The packages are not cheap but if you wash your car a lot the monthly membership deals are ok. I just went by and even though they were slammed they got me in and out quickly. read more

Waterway Carwash - Inside - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Terrible. Don't come here, other car washes in area are far better. Came here for the first time. $45 for full wash inside and out. Didn't wipe inside, vacuum left dust inside. After 5 mins in the detail line the "supervisor" GABRIEL came over and told the 2 guys working on my car to leave. His exact words to me "I've got to move these guys off your car, sorry if you aren't happy".....and I guess that's how you lose customers. read more

Service here has gone to the point where it's unusable. It took my car over 30 minutes from entrance to finish. My colleague got the same service, entered the wash behind me, and still finished 10 minutes earlier. Water still drips from the car. Towels/receipts still left on and in the car. Missed spots on interior door well and carpets. Soapy water running from license plate and mirrors. Complete waste of $40+ tip. read more

Car wash caused damage to my brand new car. Refused to deal with it. Had to have police called after rude employees did not want to fill out their own damage form unless I signed away my rights. Threatened to tow my car if I didn't move it and leave their property. What a disgrace. Northbrook police came and properly handled the situation. Clueless employees told me they aren't anyone's employees they are "managers" what a joke. Didn't even complete cleaning my car and still charged me full price. Without touching anything that is part of a full service wash. For the lovely price of 25 dollars my car got damaged and was just as dirty as when it came in. read more

Disappointing at the quality of the wash.. $39 and $10 for gratuity and my car is still dirty. For a $50 service I would hope I would leave with a clean car, unfortunately being on my lunch break I didn't have all day to micromanage. With that being said I shouldn't have to, the price should cover a quality and complete wash! Will be looking for a new car wash... if you know of any in the area let me know read more

Was my go to for a car wash. They are pretty good if no one is there but if they have customers not so much. Paid $38 for the "whole thing" and, well not even half done. There are still bugs on the front of my car and the inside pics speak for themselves. I come from Buffalo Grove for there service. Not anymore. read more

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Just spent $49 and my car is still dirty. They didn't even wipe down dashboard. Every time we go we say never again. Come on waterways. read more

Waterway Carwash - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

Stumbled upon them a few months ago while visiting family in the area. My did it need a bath then. All staff members my wife and I encountered were very upbeat, polite, informative and patient. You can either choose a full service wash (where you exit your vehicle) and can watch the progress from inside their facility, or go with an express wash where I believe you stay put. We chose to do the 'full service' and watched through a glass wall as our vehicle went down the conveyor belt of cleaning. Their facility was also very clean and brightly lit. Welcoming indeed. Then we watched as the crew on the other end took time to hand dry, dust and vacuum. Give them a try! - we have been back two or three times now - read more

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They do a great job with the cleaning interior and exterior but expect to have some items taken from your car. Management doesn't take this serious. Make sure you take your stuff out your glove box and center console but i'd recommend taking your business elsewhere. read more

My car is like new garage kept 2010 volvo. I went throught the carwash at waukegan in HP and my door handle was removed by the brushes in the carwash. The attendant viewed the video and confirmed it was on when I went in and off when I left the wash. I asked for the handle back. It was in the wash. The attendant said he looked for it and could not find it 2 minutes after he said he looked. I asked to have it repaired. The GM spoke to me like a gangster when I complained. He told me I was in the wrong for being upset at his employee and Waterways will not be responsible for the damage. Moreover I contacted corporate I was told no compensation. I am unable to receive service in the future for complaining and asking for compensation. The CEO Debronsky issued a letter from Waterways Corporate Counsel indicating" no more service". First, who would go through a drivethrough carwash, have your car damaged be threatened by the GM for complaining and ever want to return????? I was chatized for asking for compensation with a " no tresspassing" letter. I received the letter admitting fault but prohibiting future service. The wash itself is not worth the money because the brushes will damage, scratch or cause pieces of your car to be ripped off by the force of the brushes. Then ( as if anyone would go back to a wash that admits to damage refuses to compensate then threatens should you return) send a " no service" letter. In short- the CEO Debronsky runs a million dollar carwash and treats customers seeking legitimate compensation for damage amounting to 20 dollars, with tresspassing should you think about returning. Thete is no telephonic customer service and gangster like GM in HP is rewarded for demoralizing a senior citizen for complaining. Horrible outfit. The ABSOLUTE WORST!!! read more

I paid $10 for a regular car wash when I got done. I wanted to vacuum out my vehicle pulled into the stall started vacuuming attendant came up to me and said I can't use the vacuums. I'd have to pay someone for them to do it not making enough off the car wash greedy really really. read more

I got "The Whole Thing" for $38. When my car came out it was absolutely dirty on the inside, only slightly better than before. I pointed this out to the guy washing my car and he promised to clean the interior again. I did not pay much attention after that (got a phone call) and drove off. When I had a chance to look around, I saw that it was still dirty. See attached photos: sand everywhere, seats haven't been wiped down, dirt on the outside, one wheel was completely dirty. I went back and spoke with a manager. He was apologetic and supervised the re-washing of the car. It took them 10 minutes and it was actually clean this time. While waiting, I walked around and noticed several other cars leave with dirt inside and out. The managers are certainly trying, but there's something wrong in the training of the staff. They just don't seem to try by default. The manager gave me a free car wash, but I don't think that I will be coming back. This place doesn't seem to be very good. read more

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Raised the price for a basic wash and got rid of towel dry for exterior washes. $10 for a drive through wash should at least buy you a spot-free clean car. Don't expect to get that here. read more

My car was having a basic detail last visit but they forgot the backseat cleaning. They honored it this visit with a complementary detail and wash. Very nice and I'm very appreciative! read more

I don't know about anyone else but since this company took over OUR local carwashes I've been signed up with the "Package" for quite a few years.... (I've had the package with the old, LOCAL owners for MANY Years) NOW EVERY renewal is SUBSTANTALY More money!!! When they started it was roughly a dollar a day and I just received my new renewal and it ONCE AGAIN has gone up a BUNCH!!! I think we should ALL!!! start looking elsewhere!! (I know I will !!!) Cheers and do what you want to but an OVER $200.00 increase per year over NOT that much time is JUST NOT RIGHT!!!!! read more

Waterway Carwash - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

They broke my seat while cleaning my car. I told them right away and the child said he didn't do it to look in my cleanly vacuumed car for the piece. Filed a claim on the spot. It has been 2 weeks, 4 phone calls and 5 children I've spoken to at the car wash. They said after reviewing the film and speaking to the child they wouldn't honor the $140 piece he broke. They said his word against mine. Have yet to speak to someone over the age of 21 at the car wash and continuously don't have an answer for how to justify the situation of making me wait for a simple no. Will never do business with this car wash again. Will be taking action. read more

My car was... filthy. I hadn't gotten it washed since before Christmas (it's March 2nd), it had been put the rough the ringer, my gosh. So bad. My old car wash closed, upon looking at the other options, waterway popped up relatively close, I had gotten gas there before so thought why not. I'm *so* glad I came here, she's gone from the crusty old car waiting for "wash me" on the window to her glorious self. I purchased the $20 wash, kinda a basic inside and outside job, other places have just given a quick wipe, I wasn't expecting more then that honestly (again, so bad inside) but it is a whole lot cleaner then I thought. My butt is sliding on my clean slippery leather, lol! Next time I'll bump up to the next wash, to really get in those crevices :) Side note: They also have a car wash club you can join, for like $29 unlimited a month. I think that's a great deal. read more

Waterway Carwash - Car wash services menu, Northbrook - Car Wash Near Me - Northbrook, Illinois

I'm not sure if they have changed ownership or what but I will 100% not be coming back. I used to be a repeat customer and they always did a fabulous job. Today I paid $50 for the whole thing and they BARELY cleaned the inside. Dust was still left, streak marks, sticky cup holder. Extremely disappointed. The staff was not nearly as friendly either. So disappointed because I absolutely loved this place and was always so pleased with the service. read more

If I could I would give it zero stars. I was transferred here from Vernon Hills Waterway and it started off okay but felt the envy. Armando is one of the worse managers and I've had plenty of great managers. Super arrogant person who doesn't hold himself too the Waterway standard. I remember one time I brought a Porsche around for a COMPLETE DETAIL. and when I look at the hood there appeared to be scratches so when I went to let a manager know he blamed the issue on me and asked "what did you do?" when all I did was run the car through the wash. Everyone else was very helpful and I enjoyed working there just issues with management. I missed a day and called him in the afternoon to let him know I wasn't feeling very well he didn't really ask how I was or anything just told me to take the next day off and meet with him on Friday. When I arrived on Friday at 10:23 AM he told me I was late and that I didn't really care so he decided I'm not suited for the team. Forced me to sign paper at the time I didn't know would make me ineligible to work at the Waterway I originally came from. I loved the company and the people here it was just Armando who lacks his knowledge in management and maybe could take a few college course to understand how to talk too employees. read more

I used to love this car wash and really didn't balk at the cost of an almost $40 price tag fir the exterior/interior wash But today after my wash it felt different. One, it was done faster than had expected. Upon inspection it wasn't as clean on the interior as expected. I had to have guys come back and give some elbow grease rubbing on 2 different areas. My floor mats weren't thoroughly cleaned (i have a 2020 Toyota) and then when I got hime I notice a smudge left on rear view mirror Feeling like the quality of staff has declined I will definitely be rethinking where I go next time fit the cost read more

This place is awful! I have gone twice in a row now and got nails in my tires immediately after leaving the car wash. A family friend went and same exact thing happened to them too! The manger didn't care at all. Also, they do a shit job cleaning the inside for how expensive they are. read more