Shur-Kleen Car Wash is awash in business.

Located across the street from Gray Army Airfield, the carwash offers its customers a full range of services.

"A car owner can come in here and get a great car wash, hand towel drying to reduce water spots, full-service interior vacuum, window and dashboard cleaning and extra clean wheels," said Aaron Rusbuldt, the general manager.

Not only do the Joint Base, as well as Pierce and Thurston county Shur-Kleen businesses give customers great service, they also use earth friendly products.

The Shur-Kleen Car Wash at then Fort Lewis opened in late 2004.  It was the first public/private venture the Army had undertaken.

Rusbuldt said the retention rate of employees at Shur-Kleen is high.

"Our employees bring a great deal of professionalism and an eye to detail to the job," said Wible.

Given the fact the Army is keenly aware of its impact on the environment, the business fits right in.

"We're a green car wash, a very clean one," commented Brian Wible, site manager.

"Everything here - the lights, the water reclamation, our product line, everything - are ecologically friendly."

And that thought goes for the major component of the business.

"Just about 75 percent of the water used by the car washes is recycled and reused," commented Wible.

"That is an impressive number, and it shows our commitment."

"Because of our ecological stance, we are one of the busiest car wash businesses in the state," said Wible.

The Joint Base Shur-Kleen washed between 80,000 and 90,000 vehicles last year.

What's more, there is a good reason to travel to Shur-Kleen for a car wash rather than doing it yourself.

A recent study on water consumption that compared the amount of water used by a car wash and a "do-it-yourselfer" produced a surprising result.

Commercial car washes require an average of about 45 gallons of water per car; home washers typically use between 80 and 140 gallons per car, according to the trade group, International Carwash Association.

That is a difference which Wible and Rusbuldt are well aware of.

"Like we've said before, we represent the best in service, price and preservation of the ecology," said Rusbuldt.

For more information, visit www.shurkleencarwash.com or call (253) 964-5252.