Now washing your car at home is just a quick phone call away.
A Grassy Park man has started his own mobile car wash business and says perseverance pays off.
Genay Solomons, 36, says after losing his job two years ago at Cat Support System and struggling to find new employment, he took to Facebook last month to ask for help to start his business Car Wash Time to Shine.
All he needs is in his wheelie bag, which he pulls up and down the streets to get to clients.
Genay says he sometimes walks up to 20km a day, with clients as far as Lotus River.
His clientele has grown from one to six a day, and many new ones are gained through referrals.
He charges R60 for cars, R80 for SUVs and R100 for taxis.
Genay says: “From my first car, people said they were glad they took a chance and I’m the real deal.
“From there I got motivated and kept on because before, people thought I was a scammer. Maybe they thought I was on drugs.
“I never complain when I get clients from far away. I sometimes travel from Grassy Park to Lotus River and it takes me a hour and 20 minutes to walk there.
“Sometimes, seeing the suitcase, people ask where I am moving to and then they laugh at me when I tell them it’s my mobile car wash.”
Genay says he’d rather walk as taxis charge him triple the price due to the suitcase.
Sadly, the wheels recently broke and he has to carry the suitcase until he can afford to have it repaired.
Genay says he can now provide for his mom, a nine-year-old foster child and still spoil his girlfriend of 10 years, while saving up for his driver’s licence.
He plans to buy himself a bakkie as soon as he can afford it.
Madenia Bedford initially helped Genay start his business after seeing his Facebook post and says: “He has done truly amazing with this car wash business travelling around with a suitcase with all his products in, going by foot to go and clean customers’ cars at home.
“His business is growing and he is in need of a bicycle if anyone can donate.”