Crank Up the Fun With a DIY Kiddie Car Wash

Start the summer off with a splash by building your kids their very own kiddie car wash. Complete with sprinkling water, sponges and streamers, this DIY is sure to become a summertime staple.

Show: HGTV Happy
DIY Kiddie Car Wash
Loading Video...

Whether you're looking for a fun summer project, or your kiddos have already exhausted all of the local options for beating the heat, this PVC car wash is a warm weather must-have. By combining a few easy-to-find materials with some you may already have around the house, you're just a few simple steps away from your own backyard water park.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Materials Needed

  • (22) 1”-x-30" PVC pipes
  • (2) 1”-x-61" PVC pipes
  • (4) 1”-x-37" PVC pipes
  • (9) 1” tees
  • (7) 1” elbows
  • (2) 1” crosses
  • 1” PVC hose adapter
  • drill + 1/16” bit
  • water hose
  • plastic tablecloth
  • sponges
  • pool noodles

Assemble Frame

To begin, lay six 30-inch pipes in parallel lines with three on each side. Assemble the two sides using four tee fittings adding a fifth to the end of one side for use later on. Attach elbow pieces to the three remaining ends.

In the six fittings closest to the rear (the end without the corner tee), add 30-inch vertical pipes. In the two front fittings, place two 61-inch pipes vertically. Add two elbow pieces to the top of the 61-inch pipes and connect horizontally with a 37-inch pipe.

Place two cross fittings on the vertical pipes second from the back and four tees on the remaining vertical pipes. With four 30-inch pipes, connect the six vertical pipes laterally along the edges. Complete the car wash frame by adding six more 30-inch verticals and three 37-inch horizontals.

Drill Holes

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

In each horizontal pipe on the top and sides of the car wash, drill 1/16-inch holes approximately one inch apart.

Attach Hose

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Using a 1” PVC hose adapter, attach a standard water hose to the tee on the front corner.

Accessorize and Enjoy

No car wash is complete without sponges, streamers and, you guessed it, pool noodles! Cut strips from colorful plastic tablecloths, and tie them to the rear upper crossbars. Next, hang colorful sponges with string. Finally, hang pool noodles from the front for a real car wash feel.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Next Up

This Mini Fan From Amazon Is a Must-Have for Summer

Have your coolest summer ever with this personal fan that goes everywhere you do.

The Best Bug Repellents for Kids

HGTV editors and a pediatrician share recommendations on how to keep kids bite-free this summer.

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

A great winter or Christmas craft to make with kids, you can let it snow inside by creating your very own wintry flurry of snowflakes out of paper.

18 Must-Haves to Pack for a Family Beach Trip

We'll walk you through what you need to pack for a family beach trip to keep meltdowns (from kids and grown-ups alike) to a minimum.

Halloween Kids' Craft: Jack-O’-Lantern Flipbook

Inspire ghosts and ghouls of all ages this Halloween with a jack-o'-lantern flipbook that's as unique as their imagination.

How to Make a Kid's Sun-Print Treat Bag for Halloween

Harness the power of the sun and create a one-of-a-kind Halloween goodie bag that is perfect for collecting candy and other spooky treats.

7 All-Natural Ways to Control Mosquitos

Try these natural strategies for creating a mosquito-free yard.

Kids’ Craft: Haunted Halloween Gingerbread Houses

Why should Christmas have all the fun? Have the kids make gingerbread houses for Halloween. It's a party activity that's inexpensive to put together and the kids will love it.

13 Essential Items to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather

These items will help keep your pet cool and safe through the extra-long dog days of summer.

How to Make a Halloween Night-Light From a Plastic Bottle

Let your kids illuminate Halloween by crafting a witch night-light made from an upcycled 2-liter bottle.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.