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.

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DIY Kiddie Car Wash
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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

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