A new Washington Street car wash opened May 9 in response to what owner Alrick Codner described as a need for a proper hand car wash in Covington.

“I haven’t seen any car wash facility in Covington that caters from a customer service standpoint,” Codner said. “I just envisioned what my ideal experience would be like going into a car wash and used that as a guide.”

In order to facilitate his mission, he modified the existing building, which was formerly an automatic car wash, to become a manual one. He turned one of the bays into a waiting room so patrons could be comfortable for the 15-20 minute average it takes to wash each car.

“I didn’t want one customer to be waiting on the side of the wall,” Codner said.

He hopes to provide services in the waiting room, such as monitors to show the progress of each wash so customers do not have to wonder when their car will be finished. He also wants to include free Wi-Fi and computers in the waiting area so customers can check emails and Facebook while they wait.

Currently, Codner offers water, coffee and soda to each customer.

Codner said his business has grown; he has seen the same people come back multiple times in the past month. It is important to him to see his repeat customers are just as satisfied as his new ones.

“I know I’m not going to be washing every car in Covington,” Codner said. “I just need enough to stay afloat.”

The average car wash includes washing, vacuuming, wiping down the interior and dash and a window cleaning.