Dr Gleem Car Wash And Lube Center — Local services in Houston

Update I’m happy to share that I was able to return to the wash, and the team graciously rewashed my car at no extra cost. I really appreciate Miguel and the entire team for reaching out and making things right. It's refreshing to see a company that genuinely cares and takes the initiative to ensure their customers are satisfied rather than overlooking an issue. I truly value that level of commitment and will definitely be coming back. Thank you all for your understanding!

Original Review

My visit to this car wash today was utterly disappointing. With the weather in Houston hitting the mid-90s and clear skies for the week leading into a holiday weekend, I determined it was finally time to get my car washed—a task I felt was overdue.

When I worked nearby last year, I used to bring my car to this wash at least twice a month, and they consistently provided exceptional service for a great price. There was once a straightforward fee for full service that included an exterior wash and interior cleaning, with optional add-ons for an extra cost.

Given that I hadn’t washed my car in a few weeks, I chose the "Super Clean" package, which claims to offer nearly a thorough detailing of the interior (minus carpet shampooing). I regret not taking a photo of the menu before leaving; I might consider returning if I'm in the area, but this experience has soured my impression significantly. The regular full-service wash is $27, while the Super Clean package for my Toyota RAV4 set me back an additional $60.

I was informed that the Super Clean package would take about an hour to complete, so I went to grab lunch across the street and returned as expected. Upon arrival, I found my vehicle near the back of the building with the front door left open, which was concerning. The young lady who checked me out gave me a thumbs up and claimed my car was finished.

As I approached, I noticed several stubborn spots on my vehicle. My initial assumption was that those would require extra attention at an additional charge. At first, I didn’t mind because I expected the interior to be spotless. However, once I entered my car, it was clear that the dashboard and some areas that had been dirty before my wash were still untouched. It was evident that I received nothing more than a regular full-service wash, despite paying for the Super Clean service.

I called the young lady back to wipe down my dusty dashboard, which had clearly been neglected. Given that I was in a hurry, I chose not to make them redo the entire car. Overall, I am outrageously disappointed.

I will not return to this establishment. It once was one of my favorites, but if there’s been a change in management or quality, it's unacceptable. Today's experience was incredibly frustrating.

Additionally, while they promote a free basic wash (exterior only) within 3 to 5 days after the service, I have no intention of...

I hate giving this bad of a review but my experience was unfortunately that bad. I have lived in the neighborhood for about 6 years and have used Dr Gleem off and on probably a dozen times. Previously I had left them a three star review because they weren't great (e.g. didn't wash out bed of my truck, kept my sun visor, over charged me once, among a few other small things).

This last time however has made them unusable and untrustworthy. I brought my truck in to get it cleaned up and while they were drying it off and wiping it down, they locked the keys in the car. They tried to say that it was my fault because of auto lock but I don't have auto lock. They then tried to use tools to open the car while I watched. After a few minutes I realized they weren't going to get it open and told them to leave it alone and that I'd just call AAA. If they had done as I asked and refunded/compensated me in some way, I could forgive and move on. However, after I called AAA, I look over and see them putting a wedge between my window and the trim with the intent to try and pop the lock again. I was very frustrated after chasing them away and decided to talk with the manager. He came over and said sorry but didn't really over to do anything. I pressed him on getting a refund and he acted like they couldn't do it. I kept pressing and he finally agreed. In the process of trying to get my door open, they scratched the paint on the inside (see photo). All I have to show for it was about $40 in free service that I had to demand. I WILL NEVER GO BACK AGAIN! Terrible...

I'm extremely unhappy with the service received for the price paid.

I did their 5* package that was $250 + tip. Before I left, I was asked to inspect the car and I pointed out a few areas that were clearly not vacuumed. The team was nice and took care of that (I thought). However, this was in the shade so I didn't notice everything. When I got home, I realized that major areas had not been wiped down nor vacuumed. I have a light interior so it was obvious.

Even after driving back to ask them to vacuum the spots missed (which they kindly spent another 15 minutes on the car), there were STILL areas that had not been vacuumed, and the door panels / radio panel / parts of the rims were not cleaned. It was like they had just run a rag over it quickly or missed altogether.

Back at home, I spent another 15-20 minutes after round 2 (at 38 weeks pregnant) to finish wiping down the interior / vacuuming my car floor and seats / wiping the tire rims. It truly took nothing but a little wipe w/ soap and water and/or vacuum to get the basic expectation of clean.

I hate to complain, especially since the Dr Gleem team is very kind, but for $250 + tip... I expect MUCH better attention to detail and a very clean car. I know there is a 5-day guarantee window, but I already came back and spent my time giving feedback 2x today. I didn't take many photos before I started vacuuming myself but have attached a few for reference.

In the future, I will give my business to a small independent car...