By Scott Sieber
Keeping a car clean when surrounded by such filth may seem like an exercise in futility, but it is possible, according to Sammy Verde, owner of Park Place Car Wash in College Point. The secret is to hand wash your car and to do it frequently.For those who can't do it themselves, for whatever reason, Verde offers his services, at Whitestone's only hand car wash, he said.”When we wash your car here, it's like you're doing it yourself at home,” Verde said. “We do it all by hand. This is so much better than going to a machine wash. Even our regular wash here is like a mini-detail.”The conveyor belts and whipping brushes of modern machine car washes are known for doing a quick job, but they are notorious for scratching paint and breaking antennas, said Verde. That danger doesn't exist in his 3,500-square-foot washing garage located at 150-32 12th Road.At Park Place, Verde's team of five hand washers pressure clean the cars, soap them down by hand, and use a combination of either compound for rough surfaces, clay bar for eliminating dirt, wax for more protection and less shine, or glaze for less protection and more shine to give the car an unmistakable sheen. The entire process for what he calls a “sterile wash” can take up to 40 minutes, he said. While longer than machine washing, it's safer and cleaner, he said.It's a process that has many fans, he said, and visitors often end up becoming regular clientele.”My customers love it,” he said. “I have a very good relationship with them. They always drive away happy.”The self-described “hard working average guy” has worked a variety of jobs since he was 16 years old. After graduating high school, he opted out of college in favor of pursuing his dream of opening his own business. Fifteen years later, he's achieved his high school dream. Twice.Verde, 33, also has an Italian pizza shop in Astoria called Thirty One. The store does well, but with the summer rolling around, he's concentrating on the car wash.Currently, Park Place is offering $20 off all four of its detailing package services. The business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.Reach reporter Scott Sieber by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
