Our Story

Since opening in Detroit in 1932, Stone Soap Company, Inc. has grown alongside - and often ahead of - the car wash industry itself.

In 1946, as the nation’s first fully automated car wash opened in Detroit, Stone Soap introduced innovative rinse aids and drying agents that helped make automation possible. When the first self-service car wash debuted in 1959, we again led the way with Pride Pressure Wash, the industry’s first high-pressure detergent.

Innovation has remained our hallmark. In 1989, we pioneered highly colored and scented cleaners, shampoos, and waxes with the acclaimed Rainbow® line. In 2001, we opened the industry’s first car wash training academy, helping owners and operators consistently deliver clean, dry, and shining vehicles. Our patented Powder Made Easy™ System followed in 2004, simplifying how powdered wash solutions are mixed and used.

Today, from our 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sylvan Lake, Michigan, we continue a tradition more than 90 years strong - providing forward-thinking solutions built on quality, performance, and trust.

1932

Stone Soap Company, Inc. opens its doors in Detroit, Michigan.

1946

The nation’s first fully automated Car Wash opens for business in Detroit, MI. Stone Soap introduces automatic rinse aid/drying agent among other innovative products, critical to the success of automated car washes.

1959

The nation’s first Self Service Car was opened in Detroit, MI. Stone Soap introduces the industry’s first high-pressure detergent, Pride Pressure Wash.

1989

Stone Soap pioneers the concept of highly colored and scented car wash cleaners, shampoos and waxes and introduces the much-acclaimed Rainbow® brand of products.

2001

Stone Soap opens the first car wash training academy, designed to train distributors, car wash owners and managers on how to maintain their car wash facility to produce a consistently clean, dry and shiny car for their customers.

2004

The unmatched Powder Made Easy™ System for quickly and easily dissolving powdered wash solutions was introduced by Stone Soap. A US patent was granted for this invention in 2006.

Today

Stone Soap Company, Inc. is located in Sylvan Lake, MI and operates in a 150,000 square foot state of the art manufacturing facility.