Water is an essential natural resource, and the survival of our planet depends on it, yet most of us never use it carefully. In automatic car washes, 30 to 100 gallons of water are used to wash a single car! If you think washing your car with your hands in your driveway can help you save water, then you’re mistaken. According to research, every time you turn on your garden hose to wash your car for about ten minutes, you are using close to 80 to 140 gallons of water; usage can change based on the vehicle’s size. Whereas in waterless car washes, you will end up spending just one bucket of water! Waterless car washes are eco-friendly and produce the same result as a water-based car wash, sometimes even better. This blog will introduce you to waterless car washes, their benefits, and a step-by-step DIY guide for perfect waterless car washes.
What are Waterless Car Washes?
As the name suggests, waterless car washes use no or minimal water. All you need is a waterless car wash product, microfiber towels, and enthusiasm to make your car look dirt-free! So, can waterless car wash products replace the role of water in a car wash? It certainly can. Such products are far more advanced and efficient than soap solutions, thus making the need for water unnecessary. Waterless car wash works for cars with light dirt. If you want to clean a car with thick dirt and mud on its body, then we suggest you visit a car wash near you.
How Do Waterless Car Washes Work?
In waterless car washes, the process is pretty straightforward. You spray the waterless car wash product on the car’s body and leave it to sit. The spray’s high lubricity will encapsulate dust and dirt. Finally, you can wipe it off with a microfiber towel. A microfiber towel is used because of its softness and high absorbency. It prevents watermarks and scratches on your car’s surface. Waterless car washes are far more effective than a hand car wash and save your car from water spots and other water-related problems.
Advantages of Waterless Car Washes
The amount of water that is saved is not the only advantage of waterless car washes. There are other advantages to using waterless car washes, and we have listed them below:
- No wastage of water: Saving water is the most significant advantage of using a waterless car wash. A waterless car wash is ideal for washing your car if you live in an apartment and access to water is difficult, or in a place where water is scarce, and you do not want to face your neighbors’ wrath for wasting it!
- Wash your car anytime and anywhere: If you cannot spend 2-3 hours every weekend washing your car or if you find driving to an automatic car wash near you difficult, then waterless car washes are a perfect fit for you. If you are on the road most of the time and feel guilty about not cleaning your car regularly, you can carry the waterless car wash product and microfiber towels with you to clean your vehicle while on a drive.
- Minimal use of equipment: If you are cleaning your car using the traditional hand wash method, you will need a hosepipe, bucket, car cleaning solution, towels, washing mitts, and other such items to clean your car efficiently. Meanwhile, with the waterless car wash method, you will just need a waterless car wash kit—comprising waterless car wash spray and a microfiber towel—to make your car look clean and shiny.
- Economical: Compared to other car wash methods, waterless car washes are cheaper. A waterless car cleaning product will cost you around $30, and you can wash your car five to six times. Make sure you choose high-quality waterless car wash products. Most car detailing facilities recommend Meguiar’s and Chemical Guys waterless car wash and wax.
Like all methods, waterless car washes have disadvantages, and we have listed them below:
- Not suitable for cars that have too much dirt
- Requires more effort and time
- Many waterless car wash products contain chemicals that can damage your car’s paint job
The Perfect Waterless Car Wash at Home [ Step-by-Step Guide]
For perfect waterless car washes at home, follow our step-by-step guide below to make your car look spotless. You will need a waterless car wash product, microfiber towels, and a bucket of water (to wash away the product or rinse the car if it’s too dirty).
Step 1
If your car is dirty and covered with mud and dirt, rinse it first to remove the dirt.
Step 2
Mentally divide the car into separate sections and work on one at a time. We recommend using different microfiber towels for each section.
Step 3
Spray the waterless car wash product on the section you want to clean and leave it for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4
Now use the towel and start wiping gently in one direction. Do not apply too much pressure, and do not go in a circle. You’ll end up keeping dirt on the car. Buff using a second clean and dry microfiber towel.
Step 5
When the towel becomes dirty, swap to a clean side or use a fresh towel. Repeat the process until all sections are clean. We recommend using a separate towel for brakes since brake pads may contain chemicals.
These steps are simple and easy to follow. If you feel the DIY approach is time-consuming, you can visit the nearest car detailing facility for a waterless car wash. Websites and apps like Way.com offer professional and top-rated car wash services at great prices. If you are looking for an eco-friendly car wash near you, then you can take your pick from the several options on Way.com.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
