Eco-friendly Car Care: Waterless car wash and How to do?

With summer just around the corner, issues with water and its scarcity are impending and expected. Water saving tips and tricks will be widely encouraged, and one way to contribute to saving water is by getting acquainted with waterless car washing.

This method is also known as the waterless car wash or dry car wash. This article from Philkotse.com will further explain what waterless washing really is.

1. Waterless car wash and How it works

Caring for the environment is a big thing now, and one way to become eco-friendly citizens is to opt for car washing that uses very minimal to no water at all. This method of washing is also convenient as it doesn’t need much space, unlike the regular car wash.

Waterless washing uses waterless products which have more advanced ingredients than the regular soap since these products need to recompense the lack of water required for the process.

One bucket of water is enough for waterless washing, and that water will be used to rinse out the towels used in cleaning the car. Compared to the 50 to 100 gallons of water being used in regular washing, that’s a lot of water saved!

Waterless car wash products have more advanced ingredients than the regular soap

A waterless car wash doesn’t require any special equipment like a pressure hose as it only utilizes high lubricity sprays to polish and clean the car. It is because of the high lubricity chemicals that dirt and dust are captured.

The process is similar to how water gets rid of the dirt but based on the outcome, the use of these sprays are found to be more preferred due to its efficiency.

2. Things needed for a dry wash

The needful for waterless washing is pretty simple. There are a lot of folks who use homemade car sprays by mixing various high lubricity sprays. This is only recommended though if you can call yourself a legit car expert. For starters, it will be more convenient and hassle-free just to purchase a gallon of waterless car cleaner. This should cost you about $30 and will let you dry wash your car for up to 6 times. 

Typically, a waterless car wash will only require you about 4 to 6 ounce of the wash formula. You can also opt for the sprays which allow you more mobility.

>>> You may also concern:

• Dos and Don’ts of Washing a Car: Squeaky Clean over Scratchy Clean
• 8 useful things for your DIY car wash

Typically, a waterless car wash will only require you about 4 to 6 ounce of the wash formula

There are a lot of popular and trusted brands which you can try. It will be best to do a little comparative research and get recommendations from friends who have tried waterless washing. With your choice of spray, it’s time to whip out your trusted microfiber towels.

Due to its non-abrasive, high absorbency softness, these wipes are the best when it comes to getting those dust and dirt particles off your car.

3. Step By Step Guide

Not because this is a natural process means that you can just do whatever you want and spray and wipe. It will still be recommended to follow this step by step guide to dry wash your car correctly and effectively.

Step #1

Fold your microfiber towel so you can use eight sides of it.

Waterless Car Wash Tutorial !!

Step #2

Start at what is considered as the cleanest part of your car which is the top and spray this panel generously with your waterless wash spray. The panel size will depend on how large your area is. You can follow a spray, wipe, and dry method. Typically, half the roof or half the hood is a right panel size.

Step #3

Lightly wipe in one direction. No need to apply any pressure because doing so even while using a microfiber towel can result in micro scratches. Do not also follow a circular motion when wiping as you’re technically just bringing back the dirt that you just removed.

Step #4

When wiping, always be conscious of the status of your towel. When the current side is already dirty or soiled, merely switch to one of the cleaner sides.

You can follow a spray, wipe, and dry method

Step #5

Wipe each panel and area clean and completely dry it before you proceed to the next area.

Here is a good recommendation when it comes to dividing the panels or areas when doing waterless washing:

• Roof
• Side Glass
• The hood, trunk lid and the rest of the vertical panels
• The upper portions of the vertical panels
• The grills and bumpers
• The rear bumpers and rear vertical panels
• The lower vertical panels which are considered as the dirtiest areas of the car
• The wheels

Note that for each section, it is best to use a clean side of the microfiber.

When wiping, always be conscious of the status of your towel

4. The Pros and Cons of waterless car wash

Definitely, the environmental impact of waterless washing is a huge thumbs up. With regular car wash, the amount of water needed is a lot, and the faster you want the dirt, soap, and suds off your car, the more buckets of water you’ll need.

With waterless washing, you cut down the water usage by almost 85%. This is very beneficial especially for summer seasons, and it is also an excellent way to save a few bucks as well given that the cost of water is also rising.

It also saves you time and gas having to go down to the local car wash since you can do it in the comforts of your home. Waterless car washing also minimizes the stains brought about by the natural minerals found in water.

>>> Read more: 10 tips to self-wash your car properly

However, one aspect that needs to be improved though would be the dry washing’s ability to really wipe off and clean extensive and deep dirt embedded in your car’s surface. For heavy stains, it would still be best to go for the traditional car wash with water and pressure.

With waterless washing, you cut down the water usage by almost 85%

Also, myths are surrounding the possibility that the high lubricity sprays are bad for your car’s paint job. This has been tested as pure speculation, and any damage to your car’s paint and polish will be caused by an ineffective technique and of using products with silicone on it.

Waterless car washing definitely has a promising future. It might be the future of car washing. Start now and reap its longtime benefits to you, your budget, and the environment.

>>> Get more helpful tips and advice for your car maintenance here