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Be Water Wise when Washing your Car

Be Water Wise when Washing your Car

Updated 2 January 2020 04:55 PM

Washing your car typically uses a whopping 100 litres of water

There are plenty of things you can do to maintain a clean car and also reduce the amount of water you use to clean it.

  • Park your car on the lawn so that the water you use isn't wasted.
  • Start on the inside of your car and clean it first, using a vacuum and chamois. 
  • When you move to the outside, fill one bucket with water and soap and use a sponge to soap up and clean the outside of your car.
  • Work from the top down, doing your wheel rims (usually the dirtiest) last. Work quickly, especially if the weather is hot so that the soap doesn't dry. 
  • Hose off your car quickly.
  • Use a chamois to dry the water off so there are no soap marks. 

It's always fun to clean your car with a friend if you have a good one to help you. Dress for 'wet' so you don't worry if you get a splash or two. 
Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below:
Barrie W
Member

If you time it perfectly and see there is a storm/big lot of rain coming you can always soap it up and then leave it outside for the rain to rinse.

Rainwater always leaves a better finish on cars, anyway. The minerals in tap water is what leaves those spots all over your can unless it is waxed/polished after. Thursday, 10 December 2015

ekko.world
Science Notes

You can use 'No water car cleaning products'- they do not scratch or damage your car in any way. The formula encapsulates the dirt and removes it without causing scratch or swirl marks. The cleaning formula also applies a layer of wax to your car’s surface.

Related Tip

If you really are too lazy to wash your own car, make sure you go to a green car wash who recycles their own water and uses earth friendly products. Green car washes are generally water efficient as they have the means to control run off and recycle water. There are also mobile car wash companies who use no water and will come to you.

Find a Recycler