In the more than ten years that I have been operating the Autopia community forum, I have seen a myriad of new car wash, cleaning and polishing products come to market, but none as necessary as the waterless car wash. This new category of product would be more properly called a water[less] product, because that’s what it does. It allows us to clean our cars with less water, because there will always be times with the car is to dirty to clean without using water pressure.



Just in case you’ve been on planet Mars for a few years, water conservation and surface water contamination are hot topics. So it makes sense that we all should evaluate our car washing habits to see if we are in alignment with best practices. Based on an estimated 32-billion gallons of fresh water consumed annually in the USA to wash cars (both commercially and at home), I suspect a few of us are lagging in this area and not doing our part to conserve.



You might be wondering if 32-billion gallons of fresh water is a big number or not. It’s not a small ocean, but it would just about cover the drinking water needs of all Americans for a full year. If that doesn’t interest you, chomp on the fact that all of that water is wasted on a non-productive human process. It does not serve mankind a single bit (like drinking, bathing, irrigation...). Yep, it’s 100% wasted! And, if that’s not enough to shock you into reality, think about the tens of thousands of gallons of car wash soap, wheel cleaners and other chemicals that wash down all of the suburban driveways into the storm drains. For me, that’s a pretty sickening thought, knowing that in most cases storm drains lead right back to surface waters.



Conservation and reducing water pollution are not the only reasons to consider a change in how you wash your car. Can you believe the bucket, soap and wash mitt car wash method is as old as the automobile itself? In fact, it seems almost sacrilege not to be out on a nice Saturday morning hosing and scrubbing the cars in the driveway. However, times change, and just as we have all learned to recycle plastics, cans, bottles, paper and cardboard, we must learn a new way to clean or cars.



If you’re not familiar with waterless car wash products, let me offer a short introduction. Essentially you spray a panel of your car with a waterless car wash formula, let it sit for a few seconds, and then wipe off the dirt and formula with a soft towel. Another method is to give your car a sponge bath with a solution mixed in a bucket with a couple gallons of water. Now, you might be thinking “Oh, my gosh, it will scratch my car!”, but it won’t if you use the products properly.



Each waterless car wash formula is unique in regards to its ingredients. Some waterless car wash products use petroleum, silicone, or other hydrocarbon-based chemicals to clean the car. Another method uses organic plant-based products to clean the car. There is little difference in the cleaning ability between the two types of formulations.



The science behind the waterless cleaning process is pretty simple. When sprayed onto a car panel, the surfactants (cleaners) and wetting agents in the waterless car wash formula break down dirt, causing it to emulsify. At the same time, polymers in the cleaning solution wrap around the particles to form a barrier of lubrication. At this point a soft microfiber towel can be used to wipe away the dirt and formula. A second dry microfiber towel is used to help polish away any remaining formula and buff the surface to a clean, streak-free shine.



Compared to the traditional bucket, soap and wash mitt car wash method, cleaning a car the waterless way requires far less effort and time (less than half), and uses very little water. Time and effort are not the only benefits. You can also wash your car in the comfort of your garage or carport. If you live in an apartment, you can wash right in your parking area.



My own home town has recently voted to begin enforcing zero runoff in residential areas. This includes both property irrigation, boat rinsing, and car washing. As a result, my neighbors and I must learn to deal with the new ordinance. I for one am happy to see the change. Others will go kicking and screaming into compliance.



Where do you stand?