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With the warm weather here, many of us will be washing our cars a lot more (if it's not raining constantly, like it has been here for awile!) Believe it or not, washing your car in your driveway is one of the most eco un-friendly chore that you can do. Not only does task waste A LOT of water (about 150 gallons of water), but most of the soaps we use to wash are cars are terrible for the environment. Think about it: you're washing your car outside, and when the soap runs off down the driveway, where does it go? Into a drain. Where does this water go? Eventually the run-off that ends up in our storm drains makes its way into rivers, streams, and other waterways, poisoning the creatures that live there and wreaking havoc on our eco-system.
Professional car washing is the way to go to save water. Compared to 150 gallons for at home washing, professional washes average about 20 gallons of water use per car, while drive-through washes average about 80 gallons. This is one example of capitalism benefiting the eco-minded consumer! Car washes use water saving methods to save themselves money. If they used as much water as we use to wash our cars at home, they would go broke! By using less water, they make more money, and help the environment (even if that isn't their original intention).
In the U.S. and Canada, all professional car washes are required to drain their wastewater into sewer systems, so it gets treated before being released back into nature, unlike run-off from home car washing. Not all car washes, however, recycle their water or use green cleaning products. Check with your car wash to find out if they do.
If you
insist on washing your car at home, you can reduce your impact by remembering a few simple things. Turn your hose off between rinses, or wash using a bucket, to waste less water. Try to wash your car on dirt or grass, if possible, instead of in your driveway. This will allow the water to be absorbed and neutralized before running into storm drains. Use eco-friendly cleaners such as Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds,
Simple Green, Bi-O-Kleen, and
Ecos Window Kleener. If you can't get these products, look for cleaners that are free of phosphates and chlorine. Even better than any of these options is a water-free wash, such as
Freedom Waterless Car Wash or
Eco Touch waterless car wash kit. These options are great for spot cleaning, and will help you reduce the need for a full car wash.
This post was written by Stefanie.
June 4th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
It’s spring time and you’re probably doing lots of cleaning. Why not clean with some products you can feel good about (those which are environmentally safe, made from natural cleaning agents, free of toxic chemicals/phosphorus/bleach, and hypo-allergenic)? Kate and I tried Clorox Green Works products and we love them so far ($2.99-$3.39). Choose from All-Purpose Cleaner, Glass & Surface Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Dilutable Cleaner, and Bathroom Cleaner. We also like Seventh Generation products, though I don’t recommend the Automatic Dishwasher Gel. It’s just too gentle and it fails to get your dishes or your car really clean.
Quote This CommentJune 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
i sponge bath my car with a mixture of about one third vinegar and two thirds distilled water...(later i recycle the plastic containers). sponge bathing your car is a tedious pain in the ass but i learned to do it out of necessity rather that concern for the environment. my car is black and i can't wash it with regular tap water. the mineral deposites leave spots that are virtual IMPOSSIBLE to get out....anyhow...i use about three quarters of a regular size mopping bucket filled with the mixture. you have to immediately dry after wiping. i do about a square foot at a time. afterwards a nice wax and i'm good for another week.
Quote This CommentJune 5th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
It is interesting that in Honolulu the car washes, as far as I know, are required to collect the used water as it drains and "treat" it. I think that some recirculate the treated water back through the system repeatedly. This system may be specific to Hawaii because of the fact that a lot of "used" water drains directly or indirectly to the ocean. Also, fresh water is a commodity in Hawaii due to its geographic location and increasing population. I have always preferred to wash my car at home. You can take your time and do the job right and Make a difference at the same time. (Then donate those quarters to a good cause.) Take care my friend. =)
Quote This CommentJune 6th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Espaz, wow, that sounds like a lot of work! I'm sure that your car ends up looking amazing, though.
David, all car washes in the US and Canada are required to treat the water, or have it sent to a treatment plant. They aren't required to recirculate the water, but some do.
Quote This CommentJune 6th, 2008 at 8:38 am
I never knew there were waterless car wash products. I will have to check them out.
Quote This CommentJune 6th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Loren, I think it is meant more for use as a spot cleaner, but I think that if you spot cleaned enough, it could definitely reduce the need for full car washing.
Quote This CommentAugust 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
This was a great article and the points that were made are so very true.
i myself have been using the Detail Magic waterless wash and wax for a few months now and i'm very pleased with it. it gives you a wash and wax in about fifteen minutes from the comfort of your own garage. and, the best part about it is that you can do it all without wasting a single drop of water!!
i believe you can order it online but i purchase mine at the home depot. it's fantastic.
Quote This CommentAugust 15th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Henry, I just got some samples in the mail of a waterless car wash product (Freedom Waterless Car Wash) that I will soon be reviewing on the site.
Quote This CommentSeptember 15th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Well, I haven't really notice or given much attention on how much water I have been wasting for car washes. Most of the time, I would spend a few bucks for a car wash service in a shop. They use some sort of water recycling thingy when they car wash so I guess that is better than me hosing down my car.
Quote This CommentSeptember 15th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
cars, yes, that is better than washing the car yourself! They recycle the water, plus they use less of it to begin with.
Quote This CommentSeptember 16th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Great post. I didn't realize how much water is wasted by cleaning your own car instead of having it done by the professionals. This fact sure will make me think before I turn on the hose next! And I will definitely check out those waterless car wash kits - have never heard of them but they sound like a great idea.
Cheers
Quote This CommentSeptember 19th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Simon, if you don't mind a little extra work, the waterless car wash kits are great
And sort of fun too!
Quote This CommentOctober 12th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
wow.. waterless car cleaning. that's the greenest way to wash cars. thanks for sharing.
Quote This CommentNovember 14th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Good Info. Greatly appreciate you sharing.
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