4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Wash your Car
Has our harsh Canadian winter left marks and dirt on your car? Discover the best alternatives to wash your car without wasting water or harming the environment.
1. Go to the Car Wash:
You might think washing your car at home saves water and energy. In truth, commercial car washes are the most environmentally friendly option.
- Commercial car wash facilities must flush their wastewater into sewers that are treated before reaching our waterways.
- In addition, commercial car washes use less water on average than people who wash their cars at home.
- They use computerized systems and high-pressure nozzles and pumps that minimize water consumption.
- In addition, many collect and reuse the rinse water.
Self-Service Car Wash:
Another eco-friendly option is to wash your car at a self-service car wash.
- That way, you can bring your own eco-friendly car wash products, control how much water you use with a pressurized hose, and drain the rinse water into their professionally treated sewer systems.
2. Choose Environmentally Friendly Products:
Choose environmentally-friendly car wash products. Look for words like "non-toxic" and "biodegradable" on the label and make sure there are no ingredients such as phosphates, perfumes, chlorine, or petroleum.
- You can also use peanut butter to get rid of tree sap and tar. Rub peanut butter on the surface, wait a few minutes, then wipe off.
- Use vinegar to get rid of the squashed bugs on your car. Simply dip a rag in the vinegar and rub.
- Use non-toxic car wax to protect your car and keep it cleaner for longer. Look for a wax made from natural carnauba (made from a palm tree).
- Find the purest form possible without any harsh chemical additives like dyes or perfume.
3. Avoid Waste:
- Use reusable rags rather than disposable products.
- Close the garden hose when not in use.
- Wash your car in the shade or on a cloudy day. When your car is in direct sunlight, the water will evaporate quickly and you will need to use more of it.
4. Beware of Contaminated Rinse Water:
- Wash your car on the lawn. This way the rinse water is filtered through the grass instead of ending up in our waterways.
- Avoid pouring water from your bucket on your driveway, on the sidewalk or on the street. Instead, bring your bucket back inside and pour its contents down the sink or toilet.
So the best option is still the car wash. However, if you prefer to wash your car yourself, follow these few green tips for washing your car in an environmentally friendly way.
