Waterless car washes use chemicals, polish, or wax instead of water to clean cars. They are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional car washes and can save time and water. However, some traditional car wash operators warn against using chemicals that could damage the paint finish, and consumers should research the active ingredients in each product before use.
A waterless car wash is also known as a chemical car wash, and it uses chemicals, polish, or wax to wash a car instead of water. This type of car wash originated in Australia and has gained popularity as a good eco-friendly alternative to traditional water-wasting car washes. A waterless car wash could be especially useful in a drought-stricken region where water scarcity is a problem.
There are many waterless car wash products on the market, and each product is unique in its active ingredient. The first type of waterless car wash products contain a chemical such as petroleum or silicone to break down dirt and effectively clean the car. A “greener” type of waterless products contain natural organic ingredients that are biodegradable, petroleum-free, and non-toxic, such as coconut oil. Another waterless formula is made from carnauba wax and is popular with car enthusiasts who enjoy a product that cleans and waxes and can make a car shine.
Despite the many types of waterless products available, each works in the same way for washing a car. When sprayed on the car, these agents bind with the dirt particles to loosen them from the car’s surface. A soft towel, usually a microfiber towel, is then used to wipe away any dirt particles. As a follow up, a second microfiber towel can be used to remove any remaining residue.
Compared to traditional car washes, these waterless car wash products can save consumers time and conserve water. Wetting and drying time is eliminated, so the time needed to wash an entire car with waterless products can be cut in half. Also, most waterless products state that typical car washes use up to 140 gallons (530 liters) of water. In addition, the traditional car wash at home can also cause “toxic runoff” because dirty water filled with dirt, grime, and grease can run out of the car and into the environment.
Despite these positive “eco-friendly” benefits, waterless car wash products still have some skeptics. Many traditional car wash operators warn against using chemicals to clean the surface of a car, which could cause significant damage to the paint finish. Also, with a wide range of waterless products on the market, many of them contain unproven or unknown ingredients. It is recommended that before purchasing any of these products, consumers should research the active ingredient in each product to ensure that it is safe to use on their car with minimal impact to the finish.
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