Six Tips for Eco-Friendly Car Washing

Well, summer is almost here and you know what that means. People hauling out the hoses, buckets and soaps for their traditional driveway car wash. Fun as this may be, many people are still unaware of the devastating impacts the at-home car wash can have on our environment. Each time you wash your car, an average of 80 - 140 gallons of water are used. Carried in this soapy mess are contaminants such as brake dust, exhaust fumes, oils, and harsh detergents from the soaps. Once this drains into open sewers it wreaks havoc on our water supply. Outlined below are ten eco-friendly car washing techniques that work!

• Consider switching to an waterless car wash this summer. Trade the hoses and buckets for a small spray bottle and two microfiber towels. Currently popular overseas, waterless car wash products are finally here in the U.S.

• Swap paper towels for re-usable microfiber towels. Microfibers are super absorbent and can be re-used up to 50 times.

• Steer clear of products containing "petroleum-distillates, kerosene, silicone, or mineral spirits" These products are known carcinogens and have an adverse impact on the environment.

• If you do continue using the hose method, buy an automatic shut-off valve so that water is not continuing to flow as you wash.

• Look for soaps which are phosphate-free. Phosphates encourage algae bloom when they enter water and reduce oxygen levels for other aquatic species.

• Wash your car over the lawn instead of in the driveway. You’ll both water the grass, and also prevent the contaminated water from hitting open sewers.