Waterless Car Cleaning
Cleaning your car can help maintain its finish and body and extend its life. But the National Carwash Association says the typical home wash uses up to 140 gallons of water. Not only is this a waste of resources, but wash residue contains brake dust, oil, grease and dirt that can get into local water supplies, and in some areas, water restrictions and local ordinances prevent all car washing. Manufacturers of new lines of waterless car cleaning products claim to solve those problems.
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What Are Waterless Car Cleaners?
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Car cleaners that don't use water contain petroleum, silicone or other types of hydrocarbons or organic, plant-based agents. When sprayed onto the car, the soaps, surfactants and lubrication agents break down dirt particles and then polymers wrap around the particles, allowing you to wipe them away with a clean cloth. You can buy the products in bottles (purchasing the cloths separately or using your own) or in kits that contain both. They are available at auto stores or many websites.
Tips to Keep in Mind
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Start from the top and work your way down to the bottom, often the dirtiest part of the car. Use clean cloths on each section. It can be more effective to spray both the cloth and the car. Be sure to read the manufacturer's directions carefully--there might be different techniques and caveats to consider with special car finishes. Some products contain wax, and while some users might find the one-step method helpful, others might find waxing separately will make the wax job last a lot longer (and you'll want to avoid using wax products on windows). These cleaners also tend to work best on light to moderate dirt--if your car is really dirty, you might still need water. But many users report cleaning with waterless products takes half the time.
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The Downside to Waterless Car Cleaners
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These products tend to be much more expensive than soap and water--they should not be used when it's windy, because some spray can be blown away. They require more elbow grease and pressure (similar to waxing), something those with health problems might want to consider. Also, those with allergies or lung problems want to steer clear of the petroleum-based products and go for organic plant-based agents. And because the products contain liquids, you should avoid using them when it's freezing outside.
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