5 Tips for Cleaner, Greener Car Washing

I use to be an avid weekly visitor to the car wash. Driving away in a sparkling clean car was a great way to start my week. Little did I know these weekly car washes were a drain on the environment. And now with rising prices, it's becoming a drain on my pocketbook. And though washing my car at home seems more cost efficient, it comes at a price. Undesirable elements such as grease, brake dust as well as the detergent to wash the car, all end up in the city drainage system. Car washing also uses excessive amounts of water. If you're looking for ways to wash your car at home in a more eco-friendly way, these 5 tips will help.

Green Car Washing Tip #1: Use a bucket.

Instead of using the hose for constant rinsing, fill up a household bucket and use this amount of water for the complete car wash. Do one final rinse with the hose, saving an abundant amount of water in the process. Make sure to dump the dirty water from the bucket into a sink or the toilet. The water will drain into the sanitary sewer instead of the storm drain and is much kinder to the environment.

Green Car Washing Tip #2: Wash your car in the morning or evening.

Water evaporates faster in warmer weather thus causing you to use more water than necessary. By washing your car at times when it is cooler (morning or late evening), you will end up using less water.

Green Car Washing Tip #3: Embrace the dirt.

Weekly car washing isn't absolutely necessary and doesn't affect the way your car runs. Try washing your car once a month. If that thought makes you cringe, take baby steps and wash you car every other week. Work you way up to the once-a-month car wash. It will be easier than you think.

Green Car Washing Tip #4: Ditch the detergent.

By washing your car with just plain old water, you'll avoid any contaminants making their way into the sewer system. You can always spot clean tough areas with a small amount of detergent if necessary. You'll actually be surprised how clean you can get your car with just water.

Green Car Washing Tip #5: Use a hose with an adjustable nozzle.

When using a hose for the final rinse, an adjustable nozzle will help you control the flow of water out of the hose. By doing so, you will be able to monitor the amount of water being used in this final step.

By following these 5 green car wash tips, you'll be doing the environment a wonderful favor.

Sources:

www.greenlivingtips.com
www.ecovillagegreen.com