Eco-Friendly Gift Idea for the Car Loving Guy

Make your car-loving guy a gift basket filled with everything they need to wash their car. Home car washes use less water than commercial washes, and cost a lot less. Unfortunately washing your car at home still is hard on the environment, much of the soapy water enters drain system and ends up in creeks and ponds and can wreak havoc on local wild life. So if you want to save that water and money and wash your car at home what can you do? Use cleaners that are safe for the environment. Plus these cleaners can be made by you and are gentler on the car and paint than commercial cleaners. This is a wonderful gift for anyone on your list who loves cars and is into being green.

What you will need:

• Chlorine and phosphate, non-petroleum based liquid dishwashing detergent and powdered laundry detergent

• Cornstarch

• Yellow beeswax

• Carnauba wax

• Mineral oil

• Turpentine

• Pine oil

• Olive oil

• Vegetable oil based soap

• Lemon essential oil

• A large bucket

• Cotton clothes

• Flannel cloth

• Sponge

• Spray bottle

• Containers to hold cleaners

Car Washing Soap

Mix 1 cup liquid dishwashing soap and ¾ cup laundry detergent in a container that will not degrade. Attach instructions for use:

Mix 1/3 of container with a gallon of water.

Windshield Cleanser

Put cornstarch in a plastic container. Attach instructions for use:

Mix ½ cup with 2 quarts of warm water. Apply to windshield with sponge dry with flannel cloth.

Car Wax

In a double boiler melt 7 tablespoons yellow beeswax and 12 tablespoons carnauba wax. When melted remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Add 4 tablespoons turpentine, 2 cups mineral oil, and 1 tablespoon pine oil. Pour into a metal can that has a secure lid. Allow the mixture to cool before putting the lid on. Attach instructions for use:

Place a small amount on a soft cloth. Apply in a circular motion. Allow the wax to sit for a few minutes. Buff with another cloth.

Car Interior Cleaner for Vinyl and Leather Upholstery

Mix together 2 tablespoons vegetable oil based soap, ¼ cup olive oil, and 1 teaspoon lemon essential oil. Pour into spray bottle. Attach instructions for use:

Spray onto sponge and apply to upholstery. Wipe off with dry absorbent flannel cloth.

Arrange the items in the large bucket which is doubling as a gift basket. Add a bow to the handle and your gift is ready. Be sure to let your eco friendly recipient know that all of the cleaners are safe for the environment and their cars.