If you own a car, you have to wash it to protect its paint job and keep it looking presentable on the road. However, this seemingly simple chore has a darker environmental impact, from chemical runoff to water waste. Remember these eco-friendly tips when washing your car to be kinder to the planet as you care for your vehicle!
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Choose Biodegradable Car Wash Products
One of the simplest ways to make your car wash eco-friendly is to switch to biodegradable and eco-friendly soaps. Many car wash soaps contain phosphates, detergents, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh ingredients that can harm aquatic life and ecosystems when they enter stormwater drains and waterways.
Instead, look for car cleaning products labeled as biodegradable, nontoxic, and phosphate-free. Just make sure you know how to spot greenwashing so you buy products that actually break down naturally, leaving behind minimal impact on the environment while still delivering a thorough clean for your car.
Wash Your Car on Grass or Gravel
Where you wash your car plays an important role in minimizing environmental harm. Washing your car in your driveway or a paved surface sends the dirty water directly into storm drains, which often flow untreated into natural water bodies. Though the impact of this is less if you use eco-friendly products like we discussed above, it’s still not ideal.
To reduce pollution, consider washing your car on a permeable surface like grass or gravel. These surfaces act as natural filters that trap dirt and allow water to soak into the ground instead of running off into storm drains.
Limit Water Usage
Did you know that a typical home car wash uses over 100 gallons of water, much of which is wasted? That can leave a dent in the environment and your wallet. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to control water usage.
For one, choose the right nozzle and orifice size for car washing, making sure to get a hose with a shutoff function. A hose with a correctly sized opening will limit water wastage without applying too much pressure to your vehicle and potentially stripping the paint. Likewise, a shutoff function is super helpful because it stops water flow when you’re not actively spraying.
You might also consider the bucket method. Pre-fill a bucket with soapy water to clean your car instead of leaving the hose running. Better yet, if your car isn’t too dirty, consider using waterless car wash sprays.
Visit a Professional Eco-Friendly Car Wash
Not in the mood for chores? Many professional car washes are more environmentally efficient than washing your car at home. They use advanced water-saving and recycling systems that clean and reuse water, minimizing waste. Look for eco-friendly car washes with certifications to ensure you’re making a sustainable choice.
Remember these eco-friendly tips when washing your car to stay on top of this chore without contributing to environmental harm. By switching to biodegradable products, reducing water usage, and washing your car in the right locations, you can cut down on pollution and water waste while keeping your car spotless. Even small changes like these contribute to a greater effort to protect our planet.
