I’ve been washing my car at home for years and thought that I was doing something good for the environment. Boy, did I find out I’d been wrong? At home, washing causes the use of 80 to 140 gallons of water and picks up all the gas, oil, and tar from our filthy vehicles. This doesn’t sound like a dilemma, but that water then runs down our driveway into the gutters that lead directly to our rivers and lakes. Many of our storms drain to not lead to the plants that treat the water first!
Here are 5 tips to wash your car without wasting water or harming the environment!
Ditch the water
Ditch the buckets and sponges! There are multiple pre-made, eco-friendly WATERLESS car wash products, or you can even make one yourself. One of my favorite premade products is Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash. All you’ll need is two microfiber cloths (maybe more is your car is really dirty). Simply spray the cleaner and wipe the area with cloth one. You will then take the second cloth and buff the area. Don’t be afraid to use more clothes, they are reusable!
You can even loosen some of the baked on bug with vinegar! You can simply spray and leave it to sit for a couple minutes before wiping, or soak a cloth in vinegar and rub on the spot. Make sure you rinse the area with water and rewax. You do not want to leave vinegar sitting on your paint because it will strip it.
Rummage through the pantry
Most likely, hiding in your pantry is the magic solution for tree sap or tar! Peanut butter or solid shortening are those items! You knew!? Let it sit for a minute or two then wipe off before going about cleaning your car. You can repeat a few times if needed.
Wash your windows inside and out
Use a squeegee! Get the mirrors, headlights, and taillights with this tool. Believe me, this is the cleanest your windows have ever been using Doctor Klear Klear-To-Sea Cleaning and Polishing Liquid. Roll your door windows down to make sure you get the top edge, then roll them up to get the rest of the window.
Don’t forget the interior
Grab your vacuum and the crevice attachment. We want to make sure to get all of the nooks and crannies! Who knows what’s down there anymore?! Freshening up your upholstery is a good idea while you are inside the car. Sprinkle some odor-absorbing dry baking soda onto the seats, and let it sit for two hours before vacuuming it up (if you are in a hurry you can do a half hour for a quick refresher)!
Organic Wax
Make your own protectant! Mix one part fresh lemon juice with two parts olive oil in a small bowl. Dab a small amount onto a microfiber towel and rub in on any plastic or vinyl surfaces inside the car (stay away from the wheel and pedals)! Then take an old toothbrush to work the solution into cracks to loosen dust and gunk that’s trapped. Buff with a second cloth. You will be left with an area with a great smell and shine.
DIY Car Wax
- 1 cup linseed oil
- 4 tablespoons pure carnauba wax
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Place ingredients in an old double boiler or in a tin can set in a saucepan of hot water. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the waxes melt and disappear. Pour into a shallow container with a lid and allow to cool.
- Wax your car in the shade so the metal stays reasonably cool, and work on a small section at a time. Apply a small dab to a clean surface with a soft cloth, rubbing in a circular motion; then buff with a clean cloth.
Ditch the water and try some of these eco-friendly tips today! While you’re at it book yourself a Trustworthy Cleaning Service in Dallas. I had my first cleaning with them a couple weeks ago, and they are truly a phenomenal and professional company. They left my house looking the best it ever has!
