How Waterless Car Washes Help the Planet

If you own a car, read our post on greener driving tips. But one other way to help the planet, is by switching how you wash (and valet) your vehicle.

Conventional car washes on the drive or in supermarkets are not good, as oily water goes untreated down storm drains, and into the sea. This causes oil spills, which harms marine wildlife. Either use an eco-friendly car wash company, or switch to a waterless car wash.

Another reason to avoid supermarket car washes, is concern over worker welfare, often paid below minimum wage without protective clothing. If you book one, use Safe Car Wash app.

Rubbit is a kit to clean cars without water, designed by two airline pilot, who worked with chemists to design a foaming formula, to absorb dirt and be wiped, without rinsing. If you wash your car every two weeks, this kit saves over 3000 gallons of water.

Just soak the included Microfiber towels in a budget of water (the detergent has already washed them, so no need to launder in the washing machine). 

The company also makes eco-friendly dissolving windshield window tablets (give the air-fresheners a miss, they are made with fake scent). Instead use charcoal purifying bag that are scent-free, so good if travelling with babies, pets or allergies). 

Removing Bird Poop Off Car Paintwork

Remove this immediately to avoid burning paint (and scratches, due to containing seeds). mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a litre of warm water, shake to mix and spray from a bottle. Leave to soak for 10 minutes, then rinse off with a wet cloth or hose.

To prevent birds pooping on your car (apart from not parking under trees!), a survey found that birds hardly ever poop on green cars (nobody is sure why!)

How to Valet Your Car, Naturally

• Use a car trash bag to store rubbish, until you get home. Never throw it out the window (this attracts scavenging wildlife, putting them in danger of traffic).
• Use plastic-free cloths and sponges with biodegradable unscented cleaner. Absorb odours with a charcoal purifying bag (if you smoke, do so outside the car, and use a personal ashtray to safely extinguish butts, until you find a bin).
• Avoid de-icing sprays (use a windscreen cover or park your car facing east, to naturally defrost in the morning). Or rub half an onion on the screen the night before (the oil lines the glass to stop freezing – keep onions away from pets).