If you’re someone who likes keeping up with the car wash trends, a waterless car wash might have caught your attention. Research shows this service is witnessing a surge in demand, thanks to its eco-friendly approach and the increasing public awareness of water conservation. However, as with all car wash services, it’s wise to do some research before visiting one. If you’re curious about how to dry wash a car and how effective it is, here’s what you need to know.

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What is a Waterless Car Wash?

A waterless car wash uses specially formulated car wash products to clean your car without water. For example, multi-purpose cleaning sprays, polymer-based wash solutions, wheel and tire cleaners, and wash and wax products are all it takes to clean and shine your vehicle.

You (or a professional auto detailer) apply these products directly to the surface of your car, then wipe them away with a microfiber towel for a clean and shiny finish. This dry-cleaning method is also suitable for removing dirt and grime from other vehicles, such as motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, boats, fleets, and even aircraft.

How to Use a Waterless Car Wash

You have two options: a do it yourself car wash where you use the waterless car care products, or you can visit a car wash that offers waterless cleaning options. Here is what to expect:

• Select and pay for your car wash package via an app or at the location.
• Drop your car off with the auto detailer and let them get to work.
• If you do it yourself, spray or apply the product onto your vehicle.
• Use a high-quality microfiber towel to wipe and lift off dirt and grime. Flip the towel often for best results.
• Buff and shine with a clean towel.

Do waterless car washes work? Yes, the latest formulas work hard to remove dirt and restore shine. According to leading waterless wash brand No-H20: “The positive charge in the product combined with a negative charge in the microfibre cloth creates a highly effective solution to washing cars.” However, if your vehicle is very dirty, you may need more than a quick spray and wipe. Instead, try a steam hand car wash for an immaculate clean.

Where to Go and What Products to Use

Waterless car washes still have a long way to go before they can compete with the traditional drive-through car wash, but they are gaining popularity. Are waterless car wash products safe? Yes, if you use high-grade formulas and follow the instructions. Here are some places that offer “dry wash” services, plus some recommended products if you want to clean your car yourself:

• As its name suggests, No-H20 doesn’t use water. This car wash brand describes its service as “dry cleaning for cars”. Professional detailers can clean your car exterior in 20 minutes using various products.
• Green Shine is another car wash that offers interior and exterior detailing using its own range of waterless products.
• McKee’s Ceramic Waterless Wash lifts dirt and leaves a protective coating. It also has a Rinseless Wash & Wax product, which is a super-concentrated formula that cleans, shines and protects your paintwork. However, you need water to dilute it before use.
• P&S Absolute Rinseless Wash is specially formulated for use on all exterior and interior surfaces. You can use it on paint, wraps, plastics, leather, and upholstery.
• ONR Wash & Shine is another popular product to add to your car wash supplies list. It is popular among car enthusiasts who want a fast and efficient clean.
• Rain-X Waterless Car Wash & Rain Repellent is a spray-on, wipe-off formula that shines your car while adding a water-repelling coating.

Can you use waterless car wash on windows? It depends on the product. For example, you can use McKee’s Ceramic Waterless Wash on glass. However, you only need one or two sprays, so don’t overdo it.

The same goes for using all-purpose waterless cleaners on glass. Less is more. Dilute first before use. If you prefer, use a product specially formulated for glass care. For example, Adam’s Glass Cleaner is safe on tint and can be used on windows, windshields, and navigation screens. A quick mist of this stuff and a wipe with a microfiber towel gives streak-free results.

How Long Does a Waterless Car Wash Take?

Okay, so the process is not as fast as a 5-minute drive through car wash unless you’re doing a quick touch-up. However, the pro detailers can complete a waterless car wash in about 20 minutes. Of course, it also depends on the auto detailing package. If you choose a water-free full service car wash, it can take a couple of hours because there is a lot of work to do by hand.

If you’re doing it yourself and short on time, choose a ready-to-use waterless formula with added protective coating. Some of the multi-purpose products are perfect for the exterior and exterior.

Can You Use Waterless Car Wash on Ceramic Coating?

Yes, you can use a waterless car wash on ceramic coating. Check out the websites for the big names such as Adam’s, OPT, P&S, and McKee’s. You’ll discover a range of suitable products. For example, McKee’s Ceramic Detail Spray uses silicon dioxide technology to provide a layer of high-grade ceramic protection. Always work on a clean, dry surface.

Do waterless car washes scratch? No, not if you go to a reputable car wash where the auto detailers know what they’re doing and use high-quality products.  If you’re cleaning your own car, always use clean, soft microfiber towels and gentle wiping motions to prevent scratching paintwork.

Pros and Cons

Although hailed as a water-saving option in the auto detailing world, a waterless car wash has challenges, too. Here is a look at the pros and cons:

Pros

• Saves water. A waterless car wash’s USP is car cleaning without wasting water. Ideal if you live in drought-affected areas. In contrast, automatic car washes get through gallons of this precious resource.
• Convenient: If your car needs a quick touch-up, you can clean it anytime and anywhere, provided you have the products and soft cloths. Moreover, the products are useful for washing car in winter when you don’t want to work with water in the cold.
• Saves time: You don’t have to bother with buckets of water, car shampoos, rinsing, drying, etc.
• Saves money: Swap pressure-washing your car at home with waterless products to reduce your water bill. Also, you don’t need to invest in items from a hand car wash equipment list.
• Protection: Is a waterless car wash safe? Yes, go for products that contain wax or polymer ingredients. These help protect your paint from UV damage and enhance the shine. Also, the latest ceramic sprays can leave your vehicle’s paint as smooth as glass.

Cons

• May not be as effective at removing heavy dirt, mud, or grime as traditional washing methods using water and soap. However, you can buy a spot and stain remover. For stubborn stains, see our tips on how to hand wash a car.
• Not all waterless car care products are environmentally friendly. So, if you want a greener car wash, check the bottle ingredients. For example, P&S detail products include Enviro-Clean Concentrated Cleaner, which contains biodegradable cleaners and water-based solvents to dissolve grease and get rid of dirt.
• Not as fast as an automatic express car wash, brushless car wash, or a soft cloth car wash.

Conclusion

To sum up, a waterless car wash is “dry cleaning” for cars without using a pressure washer, hose, or wasting gallons of water at an automatic car wash. It is an effective way to clean and shine your car, provided you know what you’re doing and use high-quality, scratch-free formulas. Moreover, it is convenient because you can clean your car anywhere without worrying about water runoff polluting the environment.

However, bear in mind that not all waterless cleaning products are biodegradable, so the process might not be as green as you think. They may also not be as effective as a hand wash, especially if your vehicle is super dirty. Furthermore, spraying and wiping surfaces, tires, windows, and windshields takes time and effort, so you may want to leave the job to the professionals.

Don’t forget, there are other green car washes to consider. DetailXPerts uses minimal water thanks to innovative steam technology that is tough on dirt but safe on cars. Furthermore, we only use planet-friendly products to ensure the greenest clean.

To find out more about our mobile car wash services using steam, download our Eco Wash Benefit Guide: