Not many people realize that washing the car in the driveway can waste a lot more water than an automatic car washes, and that the runoff from washing a car in the driveway goes directly into storm sewers, then is released into neighboring waterways, whereas automatic carwash businesses are required by law (in the U.S. and Canada) to drain their wastewater into the sewer system and many recycle the rinse water. Automatic car washes tend to use much less water (less than 45 gallons), where as the typical home car wash requires between 80 and 140 gallons and can use hundreds of gallons.

That said, there are several things you can do to make a home car wash as green as possible. Of course there are other factors in considering an eco car wash. If you opt to take your car to an automatic car wash, if it is very far out of your way then the gas used to get there may offset the environmental advantage to using the automatic car wash, so be sure to consider your individual situation.

How to Green up a Home Car Wash

Detergent

Use only natural detergents. You may be surprised what some eco-friendly liquid soap and a big sponge can tackle when it comes to car dirt. For tougher areas like grills and wheels, try using borax. The extra grit can do wonders for scrubbing away gritty dirt. A great combination eco wash solution is to mix 1 cup of green liquid soap with 3/4 cup borax or natural powder laundry detergent. If you’re looking for a ready-to-apply eco-friendly car wash detergent, check out Simple Green’s Car Wash.

Wash on the Grass

So long as you’re using a minimal amount of detergent (and natural, eco-friendly detergent at that), it’s a great idea to save water by sharing it with the grass. Carefully drive your car onto the lawn before you wash it so that the grass can soak up the water after it washes/rinses your car clean.

Use a Bucket

While a garden hose is a super convenient way to rinse, using a bucket and sponge is a much more efficient way to wash your car. Try to use the hose as little as possible and only for a final rinse.

Wash Less

Washing a car more often than every few months is usually unnecessary. If you can decrease the frequency of car washes this is another great way to conserve water.

Waterless Car Wash

Another way to conserve water when it comes to home car washing is to use one of the newer waterless wash products. There are several all natural versions of these waterless car wash solutions that are made from vegetable extracts. These can be especially useful and practical for touch ups and more frequent wipe downs. For a handy eco-friendly waterless car wash spray take a look at Eco Touch Waterless Car Wash and Polish.