Is It Illegal To Wash Your Car At Home?

If you are on various online forums, you may have seen talk about it being illegal to wash your car yourself, at your home. At first glance, this sounds a little conspiratorial or way off in left field–haven’t folks been doing this for decades?

Could this claim have any merit? And if so, why? Let’s get into it and learn whether at-home car washing is a legal concern and how to work within current guidelines. 

Car Washing And Legal Concerns

It’s well-known that chemical runoff is responsible for many environmental concerns. Be it from over-fertilization or household detergents and cleansing agents, an overabundance of contaminants running into storm drains can negatively affect local and downstream waterways and the creatures that call them home. Because of the potentially serious negative impact on local ecology, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program was created to protect sensitive ecosystems and bring awareness to the issue.

The EPA has issued strict guidelines for vehicle owners to follow, everywhere in the country, and while they strongly discourage washing a car in a driveway, there are no specific federal laws that apply to homeowners surrounding at-home car washing. The EPA does offer pointers and guidelines on the best ways to be environmentally friendly while still maintaining your vehicle. Here is a summary of what they recommend:

• Wash your car on a permeable surface such as grass or gravel (not concrete or asphalt) to provide initial filtration
• Use biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based detergents and use soap sparingly
• Reduce water use and use a spray nozzle to lessen water flow
• Wring out sponges and rags over a bucket, container, or sink
• Empty the wash water into the sink, toilet, or grass
• Spot clean with waterless car wash products

Now, because this is not a mandate from the federal government but instead is left up to the states and their communities, there is no federal law that prohibits car-washing at home. That we can say for sure. However, since legal requirements and prohibitions vary across the state and nation, it is important to check with local authorities before assuming that you’re in the clear. If you are an HOA member, then it is likely that there are bylaws in place that address at-home car washing. If it is allowed, there are probably strict guidelines that you will be expected to follow.

Your local township or city authorities may also put restrictions in place. For example, in 2022, in York, Pennsylvania, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection mandated a change that made it illegal to wash a car at home, in a driveway, or on the street, where the runoff would enter storm drains, eventually flowing into natural waterways. Many other municipalities planned to follow suit.

DIY vs Professional Car Washing

While the EPA has provided guidance on how to safely wash your car at home, in the end, they do urge homeowners to use a commercial car washing service if at all possible. The goal is to minimize runoff and redirect water away from storm drains. When vehicles are washed at home, the resulting detergent-rich water may also contain remnants of various harmful fluids used during car maintenance, like grease, gas, various vehicle fluids, and heavy metals. If your car is being washed on an impermeable surface, like a driveway or along the street, all of these contaminants can then flow into storm drains, where they can enter natural waterways as pollution.

On the other hand, commercial car wash facilities collect and appropriately process wash water to prevent stormwater impacts. The EPA prefers that homeowners use these facilities, and your local authorities may require it.

Besides the ecological considerations, there are also some practical things to think about. A professional car wash is better for your car’s exterior and is engineered to thoroughly clean your vehicle without the risk of abrasion or damage. The eco-friendly soaps used are gentle on your car’s paint finish while still being effective at removing potentially harmful substances and protecting your car’s top coat. And professional equipment makes undercarriage washing a breeze. That’s a hard trifecta to achieve in a DIY car wash.

Other than the fact that you can save a dime and wash your car during those few spare moments when the clouds come out and cover the sun to prevent streaking and water spots, it might just not be worth your while to wash your car at home. If your water bill is already creeping higher and higher, the excessive amount of water used to wash just one vehicle–up to 120 gallons–could push your monthly budget over the edge. That’s also just a lot of water that could be used in other ways! At Andy's Autowash, we use roughly 40 gallons of water per car–a third of the amount! Clearly, if you’re looking for efficiency, a professional car wash cannot be beat.

Now that you know what’s at stake and that there may very well be restrictions on at-home car washing in your area, we’d argue it’s worth taking the discussion a step further and asking, “Is it even worth it to wash your car at home?” Any initial savings can quickly fade when looking at the costs involved with water use, paint damage, corrosion, and ineffective cleaning. Then there’s the environmental toll to wrestle with. When taken together, all signs point to professional car washing as the better, more practical option.

Professional Car Washing and Auto Detailing in Cleveland

As part of their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) initiative and permitting system, the EPA has issued vehicle maintenance and washing guidelines that are worth taking into account when you next determine whether you’re going to visit a car wash in North Olmsted or handle it yourself, at home.

When it comes to convenience, there’s really no contest–a quick visit to Andy’s Autowash on your daily commute takes just moments. Price may be the biggest complaint, but when compared against a steep water bill and potential damage and resulting repairs, an exterior car wash in our North Olmsted location sounds very worth it. Opt for an unlimited package, and the cost per use drops drastically, especially if you are washing your car as often as you should. Factor in frequent specials, and the cost to maintain a perfectly shiny exterior isn’t unreasonable at all.

Now that you’re fully clued in to whether or not at-home car washing is legal, and you know the additional risks that a DIY-approach can present, why not make an appointment for auto detailing, or if you are in the Cleveland area, you can just stop by for a car wash or auto detailing. Our top-notch products, equipment, training, and technology ensure that your vehicle looks great for as long as possible, with no extra cost to the environment. Looking for a car wash in North Olmsted, Ohio? Take advantage of our expertise–we’re right here, ready to help. Contact us today!