Pros and Cons of Waterless Car Washing: Is It Worthwhile

The idea sounds wonderful–washing your car without dragging out a heavy hose and making a big mess you’ll need to clean up after, also expending the effort it takes to wash your car. But is it that simple? Is the convenience worth the potential tradeoffs? And what are the downsides to using a waterless car wash? There’s a lot to know about this popular car washing option. Let’s get into it.

What Is a Waterless Car Wash?

Much as it sounds, a waterless car wash is a way to keep your car clean, even without water. It is a spray that typically contains cleansing agents, polymers, and lubricants that both encapsulate and remove dirt while also helping to polish the top coat. Spray on, wipe off. But that certainly isn’t the end of things–it’s not quite so simple.

Water is key to a thorough car wash, as it helps to rinse away emulsified and captured dirt, grime, and oil that may have accumulated on your vehicle since your last car wash. That said, if your vehicle has been under cover and only lightly used since your last car wash, then a waterless wash may be a good idea to remove a light layer of dust or pollen. As you might assume, a waterless car wash is not meant for very dirty vehicles–it’s not capable of removing heavy layers of grime, and it isn’t intended to do so. The effectiveness of a waterless car wash can also vary significantly based on the quality of the product and how it is used.

There are just a few simple steps to using a waterless car wash. This includes gathering plenty of clean microfiber towels. Once the spray is applied, you will need to use multiple towels to ensure that you are never reintroducing grime and grit that is captured in the towel. You will need enough clean towels to both wipe off dirt and then buff the surface to achieve a good finish. All the while, you must be very careful not to grind dirt and grit into the finish. This process requires real attention to detail. 

Pros and Cons of Waterless Car Washes

On its face, not having to cart out car-washing supplies and block out an hour or more to properly wash and dry your vehicle sounds like a plus. But realistically, who does that for a very light coating of dust?

Here’s what to consider when deciding if a waterless car wash is right for you:

Pros

• Convenience – you can remove light layers of grime anywhere, anytime

• Accessibility – car owners without access to traditional car washing facilities or who cannot wash their cars in their driveways due to HOA or other requirements can easily clean their lightly dirty vehicles

• Eco-Friendly – waterless car wash products are recommended by the EPA for spot-cleaning, to prevent contaminated water from entering storm drains

• Ease of Use – waterless wash products are easy to store and easy to use for a quick wash on the go

• Cost-Effective – one bottle of waterless car wash spray can clean your vehicle many times over

• Protection – polymers can help to add a protective layer against the elements and make future cleaning easier

Cons

• Capability – waterless car wash products cannot remove heavy soiling and may even cover over dirt, embedding debris and leading to abrasive damage

• Damage Potential – wrong technique and hard scrubbing can lead to permanent paint swirls, scratches, and etching

• Supplies – waterless car wash spray requires copious amounts of high-quality, clean microfiber cloths

• Finish – many users find that waterless car wash products leave a streaky or oily finish

• Protection – waterless car wash cannot match the deep protection of traditional wax or ceramic coatings

• Pollutants – waterless car wash products can contain chemicals that could have a negative impact on the environment

The final verdict of many car washing experts is that while waterless car washing products provide a convenient tool for maintenance and light cleaning, and may be very useful for those without easy access to car wash stations, they are no substitute for a thorough water cleanse. Regular car washing is vital for paint health and preservation, along with applying wax or ceramic coatings. 

Should You Use Waterless Car Washes?

A waterless car wash is just one more tool in the auto enthusiast’s arsenal to keep their car’s finish looking spotless at all times. And while, yes, one bottle of spray can last for quite a few “washes,” the cost adds up over time. On the other hand, unlimited washes from Andy’s Autowash and Detailing Center could be roughly $1/day, depending on which package you choose.

The eco-friendly claim does have some merit, but so does the fact that professional car washes are eco-friendly too, since they naturally use about a third as much water as an at-home wash and are all-around better for preserving your investment. If your vehicle is truly dirty and not merely slightly dusty, you will need to introduce water anyway. Otherwise, you risk scratching the paint and introducing opportunities for rust and corrosion.

In the end, the decision to use or not use waterless wash products is yours to make. But it’s good to go into the decision knowing what’s involved, what’s at stake, what could go wrong, and the limits of the product. If you generally keep your car regularly washed at our car wash in North Olmsted and you’re simply looking for a quick refresh on a lightly dusty vehicle between washes, then sure, a waterless car wash might be a good option for you. However, if your vehicle is washed less often than suggested and often has dirt built up on the paint, waterless car wash spray is not the solution, and could actually do more harm than good.

Your Center For Car Washing and Auto Detailing in Cleveland

Now that you know what’s involved in waterless car washing, it’s time to make some decisions. So weigh the pros and cons, get to know your own car-washing habits, and then determine whether or not waterless car washing products are worth your time and money. Opt for a ceramic coating or other exterior detailing service to make it even easier to utilize waterless car wash products between water washes.

And when you realize that it’s time for a real car wash, your friends at Andy’s Autowash and Detailing Center will be here, ready and waiting. Stop by today or contact us to learn more about our services and unlimited packages.