Is it better to wash your car at home or at a car wash?
Many people think that washing their vehicle in the driveway or street will have less impact than a commercial car wash. The truth is, washing personal vehicles at home is one of the most environmentally harmful chores we can do! Bringing your car to a commercial car wash is better for the environment.
Whether to wash your car at home or at a car wash depends on several factors, including your preferences, budget, and time constraints. Here are some considerations for both options:
Washing at Home
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than using a commercial car wash.
- Control: You have full control over the products and methods used, allowing for a more thorough cleaning.
- Quality: You can take your time to detail specific areas and ensure a higher quality finish.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: It can take several hours, especially for detailing.
- Equipment Needed: Requires investment in supplies (soap, towels, etc.) and access to water.
Using a Car Wash
Pros:
- Convenience: Typically faster and less effort, especially if you choose a touchless or automatic wash.
- Professional Results: Many commercial washes use professional-grade equipment and products.
Cons:
- Cost: Can be more expensive over time, especially for frequent washes.
- Quality Variability: The quality of the wash can vary by location, and some may not clean as thoroughly or may risk damaging the paint with brushes.
Conclusion
If you prioritize thoroughness and have the time, washing at home might be better. If convenience and speed are more important, a car wash could be the way to go. Consider mixing both options based on your needs!
Commercial car washes use water efficiently and safely
Federal laws in the U.S. require commercial car wash facilities to drain wastewater from car washing into sewer systems. The water then gets treated and filtered before it’s recycled back into the region’s water sources.
In contrast, washing your car at home means all the dirt, oil, exhaust fume residue, soap chemicals gets washed into storm drains and into our region’s streams, lakes, and waterways, where they can harm wildlife and destroy sensitive ecosystems.
Water usage is the biggest environmental impact of car washing. Washing at home typically uses more water than an automatic car wash. Commercial car washes use high-pressure water nozzles that use water more efficiently than a standard garden hose, and many commercial car washing facilities recycle the wastewater that is collected in drains.
Keep it green at home
If you do wash your car at home, follow these tips to protect the environment and keep hazardous chemicals out of our region’s waterways:
Choose a non-toxic, biodegradable soap that is free of phosphates, fragrance, chlorine, and petroleum-based ingredients.
Don't pour your bucket of dirty water onto your driveway, sidewalk, or street. Take it inside and dump it in a sink or toilet.
Before washing, make sure your car isn’t leaking oil or other fluids.
Don’t leave the hose running while you’re soaping up and washing the car. Try to rinse quickly.
Use reusable cloths to wash and dry your car.