How to save water while washing your car at home

When you wash your car, you might be wasting more water than you realize. But with some simple steps and gadgets, you can save tonnes of water while still keeping your car looking great.

From using less water to scrubbing the right way, here's how to get the cleanest car home while conserving as much water as possible.

Did you know that washing your car at home requires 20 liters of water? That's a lot of water! If you need to wash your vehicle and have a limited water supply, here are some ways to wash your car while using less water at home.

Get a high-pressure nozzle.

A high-pressure nozzle will help you conserve water while keeping your car clean. Attach the nozzle to your hose and turn on the water.

Aim the nozzle at the car and start from the top, working your way down. Be sure to move the nozzle around to distribute the water pressure evenly.

If you don't have a high-pressure nozzle on hand, an easy alternative is to use a solid stream from your hose. The key is to stay focused and avoid watering down all areas of your car; concentrate on one place until it's fully covered with soap.

Another option is buying a trigger nozzle that allows you to control how much water comes out of it—make sure it's set for only light pressure.

Don't rinse: As tempting as it may be, don't rinse after soaping up or shampooing your vehicle because rinsing wastes, even more, water than spraying alone.

Get an old bathtub

Any large container will do if you don't have an old bathtub. Fill a few inches of water and place it where you'll wash your car.

Soak your sponge or cloth in the tub before you start scrubbing the car. When you're finished, empty the tub and use that water to rinse off the soap.

If you're working with a small space or don't have access to a large tub, use an old bucket instead. Fill it with just enough water for your sponge or cloth, and transfer it from bucket to bucket as you wash.

This can be more time-consuming, but if using an old bathtub isn't an option, it's a good alternative. If possible, fill both buckets with clean rinse water before starting, so you only need to pour them over each area once rather than multiple times.

Use dish soap as car soap.

Dish soap is just as effective as car soap but uses less water. When you're ready to wash your car, mix one part dish soap with four parts water in a bucket. Use a sponge or cloth to wash your car, starting from the top and working your way down.

Rinse the suds with a hose, using as little water as possible. Finish by drying your car with a clean towel. If you have a foul spot, pre-treat it with dish soap before washing the rest of the vehicle.

If you must use a more expensive car soap, rinse it off thoroughly with a hose before letting it dry. This will prevent soap scum from building up and making your paint look dull.

Using dish soap as car soap—Third Paragraph Use wax or polish on areas where dirt is likely to build up, such as your tires and bumpers. Waxing will help protect against rust and grime, giving you fewer maintenance chores in the long run.

Polish can also hide minor scratches caused by rocks in rough weather or general wear and tear. However, avoid using waxes or polishes if you have painted bumpers—the chemicals may damage them over time!

Use less water than you would if you washed it outside

If you wash your car at home, you can use less water than if you pass it out. You can do this using a soapy water bucket and a sponge or brush.

Wash the car from the top down, and rinse with a hose. If you have a pressure washer, use it on the lowest setting. It's essential to be mindful of the environment when you clean your car at home. One way is using only as much water as needed for the job.

Conclusion (How to save water while washing your car at home)

You don't need a hose to wash your car. A bucket of soapy water and a sponge or brush is all you need. Just make sure to rinse the soap off with a hose or bucket of clean water. You can also use a commercial car wash that recycles its water.

If you insist on using a hose, attach a shut-off nozzle. Some models can help cut down on how much water you use by only spraying when you pull back on the lever. Hoses also come with automatic shut-off devices that turn them off if they're not used for several minutes.

Be sure to pick up after yourself, so no one slips on your wet mess and sues you. If someone does slip and fall, ensure that you have proper liability insurance and read any fine print in your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to know your coverage if it happens.