Eco-Friendly Local Car Washes: What to Look For

The average car wash is known to consume a lot of water, and many of the maintenance and cleaning products are toxic and detrimental to the planet and water systems. Luckily, many of your local car washes are adopting sustainable practices to becoming environmentally responsible automobile washes. But how do you know which ones truly care about sustainability?

Water Conservation Techniques

It is not uncommon for a typical car wash to use anywhere from 60-100 gallons of water to wash a vehicle, of which a lot of water is wasted. Eco-friendly car washes use water conservation measures to reduce water usage, such as high-pressure, low-water volume nozzles and water reclamation systems that are capable of filtering and reusing water for multiple washes, thus reducing water usage overall. When you visit a neighborhood car wash, ask if they have water reclaimed processes or if they comply with regulations that limit run-off into storm drains and other bodies of waterways.

Biodegradable and Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

The type of cleaning products used is also an important thing to think about. Over time, harsh chemicals can impact your vehicle's finish and the environment. Many environmentally-conscious car washes use only biodegradable soaps and detergents that are free of phosphates and other harmful ingredients. They naturally break down in the environment and do not contaminate local ecosystems. Information about the products used is generally readily available on a company's website, or you can ask the employee about products the car wash uses. There are car wash companies focused on non-toxic, sustainable, and safe products for use on your vehicle for cleaning. These are the car washes that you want to support.

When you select a local car wash that prioritizes sustainability, you can feel good knowing that you're not only keeping your vehicle clean but also supporting a locally owned business that promotes eco-friendly practices. Some eco-friendly firms give back to their communities through environmental efforts or profess to reduce waste reduction due to using reusable towels instead of paper towels. Each choice matters, and protecting the earth is often about baby steps. A green car wash is one baby step in the right direction!