Maintaining the cleanliness of your car is an essential part of vehicle care, and washing your car at home offers both convenience and control over the process. But did you know washing your car at home can affect the environment and your local waterways?
If you decide to wash your vehicles at home in the driveway, it’s important to do so in a way that minimizes environmental impact, particularly when it comes to protecting our water resources. By following these water-safe tips from Indiana American Water, you can keep your vehicle spotless while reducing the potential harm to local waterways.
How Does an At-Home Car Wash Affect the Water Supply?
Washing your car at home might seem like a simple, routine task, but it can have a significant impact on the local water supply. The soapy water, dirt, brake dust, and chemicals rinsed off your vehicle can make their way into storm drains, eventually reaching rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
Unlike wastewater from homes that is treated at a facility before being released, runoff from an at-home car wash typically enters the environment untreated. This untreated runoff can carry harmful pollutants, including oils, heavy metals, and chemical residues from cleaning solutions, directly into the water supply.
These contaminants can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade the quality of drinking water sources. For instance, when road salt from winter driving or tire shine products washes off your car, it can contribute to increased salinity in freshwater bodies, which affects both wildlife and human water usage.
The volume of water used during a car wash at home also plays a role. On average, a typical car wash at home can use up to 100 gallons of water. Excessive water use, especially from hoses left running for longer periods, contributes to water wastage. This is particularly concerning in areas prone to drought or with limited water resources.
By adopting more efficient washing methods, such as using a bucket instead of a continuously running hose, you can help conserve water and reduce the burden on the local water supply. While a single car wash might not seem significant, the combined impact of multiple households washing cars can have a lasting negative effect on water quality.
How to Wash My Car: At-Home Car Wash vs. Commercial Car Wash
When it comes to keeping your vehicle clean, you have two primary options: washing your car at home or taking it to a commercial car wash. Both methods have their pros and cons, and understanding these can help you make the best decision for your car, your budget, and the environment.
At-Home Car Wash
Washing your car at home offers the convenience of doing it on your own time and tailoring the cleaning process to your specific needs.
You can choose the cleaning solution, scrub more thoroughly in areas that need extra attention, and spend as much time as necessary to get your car’s surface shining. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the environmental impact.
An at-home car wash can lead to harmful contaminants flowing directly into local watersheds and water systems. If you wash with a running hose instead of a bucket of water, you can also waste a ton of precious water and hike up your water utility bill.
Commercial Car Wash
Commercial car washes offer a more controlled and often more efficient way to clean your car.
These facilities are typically designed to use less water per vehicle, thanks to high-pressure systems that make the process quicker and more water-efficient. Many commercial car washes also have systems in place to treat and recycle water, reducing the overall environmental impact.
While commercial car washes are more convenient and potentially less harmful to the environment, they can be more expensive over time compared to washing your car at home.
How to Wash My Own Car Efficiently
By following these best practices for at-home car washing, you can reduce your negative impact on our vulnerable water cycle and spend less time worrying about your water usage at home.
Choose the Right Location
When washing your car at home, the location you choose plays a significant role in minimizing environmental impact.
Avoid washing your car on hard surfaces like driveways or streets, where soapy water and contaminants can quickly enter storm drains and, subsequently, local waterways. Instead, opt for a grassy or gravel area. These surfaces allow water to be absorbed into the ground, filtering out some debris and preventing harmful runoff.
Wash with the Weather
Consider washing your car during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent the water from evaporating too quickly. Picking a shady spot out of the sun can also reduce the temperature. This allows you to use less water while achieving the same level of cleanliness.
Prepare Your Car for Washing
Before you begin the car wash at home, it’s essential to properly prepare your vehicle. Start by removing any loose dirt, gravel, or debris from the car’s surface without water. Pay special attention to the wheel wells with a wheel brush as dirt and road salt tend to accumulate there.
This initial step will prevent these particles from scratching the paint during the washing process as well as keep some of this debris from flowing into the drains.
Next, choose a cleaning solution that is both effective and environmentally friendly. Avoid harsh chemicals that can harm your car’s paint or the environment. Opt for biodegradable soaps specifically designed for washing cars. These products break down more easily in the environment, reducing the risk of water contamination.
Ditch the Hose
To reduce water usage and runoff, it’s best to wash your car using a bucket instead of a hose. Fill one bucket with soapy water and another with clean water for rinsing your cloth or sponge. This method conserves water and limits the amount of soapy water that ends up on the ground.
Start by washing the car’s surface from top to bottom, as the dirtiest areas are usually closer to the ground. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the soapy water, gently scrubbing to avoid damaging the paint. For areas like the windows, a separate cloth can help prevent streaks.
Use Soap Sparingly
When washing your car, be mindful of the amount of soap you use. Excessive use of soap can increase the risk of water pollution. Always aim to use just enough cleaning solutions to get the job done without creating excessive suds that can harm the environment.
If you notice that your car is particularly dirty, consider a two-step wash process: a quick rinse to remove loose dirt followed by a more thorough wash. This approach minimizes the amount of soapy water needed and reduces the risk of contaminants entering the water supply.
Rinse with a Bucket
Once your car has been thoroughly washed, it’s time to rinse. Again, using a bucket of clean water is more water-efficient than running a hose continuously. For a final rinse, you also can use a hose with a spray nozzle, which allows you to control the water flow and use less water.
Contact Indiana American Water
Washing your car at home isn’t a bad thing. If you practice safe, environmentally-friendly car washing steps for the interior and exterior of your vehicle, including tires, it can be a convenient cost-effective alternative to a commercial car wash.
Moreover, by following water-safe practices, you can contribute to water conservation efforts and help protect local water resources from pollution. Every small step counts when it comes to preserving our environment and washing your car at home in a responsible manner is one way to make a positive impact.
At Indiana American Water we know every drop counts, that is why we prioritize water conservation efforts and education across the state. Want to learn more about how you can get involved or our own efforts? Visit https://amwater.com/inaw/.