How to Wash Your Car Without Water

Waterless car-washing sprays contain compounds that break dirt and grime free from a car’s paint surface. They combine with lubricants that glide trapped dirt off the car.

A Word of Warning

Waterless car washes do not work for all dirty-car conditions. If your vehicle goes through mud or has layers of dirt stuck to the paint, then a waterless car wash will not clean it. On the other hand, a waterless car wash is a go-to tool for vehicles with a minor layer of grime that needs wiping away. It works best on cars with wax or a sealant previously applied. That wax layer limits how much dirt adheres to the car’s paint.

The Process

1. Always work in the shade on a cool paint surface.
2. Work in small, two-foot by two-foot sections at a time.
3. Work from the top of the car to the bottom.
4. Spray the solution on the car’s paint and let it settle for 15 to 30 seconds, giving the chemicals time to pry the dirt from the vehicle.
5. Use a clean microfiber towel and lightly dampen it with the same solution.
6. Fold the towel into sections, apply the towel’s leading edge to the paint, and slowly drag the towel over the car’s surface.
7. Lift the towel, and you’ll see a line of dirt that has been removed.
8. For the next section of the car, keep the dirty portion of the towel up and away from the vehicle.
9. Drag again with the edge of the towel two inches below the previous section. That way, the dirt removed from the first pass doesn’t rub against the next paint section. It is critical to drag the cloth only once across the paint.
10. Finally, use a fresh microfiber to lightly wipe over the clean surface to remove any residue.

Always use the fresh edge of a clean microfiber towel to remove each section of the treated car surface. Do not rub back and forth or in a circular motion.

Most cars are dirtiest at the bottom of the vehicle. That’s why it’s best to work top to bottom. Continuously use a fresh portion of the microfiber cloth.

Following the above steps will not damage the car’s paint or create new scratches. For the typical dirty vehicle, expect to use two to three microfibers. You can carefully clean an entire car in less than 15 minutes.

Save Time and Water

Nothing takes the place of a two-bucket car wash. But sometimes you don’t have the time or proper space for the ultimate in car care. In those instances, a waterless car wash can be a great option.

You might be tempted to use a quick detailer spray instead of a waterless car wash. Please don’t risk it. Quick detail spray is excellent for a car that is already clean, but it often lacks the ingredients to remove grime safely.

Most car care manufacturers offer waterless car washes. Mothers offers its California Gold Waterless Wash and Wax, which includes a wax compound for additional protection. Meguiars and Chemical Guys offer several varieties of waterless car washes, some with wax protection as well.

In a pinch, when you lack time or water, a waterless car wash can still make your ride sparkle.