How to Clean a Car Without Using Any Water

Download Article

The best products and techniques for waterless cleaning

Download Article

Finding the Best Product

|

Cleaning the Car

|

Expert Interview

|

Q&A

|

Tips

|

Warnings

|

Things You'll Need

If you want to avoid using water or live in an area with water restrictions, a waterless car wash might be a good alternative to soap and water. Waterless car wash products use a chemical formula instead of water to lift debris from a car’s surface. There are a number of waterless products with different additives such as wax, so you’ll want to find the right product for your car. In this article, we'll explain how to choose the best product for your vehicle and walk you through the cleaning process. Read on to learn more!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Finding the Best Product

Download Article

If your car is caked in mud, a waterless car wash will not help and might even scratch the paint of your car. Only use a waterless product if you have minimal dirt or dust. Otherwise, rinse your car with water to remove dry dirt, then use the waterless product.
Many waterless products have wax in them, which will give your car an extra layer of protection while you wash it. If you normally wax your car after you wash it, this could be a time-saver.
Advertisement
UV rays can damage your paint by causing fading and oxidation. While wax will help protect your car’s paint from UV rays, some formulas have an extra degree of protection.
There are also very successful organic, natural waterless products that you can use in your home or inside the car as well as on windows. These may be less damaging to your paint; you can find them at car shops or many home improvement stores.
These products can be found at most auto stores, Walmart, or online. If you’re having trouble finding a waterless car wash in stores, some examples of products are Dri Wash'n Guard, Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere, and Triplewax Waterless Wash & Shine.
6
Get plenty of micro-fiber cloths. Micro-fibers are tiny fibers that collect dirt. Use a minimum weight of 300gsm (grams per square meter). Make sure it is clean. Lower quality or dirty towels can scratch your car or leave undesirable swirl patterns. ^{[1]XResearch source}
- You can also find a chamois cloth instead of a micro-fiber. Any product that absorbs liquid without scratching is ideal.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning the Car

Download Article

Some formulas require diluting with water, while others are ready-to-use. Read the instructions on the bottle to see which one you have.
If you bought a large bottle of waterless car wash, you will need to transfer some into a spray bottle. Otherwise, most products already come in a spray bottle.
3
Divide the car into multiple parts so you can work on one at a time. Divide the car into distinct sections to make it more manageable and to make sure you don’t miss any spots. Here’s one way to divide the car, but you can do it any way you’d like:
- The side glass
- The roof
- The hood and trunk
- The upper half of the side doors
- The lower half of the side doors
- The front bumper
- The rear bumper
- The wheels
4
Start at the top and spray one section at a time. Use as much waterless car wash fluid as you need to cover the section. If there is some dirt on the paint, you can put a little bit of water to help loosen it up so that you don’t overuse the fluid.
- For the tires, you may need to use additional fluid. Be sure to save the tires for last, as they will be the dirtiest.
5
Fold your micro-fiber cloth and wipe in one direction to remove dirt. Every time you start wiping, use a new, clean side of the cloth, to avoid reintroducing dirt.^{[2]XResearch source} Avoid wiping back and forth or in a circle since this will spread dirt. Always wipe consistently in one direction.
- Remember not to scrub, as you would with soap and water. The fluid should dislodge any dirt on the car on its own. All you have to do is pick up the fluid and dirt with a cloth.
Continue this process until the whole car is clean, working top to bottom, clean to dirty.
If you have a wax-based product it may require a second or third “buff” step. Read the directions on the bottle to see if this is necessary.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Where can I buy products to wash a car not using water?
Uglymug18
Community Answer
There are plenty of spray cleaners out there that not only clean, but wax also. These can be purchased at any local automotive store or Walmart.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3