How to clean your car with little or no water

With drought increasingly affecting large areas of the country, conserving water is more important than ever. This includes saving water when doing everyday tasks like washing your car. Whether you want to use less water or no water at all, you can save on water consumption while keeping your car looking clean.

Method 1 of 2: without water

Necessary materials

• Bottle of waterless car wash cleaner
• Microfiber towels

One great way to wash your car without using water is to use a waterless car wash cleaner. This keeps the exterior of the car clean and saves water.

Step 1: Spray the car body. Using a waterless car wash cleaner, spray the car body one section at a time.

Be sure to start on the roof of the car and work your way down.

• Functions: Another option is to spray some cleaning solution directly onto the microfiber towel when trying to get to hard to reach areas. This can work great along the bottom edge of the car and grille.

Step 2: Wipe down each section. Wipe down each section with a microfiber towel after spraying the cleaner.

The edges of the microfiber towel should lift dirt off the car body. Be sure to switch to a clean part of the towel as the part you are currently using will get dirty so as not to scratch the paint on your car.

Step 3: Remove any remaining debris. Finally, wipe the car with a microfiber towel to remove any remaining dirt or moisture.

Remember to fold the towel with the clean part as it gets dirty so that the dirt on it does not scratch.

Method 2 of 2: Use less water

Necessary materials

• Car wash sponge (or mitt)
• detergent
• big bucket
• Microfiber towels
• small bucket
• Soft bristle brush
• Watering can

While one of the best ways to wash your car is to use plenty of water to make sure your car is clean, another option is to simply use less water. With this method, you avoid spraying water on the car from a hose and instead use a bucket of water to wash the car.

• FunctionsA: If you decide to use a car wash, look for stations that recycle water, or look for a type of car wash that uses less water. For the most part, conveyor-type car washes use more water than self-service car washes, where you wash your car yourself.

Step 1: Fill a large bucket. Start by filling a large bucket with clean water.

Fill the small bucket with water from the large bucket.

Step 2: Soak the sponge. Soak the sponge in a smaller bucket.

Do not add detergent to the water at this stage of the process.

Step 3: Wipe the car. Once completely wet, use a sponge to wipe the surface of the car, starting from the roof and working your way down.

This helps to remove any dust and also wets the more difficult debris, loosening its grip on the vehicle surface and making it easier to remove later.

Step 4: Wash your car. Using the remaining water in the large bucket, take a smaller bucket and use it to flush the car.

Step 5: Fill a large bucket with water..

• Functions: Move quickly while washing the car in this way. By driving fast, you don't let the water on the surface of the car dry out completely, which means you need to use less water during the washing process.

Step 6: Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of detergent to a small bucket.. This should provide enough soap to wash the car without getting too soapy.

Step 7: Fill the smaller bucket. Add water to the smaller bucket from the larger bucket of water.

Step 8: Wash the surface of the car. Using a sponge and soapy water from a smaller bucket, start at the roof and scrub the car's surface as you work your way down.

The point at this stage is to apply the detergent to the body of the car so that it can work even harder on the dirt.

Step 9: Clean any hard to reach areas. Starting at the top, work your way down the outside of the car, clearing the harder to reach areas as you go.

If necessary, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen stubborn dirt and stains. Using the remaining water in the large bucket, keep adding it to the smaller bucket when you really start working on the surface of the car.

Step 10: Rinse the Sponge. When you're done washing your car, rinse the sponge and set it aside.

Step 11: Wash your car. Pour the rest of the water into the watering can and wash off the soap and dirt from the surface of the car.

Step 12: Erase Remaining Stains. Remove any soap residue with a sponge and finish washing the car from top to bottom.

You can also pour water from the larger bucket into the smaller bucket, rinse the sponge in the smaller bucket, and use that water to clean and wash the wheel hubs.

Step 13: Dry the car. Wipe the surface of the car with a microfiber cloth.

Wax optional.

Keeping the outside of your car clean can help preserve paint and prevent oxidation buildup that can lead to rust on older models. If you're not sure you can wash your car yourself, consider taking it to a professional car wash, making sure it doesn't harm the environment. If you have any questions about the process or recommended car wash frequency, ask your mechanic for quick and helpful advice.