Intro

While living in an apartment, washing your car can be especially difficult if there is no water access. If you’re a go-getter, like many others, you’ve decided against hiring a detailing service or going through a car wash, but your apartment doesn’t have easy water access. So, what now?

If you want the safest and easiest solution, you should use a waterless wash. You can now conveniently wash your vehicle with only a bucket of water and some waterless car wash solution. Originally developed specifically for use in places with tight water usage restrictions, waterless washes are now widely used for their unique ability to safely wash a vehicle without running water. 

Is it Safe?

A waterless wash, or rinseless wash, is just as effective and safe when compared to a traditional car wash using the two bucket method and running water. Some people may worry about scratches and swirl marks being left behind on the paint, but manufacturers have found a solution to this common problem. All waterless washes have added lubricating agents for two reasons. First, the agents will encapsulate and trap dirt and dust particles lifting them away from your paint and adding a barrier between your perfect paint and a potential scratch from dirt. Second, it helps break down existing dirt into smaller more manageable particles that are easily trapped in your wash mitt. If you use a waterless wash product correctly, it will not damage your car’s paint. 

How Does It Work?

Using a waterless wash is much like using traditional car soap with a few caveats. The only difference is that you do no pre-rise your vehicle or rinse the vehicle after cleaning a panel. First, add a few gallons of water to a clean bucket then add your rinesless solution. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s specific dilution ration - it’s usually 1oz per gallon. Next, use a high-quality wash mitt and begin washing your car as usual. If you’re unsure of proper car wash techniques, make sure to read our ultimate guide to car washing. Optionally, you can fill a spray bottle with rinesless solution and water to pre-wet your vehicle to reduce potential scratches even more.

Gently glide your wash mitt over the vehicle’s surface without adding any pressure. Make sure to frequently wash out your wash mitt in a separate bucket filled with water before dipping back into the waterless wash bucket. Also, flip your wash mitt after every pass across the car. 

After the surface is clean, you can dry the panel directly after, what I do, or move on to the next panel and dry it all at once at the end. Once you’re done with the paint, the wheels can be cleaned in a similar way, but do not use the same wash mitt on the paint as you use on the wheels. I highly recommend having a spray bottle of rinseless solution and a spray bottle of regular water to aid you while detailing your wheels. 

The 3 Best Waterless Wash Products

• Optimum - ONR

• TriNova Waterless Car Wash

• Chemical Guys Eco-Smart Waterless Wash

The Pros And Cons

Pro - Anywhere! An obvious benefit is being able to wash your car anywhere you want without being tied to a water source. 

Con - Takes Longer: Have you ever wondered why traditional car washes use so much soap and water? It’s because it breaks up and washes away dirt effectively reducing the amount of time it takes to get a clean finish.  

Pro- Environmentally Friendly. You get to help save the environment with eco-friendly products and reduced water usage - what’s not to like. 

Con - Not Too Much Dirt. Waterless washes are ideal for cars with light amounts of dirt and grime. The more dirt and grime build up on your car, the less effective a waterless wash will be.

Alternatives To Waterless Washing

Consider Mobile Detailing - Obviously I would recommend having a professional mobile detailer do the work for you for many reasons. Not only is it safer to have a professional detail your car, but you also don’t have to worry about purchasing the right products and tools for a job you may not want to do in the first place. You also get the added benefit of spending your time doing something else more enjoyable. 

Bucket wash at a Car Wash - This is my least favorite method, but it can work well in certain situations. Bucket washing at a self-serve car wash gives you access to running water and a spacious place to wash your vehicle. However, some car washes will not allow you to use your own products, and if it’s a busy day, you will hold up the cars behind you. But do not, under any circumstances, use the brush that is offered in these places. It will scratch your car and leave unsightly marks on the paint.

Summary

Washing your car while living in an apartment may be more difficult, but it’s not impossible. With new and innovative products, waterless washing at your apartment or condo has never been easier. Just remember, always make sure to use enough wash solution, use a clean wash mitt, and don’t be afraid to do multiple passes on the same area to make sure it’s clean and dirt free. If you’re not big on washing your car yourself, you can always call a mobile detailing service like us, Drive by Detail. If you would like more information, feel free to contact us.