How to Wash Your Car Wisely
We recommend washing your car at a commercial car wash, but if you choose to wash your car at home, do what you can to avoid dumping water in storm drains.
We recommend washing your car at a commercial car wash, but if you choose to wash your car at home, do what you can to avoid dumping water in storm drains.
- Choose a site where the wash water can soak into grass, gravel, or be diverted to nearby landscaping. This will allow the wash water to filter through the vegetation and/or soil instead of flowing directly into a storm drain. Absorbent pads, which can be purchased at automotive shops, can also be placed in the curb or low-lying grassy areas to catch oils and other chemicals.
- Remove all trash and debris from the car washing area.
- Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners or engine degreasers.
- A soap-free wash is best for the environment. If you do use soaps, use cleaners or detergents labeled “non-toxic,” “chlorine-free”, “phosphate- free,” or “biodegradable.” The safest products for the environment are vegetable or citrus-based products. Using biodegradable soap does not lessen its immediate environmental impact - it simply means that the soap will degrade in time. A flush of “biodegradable” soap suds will still harm fish or invertebrates in your local stream.
- Use a bucket of soapy water to re-soap rags or sponges throughout the wash rather than adding soap directly to rags or sponges.
- Wring sponges and washrags into buckets, not the ground.
- Conserve water by using a spray nozzle with an automatic shut-off. 8. Always empty buckets into the sanitary sewer system (e.g. sinks or toilets), NOT down the storm drain.
