Washing your car daily is essential to keep it in excellent condition. The presence of car washing products accessible today makes it so much easier to keep your car clean.
So, you question yourself, “Can I wash my car with just water?” or do I need a particular car washing product to clean my car effectively?
After all, water alone can’t remove all the dirt and grime that builds up on your car’s surface, right?
So, without making it too drawn out, let’s take a quick look if you can wash your car with just water simply and effectively.
Can I Wash My Car With Just Water?
The quick answer is yes – You can wash your car with water, but doing so won’t eliminate dirt and dust from the car’s surface.
Washing a car only with water will not eliminate dust and debris, and using a scrub without cleanser will give rise to water marks and scratches.
However, if you want to wash your car with water, you must use distilled water. This type of water is often used in car washes because it won’t leave any spots on your car.
When Can I Wash My Car With Just Water?
Water can be pretty effective in removing dirt and grime as long as just a light layer of dust builds up on your car. But if your car is covered in mud or heavy debris, you’ll need more than just water to clean it.
A new car with a factory-applied clear coat is easy to wash with water. However, if a car has older paint, washing it with water could cause the paint to fade or even peel.
Many car owners may reside in towns where detergents and toxic substances are not permitted to run off into drainage systems. This indicates that you can’t clean your car with specific car washing products and are limited to utilizing just water.
What Are The Drawbacks of Washing Cars With Just Water?
As the world becomes more aware of the importance of water conservation, car owners are reducing water use to wash cars.
Washing cars with just water might seem the logical way to clean them, but some problems can arise from using this method.
There is no lubrication between the wash mitt and car paint when you wash the car with just water without a cleanser—no lubrication results in scratches and scars on cars.
Also, using no car cleanser causes a large amount of dirt and debris to stay on the car after washing the car just with water.
Water can be pretty harsh on car paint. Washing a car with water can strip away wax and polish, leaving the paint unprotected. This can lead to color fading and even rusting.
Lastly, washing your car with water wastes much of this precious resource. Just one wash can use up to 100 gallons of water! Considering the value of water in the current drought conditions in many parts of the world, we should try to avoid this.
What Are The Best Ways To Wash A Car?
Washing your car may seem simple, but there are a few different ways. So, what is the best way to wash a car?
Combine water with a high-end car cleanser or shampoo to wash a car. Choose one with good quality and watermark resistance. However, car wash cleanser substitutions like dishwashing soap or other cleaning detergents should be avoided because they harm the car’s surface.
The washing procedure comprises five easy steps:
- Remove the dirt: Using a hose, eliminate dust and dirt with water from the car’s surface.
- Cleaning with cleanser and water: Combine water and car wash cleanser in a tub. Wipe it softly on the car’s surface using a sponge or fabric.
- Wash with water: Fill the tap water in another tub. Then, using a sponge or fabric, wash the car’s surface.
- Rinse: Using a hose, gently rinse the car’s surface.
- Dry: Dry each car section by hand, using a super absorbent towel.
Hand washing is always a great option. But, If you don’t have much time, you can take your car to an automated car wash.
What Are The Alternatives Of Car Wash Soaps?
We all know the feeling of washing our car with car wash soap. The soapy water runs down the car’s windows, and we can see the dirt and grime being removed from our car.
Car wash soaps typically contain harsh chemicals that can damage your car and the environment.
But what are the alternatives to car wash soaps?
As I mentioned above, several people live in towns where using soaps and toxic substances is not allowed because they run off into drainage systems. So, here we will explore some of the alternatives:
1. Dish soap
Dish soap is a great option to clean your car. It is designed to break down grease and grime. Also, it is gentle on the car’s paint and won’t strip away wax. Always use non-abrasive dish soap.
2. Hand soap
Hand soap is probably the most common soap used for washing cars. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to find. It could be effective at removing dirt. However, rinse your car thoroughly after using hand soap to avoid any streaks or residue.
3. Waterless wash
Last but not least, a waterless wash is a great option. It is needed for light dust and dirt on the car’s surface.
All you need is a waterless wash solution and a microfiber cloth. Spray the solution onto your car and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. You’ll be amazed at how well the waterless wash solution cleans your car.
Please keep in mind that these alternatives are not recommended. Buying a proper car washing product is best to avoid damaging your car’s surface.
Each of these alternatives has its own set of pros and cons. So, research before deciding which one is right for your car.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, washing your car with water is possible but won’t be helpful.
Washing a car with water is helpful, but only to some point. Though it may eliminate dust, it will not remove grease or dirt.
For a deep clean, buying a specific car wash product is best. These products are designed to effectively break down grease and dirt while being gentle on the car’s surface.
By doing so, you will get the clean and tidy car you desire without taking the risk of your car’s paint and maintenance!
FAQ
How often should I wash my car with water?
Try to wash your car every two weeks if you do not have to drive through muddy areas or on dirt roads regularly.
Why is air drying not enough after washing the car?
Air drying your car after a quick and easy water wash may lead to watermarks in the car’s paint. This is because mineral deposits are present in tap water, even in small amounts, and eventually adhere to the car.
How long does it take to hand wash a car?
It depends on the size of your car and how dirty it is. Typically, it takes up to 2-3 hours to hand wash a car.