The declaration of drought and accompanying hosepipe ban means the traditional method of car cleaning gets thrown out the window. A hosepipe ban means no filling the paddling pool, switching on the sprinklers or washing the car (and yes, a pressure washer is part of the ban). After all, a clean car is nowhere near as important as watered crops, bathing, or kettle water.
However, the windows, external lights and number plates of a car all need to be kept visible or you could face a fine, while contaminants like bird poo can spell disaster for your car’s bodywork if not dealt with promptly.
We’ve wracked our brains to work out the best ways to keep your car clean that don’t involve using water. We’re not going for any dubious loopholes either, all of these washing methods will not need any water to be applied to the car. A small caveat to this is the use of microfibre towels, these are invaluable for car care but will eventually get mucky and need washing.
Protection is your best ally
A long-lasting coating of paint protection is the single best line of defence for keeping your car clean during a water shortage. Whether it be a robust wax, sealant, ceramic or fancy graphene option, a protected car will offer a tiny layer of protection against surface-level scratches. What this means is that the light dust that often settles on a car during the summer months should be able to be removed without the need for water and without leaving scratches on a car’s clear coat.
A car duster is the best way to remove this surface-level dust and keep your car looking clean. Made with longer handles and a longer pile than a normal duster to separate the particles from the paintwork, these tools are the perfect way to get a clean car during a drought.
Meguiar’s Versa-Angle Body Duster
Price: £35 | VIEW OFFER
Looking like an old-fashioned mop but far more advanced, the Body Duster from Meguiar’s is the best way to remove surface dust without needing to rinse your car.
The microfibre noodles are treated with paraffin to gently lift dust with static which in turn ensures no scratches will be left behind. The plastic handle can be removed too if required for dusting awkward locations. Meguiar’s also claim it never needs washing, just shaking to remove the collected dust.
Chemical Guys Dust Monster Merino Wool Auto Duster
Price: £35.50 | VIEW OFFER
A natural alternative from Chemical Guys, the Dust Monster uses super-soft merino wool from Australia to provide a static that lifts the dust safely away from the bodywork. Twisting the brush generates this static and pulls dust away from the paintwork safely.
Once dusted, you can give the car a quick spray with a quick detailer (we recommend Duel Autocare Oxide Hybrid Detailer) to ensure that the paintwork maintains a deep gloss to it before finishing up. The beauty of a quick detailer is that you spray it on and buff it with a microfibre towel, with no need for any water.
This method won’t be any good if your car isn’t already coated as you’ll need to thoroughly wash and decontaminate the paintwork before you protect the car, a method that’ll undoubtedly require a lot of water. Don’t fret though, if your car isn’t protected, or the car is reasonably dirty, there is still a way to get it clean without the use of water.
How to clean your car without using a hose
The easiest way to wash a car with a bucket is actually by using two: one full of soapy shampoo solution of your choice and the other full of plain water for rinsing.
When washing a car, consistency is key. For the best results, it’s crucial that the same diligence applied to the first panel is also applied to the last – that means using a clean sponge throughout.
By keeping a bucket of clean water to hand, you can keep rinsing your washing utensils to limit the risk of paint swirls. Without due care, you may find that particulates return to the surface of the paint via your washing sponge or mitt, so keep it clean to give your car’s paint the best chance.
Remember – work in small sections, apply a light touch and rinse your buckets before filling up again.
Waterless washing
Yes, it’s now entirely possible to wash a relatively mucky car with no water required whatsoever. Waterless cleaning products work by surrounding the contaminants and carefully lifting them away from the panel without causing any scratches.
These surrounded particles can then be pulled away from the panel with a microfibre towel leaving clean bodywork below. Most waterless washing products include a small amount of wax too, just enough for a little extra paint shine.
Greased Lightning Showroom Shine 1L Waterless Car Wash
Price: £13.49 | VIEW OFFER
We tested the Greased Lightning range and found it to be an excellent option for removing the vast majority of grime with relative ease. This starter’s kit even includes two microfibre clothes, perfect for someone just starting out in the world of waterless washing.
Shift Waterless Wash Starter Kit
Price: £24.49 | VIEW OFFER
Slightly more expensive than the Greased Lightning offering, Shift makes use of ceramic technology to ensure that a the protection offered once it’s wiped away is longer lasting. Shift claim up to six months of protection can be offered with a wash and that the spray is suitable for pretty much any exterior surface, including glass and wheels. This kit also contains two microfibres, one for buffing, one for cleaning and the other for buffing.
Contaminant removal
For a quick bird poo, insect or tree sap removal, something a little stronger and localised may be in order. Most insect removers require a pressure washer to remove the residue, which leaves you with two options. Wasteful insect wipes or a waterless insect remover like this one from Greased Lightning.
Greased Lightning Bug Buster
Price: £12.99 | VIEW OFFER
Spray it onto the affected area, wait a few minutes and simply wipe the residue away with a microfibre towel. Best of all, you can keep it in the car with a few spare microfibre towels for mobile cleaning.
Are car washes open during a hosepipe ban?
Hosepipe bans may temporarily forbid the use of hosepipes at home, but commercial car washes can remain open, giving motorists another option during the dry months. Commercial car washes, like the automated stations one might find at a garage, often recycle much of the water they use, offering a more sustainable approach to car washing.
How much could I get fined for breaking a hose pipe ban?
Not only will you get disgusted glances from the neighbours, anyone who breaks the hosepipe ban can face a fine of up to £1,000.
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