Some car cleaning products are nasty cocktails of chemicals that can pose legitimate health and environmental threats if you’re not careful. Powerful alloy wheel cleaners and silicone-based tyre dressings in particular aren’t very good for the planet. And while most shampoos aren’t ruinous to the planet, they may pose a threat to aquatic life.
RELATED: The best value car floor mats
If you are worried about how much damage your car cleaning products are doing to the planet there are now multiple car shampoos available to buy that designed to be kinder to the planet. These environmentally friendly car shampoos may lack harsh chemicals but that doesn’t mean they’re not effective. We’ve tested a great deal of them and found their cleaning abilities to be excellent, even if there is a slight price premium.
The best eco-friendly car shampoos
The best eco-friendly car shampoo
We’ve tested the shampoo and found it to be top-tier. Not only is it really good at removing dirt from paintwork, you only really need 30ml of shampoo to clean an entire car, meaning the manufacturer’s claim that a one-litre bottle can do 50 car washes rings true.
As well as being completely biodegradable, the shampoo is made in the UK which reduces the shipping carbon footprint making it our top eco-friendly pick.
Pros
- Cleans without removing protection
- Faster drying time
Cons
- Better results if car is kept wet while washing
The best waterless eco-friendly car shampoo
Pros
- Quick and convenient
- Comes in kit form
Cons
- Not so effective on muddy cars
The best vegan shampoo
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- No microplastics
Cons
- More solution has to be used for better results
The best concentrated eco-friendly car shampoo
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Lots of foam
Cons
- Needs repeated use to get very best results
The best car shampoo with eco-friendly packaging
Pros
- Don't need to use a lot
- Good basic shampoo
Cons
- Not biodegradable
Some tips to help you wash in an eco-friendly way
Washing your car in an eco-friendly manner is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Here are some tips to help you be more eco-friendly when washing your car:
Use a water-efficient method: Consider using a waterless car wash or a pressure washer with a nozzle that reduces water consumption. Traditional hose-and-bucket methods can waste a significant amount of water.
Choose biodegradable shampoo: Select car wash soaps that are biodegradable and free of harmful chemicals. Avoid products with phosphates, parabens, or petroleum-based ingredients.
Opt for eco-friendly cleaning materials: Instead of disposable sponges or towels, use wash mitts made from natural or recycled materials. Microfiber towels are a good choice, as they can be reused and are effective at capturing dirt.
Park on permeable surfaces: Wash your car on a permeable surface, like gravel or grass, to allow the water to absorb into the ground. Avoid washing your car on concrete or asphalt, as this can lead to runoff and water pollution.
Avoid automatic car washes: Many automatic car washes use a significant amount of water and may not be eco-friendly. Handwashing your car is a more controlled and environmentally responsible option.
Use natural cleaning alternatives: In some cases, you can use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda to remove stains or clean windows, which are less harmful to the environment.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
Sign up to the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us
