It’s difficult to underestimate the importance of water when it comes to car cleaning. But what if there’s a hosepipe ban, or you simply don’t have access to a tap and running water? It’s here where the best waterless car wash makes so much sense.
As the name suggests, these products require either a reduced amount of water or no water at all in order to clean a car. Often sold as sprays or wipes, these are simple to apply and really easy to wipe off. Several will even claim to offer a layer of protection on the paintwork.
While a deep clean of your car is still handled best with running water and car shampoo, a waterless car wash is still a viable option for lighter cleaning duties. It’s also worth mentioning the time and water-saving benefits of waterless washes, it’s much quicker to use one of these sprays than to get busy with a wash mitt. So join us in finding the best waterless washes for fuss-free car care.
The best waterless car wash at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Greased Lightning Showroom Shine Waterless Wash & Wax – Buy now from Amazon
Best ceramic waterless wash: Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic 3-in-1 Detailer – Buy now from TurtleWax
Best for shine: SOFT99 Strong Type Fukupika Spray – Buy now from Amazon
The best waterless car wash in detail
Editor`s pick
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Leaves a nice shine
Cons
- Not so good on really dirty cars
Best ceramic waterless car wash
Pros
- Offers impressive ceramic protection
- Good selection uses
Cons
- You'll need some microfibre towels
Best waterless car wash for versatility
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Incredible versatility
Cons
- You'll need something to dilute Auto-QD into
Best waterless car wash for shine
Pros
- Affordable with good cleaning performance
- Leaves a nice shine
Cons
- Small bottle size
Best waterless car wash for wheels
Pros
- Easily clean the dirtiest part of the car
- Two-in-one product
Cons
- Only suitable for wheels
Best waterless car wash for value
Pros
- Affordable with good cleaning performance
- Leaves a glossy layer of protection
Cons
- You'll need to store that big bottle of cleaner
Best waterless car wash on a budget
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Smells good too
Cons
- Cheap trigger
Waterless car wash FAQs
How does a waterless wash work?
Waterless car wash makes use of stronger cleaning agents than car shampoos because the entire cleaning process is condensed into one step, and there’s no pressurised water to remove dirt. They’ll make use of detergents to break down dirt and make it easier to be wiped away.
Dirt encapsulation is integral to how a waterless car wash works. Iit’ll surround bits of debris, so when it comes time to lift it from the car, it won’t be dragged across the car, leaving scratches. Lubrication is core to this process, which is why most waterless washes will make use of lubricating polymers and additives to keep everything slick.
Is it more environmentally friendly than using water?
This depends on how many microfibre towels you use in the washing process. While it’s true you’ll use way less water than a traditional car wash, you’ll go through a load of towels as you wipe away residue. These towels will need washing, and you’ll more than likely use a washing machine for this task. So, no matter what, you’ll be using some water to clean your car.
How well does it work?
Many such products are sold as a wash and wax double act. The best of these are able to attend to light and medium levels of dirt while adding some subsequent shine and protection. But do remember, if you want the best levels of shine and protection, it remains advisable to stick proper polish followed by a wax, sealant or ceramic coating.
But bear in mind the time savings that you can gain from waterless car wash. A full wash can be done in 20 minutes, and a quick touch-up can be done in less than 10, indoors too if need be.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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