Whether you’re a dedicated environmentalist or simply looking to make more sustainable choices, understanding the importance and effectiveness of green car care products, including eco-friendly car shampoo, is becoming more and more important. 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 really very green. And while most shampoos aren’t ruinous to the planet, they may pose a threat to aquatic life.
At a time when environmental consciousness is high on most people’s radar, the choices we make can have an impact on our planet. From the food we eat to the products we use, sustainability should always be high on our list of priorities. The automotive industry is continually looking at ways to improve its green credentials not only in vehicle manufacturing but also in maintenance and car care. The development of eco-friendly car shampoos is helping to make car ownership a bit more planet-friendly.
If you are worried about the damage your car cleaning products might be doing, there are now multiple car shampoos available that are 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 many of them and found their cleaning abilities to be excellent, even if there is a slight price premium.
The best eco-friendly car shampoos at a glance:
Best eco-friendly car shampoo: Zirconite Nano Shampoo – Buy now from eBay
Best for waterless cleaning: Greased Lightning Bundle – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best vegan shampoo: HY Car Shampoo – Buy now from Amazon UK
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
FAQs
What is the most eco-friendly way to wash a car? The most eco-friendly way to wash a car is to use a waterless car wash product or a rinseless wash method. These products are designed to clean and protect your vehicle with minimal water usage. Alternatively, if water must be used, opt for eco-friendly car shampoos and wash the car on a permeable surface, such as gravel or grass, to prevent harmful runoff water from entering storm drains.
Is it better to wash your car at home or at a car wash for the environment? It is generally better for the environment to wash your car at a professional car wash. Many commercial car washes today recycle water and use less of it compared to washing at home. They are also equipped to properly dispose of wastewater, preventing pollutants from entering local water systems.
Why shouldn’t you use the garden hose to wash a car? Using a garden hose to wash a car is inefficient and wasteful. It can use up to 100 gallons of water, much of which runs off into drains, carrying soap, chemicals, and pollutants that can harm local waterways and wildlife. Additionally, garden hoses can lack the water pressure control and filtration systems that help reduce environmental impact.
Is waterless car wash eco-friendly? Yes. These products are designed to clean and polish a car’s surface without the need for water, reducing water consumption significantly. They typically contain biodegradable ingredients that minimize environmental impact while effectively cleaning the vehicle.
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.
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.
How we choose
All of these eco-friendly car shampoos have been hand-selected by our team of experts, who have spent hours investigating and researching them to make it easier for you to find the very best. We’d never recommend a product we don’t believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
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.
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