5 tips for an eco friendly car wash

One way to get your car cleaned in an environmentally responsible way is to visit an Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) approved commercial car wash. The accreditation, which is indicated by a five-star Water Saving Rating, recognises car wash operators for their environmentally responsible business practices.

Checking and finding the establishment's federal water efficiency rating and the Smart Approved Water Mark indicates that the car wash uses best practice in water management.

Commercial car washes in Australia can be preferable to washing your car at home because they are required to comply with regulations set out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), such as having approved 'trade waste' collection pits for all the runoff that accumulates as a result of the wash[ii].

At a commercial car wash, this wastewater is redirected into the sewers and treated, before it’s allowed to enter our waterways. Car washes also reduce water wastage through efficient water management. Additionally, you don't have to do any of the actual work!

2. Waxing and polishing regularly

Waxing and polishing might seem like a lot of extra work but both processes can help your car look much better and stay looking good for longer[iii]! Protection from rust, a great surface shine and an easier go of it when you wash your car again are just a few advantages. With new, more eco-friendly products available, you can even clean and wax all at once!

3. Use a bucket or a hose with an adjustable nozzle

Choose a bucket over a hose to improve your water efficiency. Fill a bucket with water so that you can monitor how much water you're using instead of continually spraying your car with a hose. Keep another empty bucket by your side to wring out your sponge and prevent the runoff from flowing into the storm water drain. After you're done, empty the bucket into your laundry sink so that the waste water can go through the sewerage system[iv].

An adjustable hose nozzle that can control the water's flow or even better, one that is operated by a squeezable trigger are preferable to those that only turn off at the tap. The nozzle will help control the water flow while washing and a trigger-based mechanism will ensure that the hose stops spraying when the trigger is released.

4. Park your car on the lawn (or gravel)

If you want to wash your car at home, parking your car on a permeable surface, like grass or gravel is better than parking it on the concrete. If you use biodegradable cleaning chemicals, you can also water your grass while you wash your car[v].

5. Use environmentally friendly car cleaning products

Another consideration when cleaning your car at home is the product that you're using. Choosing cleaning products with biodegradable ingredients or ones that are phosphate-free[vi] makes washing your car a little less harmful to the environment.

To find out more about Comprehensive Car Insurance, visit www.newcastlepermanent.com.au/insurance.