Are you on the fence about using waterless car washes? If you’re at all skeptical about the benefits of using waterless wash and wax products, perhaps you’ve fallen prey to some of the misconceptions that surround them. Below are some of the most common myths about waterless detailing products, debunked.
1. Waterless cleaners will scratch your car’s surface
As long as you use the right techniques, a waterless wash and wax product will not scratch your car. First of all, you need to use a 100{27e8b423779a20fcbf3b0e5b78622daa9462ccff634cf59ab338bb6c41129d17} cotton terry cloth to wipe the surface of your vehicle after you spray the formula onto it. Rub lightly and in a circular motion to remove dirt. Avoid rubbing vigorously, so you don’t scratch your car.
In addition, be sure to choose a waterless formula that contains lubricants so that it allows dirt particles to glide off the surface rather than get dragged across it. Furthermore, pre-rinse your vehicle if it’s caked in mud or sand because you won’t be able to clean a vehicle that dirty with a waterless cleaner alone. Also, make sure you use a microfiber towel to buff the wax haze that remains after you wipe the spray off with a terry cloth.
2. Waterless detailing products aren’t good for the environment
Naysayers argue that waterless wash and wax products aren’t good for the environment since they contain chemicals that are released into the air and that run off of your vehicle during rainstorms. Although there’s no denying that every car cleaning product has some environmental impact, the impact of using waterless car washes is minimal compared to that of the alternatives available.
Waterless wash will save you 20 to 50 gallons of water each time you wash your vehicle, and as long as you get a VOC compliant formula, you won’t have to worry about the spray emitting a harmful level of VOCs. Washing your car with detergent and water in your driveway is far more damaging to the planet since all of that soapy water, along with the residue from gasoline, oil, and exhaust fumes, will eventually drain into streams and wetland areas.
3. All waterless wash and wax products are the same
There are several differences between all of the waterless car washes on the market. Some of them come in aerosol cans, while others come in bottles and separate spray pumps. Furthermore, some brands are carnauba wax-based, while others are polish-based. You also have to consider whether the product can be applied to both painted surfaces and windows, or if it can only be applied to painted surfaces.
Other factors to keep in mind when you’re shopping around for a waterless wash and wax product include the product’s scent and eco-friendliness. Remember: not all waterless washes are VOC compliant. Moreover, some waterless washes smell like polish, while others have a pleasant fragrance. Obviously, you’ll want to choose a formula with the latter.
4. Waterless car washes will damage your car’s paint
It’s a common misconception that waterless detailing products will react with your car’s paint and damage it. The truth is that waterless cleaners actually protect your vehicle’s paint by sealing it with a resistant coating. If you’re still worried about paint damage, use a waterless product that’s made with carnauba wax, a plant by-product that is guaranteed not to react with paint.
5. Using waterless cleaners is more expensive than washing your car with water and soap
Some people think that it’s cheaper to wash their cars with water and dish soap and wax it with traditional car wax, but this is far from the truth. You can save 20 to 50 gallons of water per wash if you use a waterless wash and wax, so your water bill is sure to go down. You’ll also save tons of money on car care products since you won’t have to invest in a bucketful of polishes, waxes, and sponges to keep your car looking immaculate. Besides, you shouldn’t use dish soap to wash your car because it can damage your vehicle.
6. You can only use waterless detailing products for pre-treatment and in-between detailing
Waterless car wash isn’t just for pre-treatment and in-between detailing. It is meant to replace traditional car washing altogether. While it’s true that you shouldn’t use waterless wash on a vehicle that’s caked with mud or sand, you can still use it on moderate dirt, bugs, tar, sap, and scuff marks. If your car is dirtier than usual, simply let the formula soak for a few minutes before wiping it off with a terry cloth.
7. Quick detailers and waterless car washes are the same thing
Quick detailers maintain your car’s paint when it’s just lightly dusty and you don’t have time to wash and wax your car. Quick detailers are not the same as waterless wash and wax products, however, because they don’t have as much cleaning power. Quick detailers are only meant to add shine to your car’s paint; they are not meant to clean it.
