According to "Save Water Save Money", the average amount of water used for car wash is between 100 and 300 liters. Water is becoming increasingly scarce, and climate change is exacerbating the problem.  In Kingston and other larger cities where water tankers are essential, data suggests that unless the water is carefully managed.

Here are a few pointers to help you save water when washing your two or four-wheeler:

  • Before spraying water on the vehicle, dust it off. Sometimes a simple dusting is all that is required to make your car look clean. Cover your car to reduce the amount of dust that falls on it.

  • Use a bucket instead of a hose to provide continuous water flow. If you're going to use a hose, make sure it has a spray handle that automatically shuts off the nozzle when you leave it. When used correctly, pressurized flow is more efficient.

  • Water recycling systems are common in drive-in car cleaning and other professional car washes, which significantly reduces the amount of water used. They also use a pressurized water supply.

  • In water-stressed areas, steam cleaning and 'dry wash' or 'waterless' cleaning techniques are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the top cars and a few other automakers have implemented greener car washing technology in their service centers. They use a foam that is sprayed onto the car and then wiped away with a microfiber cloth to leave a shiny surface. Some of the companies in Kingston prove the reduction in water use when compared to traditional car washes.

Conclusion

When washing your car at home, try to do so in a garden where the run-off water can be absorbed and used. Use only biodegradable cleaning shampoos. The Kingston water supply and sewerage board recommend that people wash their cars with treated wastewater rather than fresh water.