If you own a car, you know that keeping it clean is important to preserve the condition of the paint, prevent metal parts from corroding and maintain visual appeal. Many car owners wash their vehicles at home to save the cost of going through a drive-thru car wash, but they could be wasting water and unintentionally causing harm to the environment. In most cases, washing your vehicle uses a lot of water and sends chemicals into the ground and sewer systems—and you probably don’t even realize it.
However, there are ways to save water, protect the environment and protect the sewers while washing your car. Below are some tips to help you practice and stick to green car washing at home in Bethel, OH:
- Wash your car on the lawn: If you’re still washing your car on the driveway, stop. Washing your car on the pavement allows the water to run into the storm drain. This is a waste of water. Instead, pull up onto the lawn to wash your car and water the grass at the same time. Washing when parked on gravel is another way to send the water back into the ground instead of wasting it.
- Avoid harsh soaps: Can you wash your car at home without chemicals? Whether you are washing your car on the driveway or on the lawn, opt for a biodegradable soap over those that contain harsh chemicals. Most car cleaning soaps are toxic to the environment, but not biodegradable soaps. These options do a great job without poisoning plants or harming wildlife.
- Use a nozzle on the hose: Don’t leave the water running freely when you wash your car. Just like you use a nozzle on the end of your garden hose to water plants, you should also use it when washing your vehicles at home. Having manual control over the amount of water you’re using is an easy way to conserve water and prevent waste. Additionally, a good nozzle makes this chore easier because you can adjust the settings—use a hard spray to get rid of tough dirt and a fan spray to soak and rinse in a quicker amount of time.
- Don’t use water: Sometimes, all your vehicle needs is to be dusted off. There are giant dusters made specifically for this purpose, which is perfect for weekly spot cleanings. If your car is not too dirty—as long as it’s not coated in mud—try a car soap that only requires a towel. Both methods save water.
- Park in a garage: Although this is not a tip for how to wash your car, it’s a good suggestion to help car owners save water. Protecting the exterior surfaces of your car from dirt, dust, bird droppings and other debris will extend the time between washings. The cleaner your car, the less frequent washing it will need throughout the year.
For more information about saving water and wastewater services in Bethel, OH, call Gullett Sanitation Services Inc. Schedule a wastewater service consultation by calling us today!