Sustainability is the name of the game now, and the transport sector is at the heart of this tectonic shift. But it's not all about switching from fossil fuels to electric power, although it mostly is. Car cleaning is something that so many of us undertake, whether out of genuine enjoyment or simple necessity. To make it even easier, CAR has rounded up the best car cleaning products. And with all the water, chemical, and microfibre use, the whole exercise isn't terribly eco.
That being said, there are some small changes one can make to shrink their car cleaning footprint, which largely comes in the form of biodegradable and waterless car cleaning products.
Why use biodegradable car cleaning products?
Most car cleaning liquids are manufactured chemicals, which can have an undesirable effect on aquatic life when this toxic wastewater from a car wash runs off into storm drains. Biodegradable car cleaning products don't linger in the environment and break down.
The other plus side of biodegradable car cleaning products is that because they are usually derived from natural ingredients, they aren't as harsh on your car's paintwork while still cleaning it effectively. This can help protective layers such as car wax last longer.
Why use waterless car cleaning products?
While the products themselves will likely use synthetic ingredients, waterless car cleaning products eliminate the need for buckets and a hose. We've tested some, and while they are more expensive than the conventional products, they are very effective and great for those who want a time-saving means of car cleaning.
To help quantify your selflessness, Greased Lightning, manufacturer of our top-rated waterless car wash, says you can save up to 2000 litres of water over the course of 10 car washes.
Read CAR's tests on NoH2O and Greased Lightning waterless car cleaning products.
The best eco-friendly car cleaning products
Best biodegradable car shampoo
This concentrated car shampoo from Diamondbrite is derived from coconut oil. The consequence is that it's soft on surfaces and can be used on paintwork, glass, chrome, rubber and plastic without issue. Yet, there is no compromise on effectiveness.
Because it's a concentrate that requires one capful (25ml) per wash, this modest one-litre bottle will last a long time.
Pros
- Derived from coconut oil
- Concentrated
- Soft on surfaces
Cons
- Not many at this price point
Best vegan upholstery cleaner
BiOHY's upholstery cleaner is a concentrated organic solution that is remarkably effective. It comes from Germany, so maybe that's the secret. Whatever the case, you can use this stuff to properly freshen up your car's mucky interior or any upholstery in your house that needs it.
Dilute the solution at a ratio of 1:10 with cold water and use an upholstery brush or sponge.
Pros
- Organic solution
- Very effective
- Works with cold water
Cons
- Has travelled from Germany to the UK, so it will have air miles on its carbon footprint
Best waterless wheel cleaner
Rrp: $11.99
A recognisable name. Many of the mainstream car care brands are getting into waterless washing,
but this is the only standout product from them that's worth recommending at this point. This stuff from Meguiar's is very simple to apply – spray onto each wheel and tyre, then wipe clean with a cloth. Downsides? It's not great value for money (the Achilles heel of many waterless products), and it's only any good as a light cleaner. For very mucky wheels, you're best sticking with something like Bilt Hamber's Alloy Wheel Cleaner.
Pros
- Simple to apply
- Works really well
Cons
- Not great value for the money
Best waterless car wash
Our Greased Lightning line-up test proved its Showroom Shine is a very good waterless wash indeed. The large one-litre volume lasts longer (up to 10 washes according to Greased Lightning), and it's relatively good value too.
We found the trigger isn't terribly ergonomic, but other than that, there are few downsides to this product. It even comes with two microfibres to use.
Pros
- Large volume
- Works well
Cons
- 1-litre for 10 washes is OK
Best biodegradable screenwash
Easily overlooked, but such a frequently used car cleaning product. The Totally Essential screenwash is great stuff, consisting of readily biodegradable alcohols and essential oils. It works as well as any screenwash and goes a long way (500ml of concentrate can make up to 20 litres of screenwash).
The bottle is even made from recycled plastic. If you want much better value for money, you can opt for the five-litre container. It has a nice, subtle fragrance too.
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Super concentrated
- Nice smell
Cons
- Not many on this one
Best eco car cleaning sponge
Natural sponges are soft, very absorbent and hardier than synthetic versions. These Greenet sponges are made from cellulose (the main substance in plant cells) and are a great alternative to wash your car with.
Each sponge is 19 x 10 x 5cm and will hold its shape. They are completely biodegradable and a great option for any cleaning task.
Pros
- Natural
- Made from plant substances
- Biodegradable
Cons
- Not many
Best recycled bucket
All you need from a bucket for car cleaning is for it to be sturdy. Well, this Spontex bucket does that swimmingly and all the while being made from recycled plastic.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Made from recycled plastic
Cons
- Nothing much