By Nick Caceres
Washing your car in the driveway is a staple suburban activity and is one of the best ways to spend time outside when it’s unbearably hot. However, you may not realize just how terrible this activity can be for the environment. Unlike other wastewater, including commercial car washers that directly go into the septic for treatment, the wastewater spilling off your driveway mixed with car washing detergent goes straight into the sewer. Instead of being treated, sewer water trickles off into a variety of aquatic habitats, affecting essential wildlife. Luckily, if you still want to approach car washing the do-it-yourself way, here is a 3-step guide to ensure that your fun isn’t negatively affecting your local ecosystem.
Step 1: Harvest rainwater
Though tap water is easy to access, oftentimes it contains treatment chemicals and can be transported through non-eco-friendly means. However, there is a natural source that is readily available depending on the weather, rainwater. Though it may be more difficult to collect in certain regions or times of the year, simply leaving a large container of some kind outside can yield a decent amount. One of the benefits of using rainwater is that it’s much softer than other forms of H2O and leaves fewer visible streaks. Even though rainwater will end up in the sewer after washing your car, it won’t negatively affect the wildlife.
Step 2: Get a microfiber washcloth
While they might appear like any other washcloth, this incredible innovation in cleaning has been gaining popularity in recent years. Microfibers are 200 times thinner than human hair and can extract dirt, grease, oils, germs, and even spores from surfaces, even more effectively than standard cotton washcloths due to them being positively charged. Microfiber washcloths don’t need any other substance besides water to clean surfaces and can reach very small places where dirt can accumulate. Overall, these reusable washcloths are great for cleaning your car’s interior and are becoming more available and affordable.
Step 3: Use kitchen cleaners
It turns out the kitchen can be a useful source when finding alternatives to car washing detergents. One of the best substances that can be used for cleaning a car is baking soda, which can be mixed with a gallon of water and can remove any unsavory odors. Another great eco-friendly alternative is vinegar which can be poured into a spray bottle and used as an effective window cleaner. Lemon juice is also an amazing alternative since its acidic chemistry is great for removing any stubborn stains or grime. Finally, peanut butter–of all things– can be a great remover of some of the more stubborn dirt such as tree sap and tar. Just simply place it on the desired area and wait 10 minutes! These substances are all effective tools to get the job done, while being safe for the environment.
Enjoy the last warm days of the year and give your car a wash that leaves all things squeaky clean.
All images courtesy of Wix
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