A Little Bit Greener Clean

by Maria F. Aldana — April 3, 2008

According to Road and Travel magazine, "Washing your car in the driveway can use up to ten times more water than taking your car to a professional wash." If you like the idea of spending a weekend afternoon suds'n your car but feel guilty about the environmental impact, consider these at-home car wash tips from Buzzle.com:

• Swap paper towels for re-usable micro fiber towels. Microfibers are super absorbent and can be re-used up to 50 times.
• Steer clear of products containing "petroleum-distillates, kerosene, silicone, or mineral spirits" These products are known carcinogens and have an adverse impact on the environment.
• If you do continue using the hose method, buy an automatic shut-off valve so that water is not continuing to flow as you wash.
• Look for soaps that are phosphate-free. Phosphates encourage algae bloom when they enter water and reduce oxygen levels for other aquatic species.
• Wash your car over the lawn instead of in the driveway. You'll water the grass and prevent the contaminated water from hitting open sewers.
• Consider switching to a waterless car wash this summer.