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Save Time & Money With The Best Waterless Car Washes

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Whether you are running late or simply not in the mood to spend money at the local car wash, a waterless car wash should be your go-to. These high lubricity sprays heavily saturate your car’s surface, after which you can simply wipe any dust and grime off it with ease. Since you don’t require any water or extra space to use this product, waterless car washers are highly sought after, and it’s no wonder that so many brands have decided to craft their own solutions. In this article, we’ll help you differentiate between the run-of-the-mill sprays and the quality waterless car washes of 2023. We’ll also be supplementing this guide with our team’s review of our favorite waterless car washes on the online marketplace. 

So without further ado, let’s dive right in!

Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Waterless Car Wash

This comprehensive buyer's guide section will give you a crash course in the world of waterless car washes and teach you exactly how to buy one for your car.

The Benefits of Waterless Car Washes

Saves time & money

The cost of water is at an all-time high, so it makes no sense to get the hose out for every minor stain on your car. A waterless car wash should be more than adequate to keep your vehicle clean in between the visits to the car wash. Also, let's not forget how much quicker the combo of a spray and scrub is compared to the soap and sponge car cleaning routine. Over time, this will help save money on cleaning costs and your water bill.

No space? No problem

This traditional car washing routine will also demand a large space and proper drainage systems. You probably won't be able to fulfill this requirement if you're living in an apartment. A waterless wash, on the other hand, doesn't require any of these things.

Saves the environment

A waterless car cleaning solution is also safer for the environment because it doesn't result in any wastage of water. Also, since high-quality offerings like the ones on our list are free of any harmful chemicals, you won't have to worry about endangering any animals or marine life. 

Key Considerations to Make

Quantity

First thing's first, you must decide on the quantity you need. The amount is measured in fluid ounces in the case of waterless wash products, and the recommended way forward is to go for something small if it's your first time trying these sprays.  If you're satisfied with the results, consider sizing up the next time. You should also take some time out and go through some customer reviews to get a better idea of how quickly you can expect the spray to run out. 

Scent

Next, you must also think about the scent. Waterless washes for vehicles come in scented and unscented variants. The latter option would be more suitable for people with sensitive nostrils.  If you decide to go for a scented option, we recommend keeping an eye out for ones with mild notes. This will ensure you don't get overwhelmed by a strong smell each time you enter your car. You can get a good idea of what a waterless car wash smells like by looking at some customer testimonials. 

Buying Tips

Additional features

Why stop at simple cleaning when waterless car washes can do so much more? Consider getting something with additional features like a UV-protective coating and gloss enhancers to lock the shine in.

Ease of application

We recommend going for waterless car washes that aren't too much of a hassle to handle and use. An easy-to-use bottle that sprays evenly and a solution that spreads smoothly and leaves no streaks should be preferred. 

How Much Does a Waterless Car Wash Cost?

A waterless car wash spray can cost anywhere from $0.2 to $1 per fl oz. These prices will also go up if you buy a cleaning kit instead of just the solution. These kits can include extra spray bottles, towels, and pouring funnels. Similarly, you can expect a lower per-unit cost when buying in bulk.

Top Picks

  • Best Overall: Chemical Guys Waterless Car Wash
  • Runner Up: Aero Cosmetics Waterless Car Wash
  • Easy To Use: Meguiar's Waterless Car Wash
  • Best Scent: Adam's Polishes Waterless Car Wash
  • Best Hydrophobic Solution: Torque Detail Waterless Car Wash

Reviews

Best Overall
None

Chemical Guys Waterless Car Wash

Pros Cons
  • Extremely effective and easy to use
  • Gloss enhancer for enhanced shine
  • Also adds a UV protective layer
  • The packaging could be better
Check on Amazon Check Price on Walmart
Runner Up
None

Aero Cosmetics Waterless Car Wash

Pros Cons
  • The anti-static coating prevents dust buildup
  • Comes with premium microfiber towels
  • Helps protect the paint from UV rays
  • Film left behind is a bit oily
Check on Amazon
Easy to Use
None

Meguiar's Waterless Car Wash

Pros Cons
  • Leaves behind a pleasant citrusy scent
  • A little solution goes a long way
  • Extremely easy to use and apply
  • May dry too quickly at low temps
Check on Amazon
Best Scent
None

Adam's Polishes Waterless Car Wash

Pros Cons
  • Has an amazing scent
  • Easy to apply
  • Available in several practical quantities
  • The fluid doesn't last long
Check on Amazon
Best Hydrophobic Solution
None

Torque Detail Waterless Car Wash

Pros Cons
  • Hydrophobic layer to prevent liquid messes
  • The anti-static coating resists dust buildup
  • The formulation is not toxic to the environment
  • On the pricier side
Check on Amazon

FAQs

Are waterless washes any good?
A waterless car wash is a simple, quick, and effective way to keep your vehicle clean. These sprays do not require any water and help lower the frequency of your routine visits to the car wash.
What is the difference between a quick detailer and a waterless car wash?
A quick car detailer will make short work of any light stains on your vehicle. On the other hand, a waterless car wash can give your entire car a good clean, thanks to the higher number of cleaning agents present in these sprays.
Is a waterless car wash safe?
A waterless car wash is completely safe for your car. Make sure the product doesn't contain ammonia, as this chemical can tarnish glass and paint jobs. Always use a soft microfiber cloth to pat the car dry after the dry wash to prevent any scratches.