10 Benefits of Eco-Friendly Car Wash for You and the Environment

Many of us are starting to think about how we can go “green” in our day-to-day lives. Whether that’s shifting to reusable bags or minimizing our driving, a little effort can go a long way toward protecting our planet.

If you’re looking for ways to be a little more eco-friendly, you might be surprised to know that getting your car professionally washed is actually better than doing it yourself. Research indicates that most detailers and car washes use substantially less water than at-home car washes.

Don’t believe us? Here are 10 big benefits of getting your car washed with an eco-friendly company – for you and for the environment.

1) Conserves Water

According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the average car wash uses about 116 gallons of water per wash, which is the same as 3 bathtubs full of water!! Surprisingly, the highest rates of wasted water tend to happen when people wash their cars themselves.

When you detail your car by hand, it’s difficult to regulate water pressure and move efficiently. This can lead to extra rinsing and massive amounts of wasted water.

Partnering with an environmentally conscious car wash company is one of the best ways to reduce your water waste. At Big’s Mobile, we have made a serious commitment to eliminating water runoff and excessive waste. We won’t just get your wash done faster – we’ll do it with less impact on the environment.

2) Uses Less Energy

Water isn’t the only element we can conserve with green car washes. Many car wash centers, especially automated ones, need to generate a great deal of heat to wash vehicles effectively. This energy consumption takes a toll on the environment and increases the company’s expenses.

A more environmentally friendly option is to work with a car wash crew that uses high water pressure to clean vehicles rather than hot water. This consumes much less energy but can still leave your car sparkling clean.

3) Repurposes Water

We already talked about avoiding wasting water, but what about the used water? After all, every car wash will lead to at least some runoff.

A sustainable car wash company will repurpose their used water with sophisticated runoff prevention centers. This captures the used water and recycles it, allowing the company to reuse water again and again without discharging dirty water into the environment.

4) Relies on Fewer Chemicals

When you get your car detailed, you always expect the team to use some sort of chemicals to get the job done. However, that doesn’t have to be the case.

Chemicals used to clean cars are often toxic to the environment and you if you are directly exposed. That’s why many car wash companies (like Big’s Mobile) are switching to non-toxic, safe cleaning products sourced from local areas. This is better for the environment, but it’s also better for your health and your vehicle.

5) Lowers Risks for Employees

Speaking of human safety, environmentally friendly car wash companies also benefit the health of their employees. For instance, at Big’s Mobile, we only use products that won’t harm our teams. That means no irritated eyes, no respiratory issues, and no dangerous skin burns.

6) Minimizes Strain on Local Resources

When you work with a local eco-friendly car wash team, they’ll work to protect the surrounding area. They’ll pay attention to the toll their setups take on nearby wildlife, nature, and people – and that’s something we should all be prioritizing when we clean our vehicles.

Our crew at Big’s Mobile cares deeply for our local communities. That’s why we shop with small businesses and ensure our car washes never detrimentally affect nearby residents or companies.

7)  Safely Disposes of Soaps and Cleaners

Ever wonder what happens to all of the soap suds and cleaning elements produced during your car wash? Well, when you work with a sustainable car wash company, they’ll ensure they’re properly disposed of – not just poured into storm drains where they can affect the surrounding ecosystem.

8) Doesn’t Introduce Metal into Water Systems

When you wash your car at home or go to many automated car wash centers, their runoff water can be funneled into rivers, lakes, canals, and other nearby waterways.

According to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) findings, the water from car washes can contain everything from exhaust fume residue to heavy metals and motor oils. All of this can then be washed into creeks and streams, which harms water quality and the surrounding wildlife.

The Big’s Mobile team ensures no heavy metals enter the water stream, such as copper from brake pads and zinc from tires.

9) Exchanges Disposable Products for Reusable Cloths

Disposables (like wipes and paper towels) strongly impact ozone depletion due to the CFCs they release as they decompose. That’s why most car wash companies are switching to reusable cloths, like microfiber towels. If you see a car wash operating with disposable towels, it’s safe to assume they aren’t doing their best to care for the environment.

10) Reduces Overall Pollution

In general, the biggest benefit of eco-friendly car washes is that they reduce overall pollution. Whether we’re talking about runoff water, harmful emissions, or the use of strong cleaning products, there are many elements of car washes that can be harmful to our planet. An environmentally conscious car wash will account for these damages and make changes to minimize their impact.

Ready to Book an Eco-Friendly Car Wash?

We know it can seem strange to think that professional car detailing can generate less waste than your DIY wash, but it’s the truth. Big’s Mobile has many systems and initiatives in place to help us run efficiently and sustainably. When you schedule a wash with us, you can rest assured that you’re doing the right thing for your local ecosystem.

To get started, schedule a detailing appointment online. You can also give us a call at 425-243-9155 if you have questions about our prices, services, or procedures.