From Guest Blogger Jenny: Why "Green" Is In The Car Wash

While its predecessors in the 20th century cleaned equally well, the latest car washes are not only a huge convenience for car owners but also makes the most of the limited natural resources that they use. In particular, 21st century car washes are extremely efficient and can even reasonably be called environmentally friendly. Here’s why:

Higher Pressure Nozzles – Originally, a little bit of cleanser and copious amounts of water were the typical “modus operandi” of the neighborhood car wash. There days, the detergents are high-tech and high pressure nozzles – designed to remove dirt but not hurt the car’s finnish – are more cost-effective and affordable for cleaning vehicles. In most cases, newer car washes use 50% less water than their old counterparts.

More Eco-Friendly Detergents – Just to start, the most modern car washes do not use any biodegradable chemicals – that means no highly corrosive acids like hydrofluoric acid and ammonium bifluoride through the environmentally disastrous formaldehyde and phosphates to organic compounds such as nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, there is no need for water softeners.

Better Waste Water Recycling – Back in the day – pre 1990s – car washes considered water to be just another commodity bought without any real concern about where the next gallons of H20 would come from. That situation is no longer the case. Local municipalities as well as consumer sentiment require that “green” car washes recover and recycle as much of the used “gray water” as possible.  Car Wash Manufacturer have since then developed car wash equipment, that supports water conservation and recycling.

Less Electrical Power is Used – While older car washes relied on huge blowers – and the need for serious amounts of electricity! – newer ones deliver a friendly grin and some great customer service by having a crew wipe down the cars by hand. Not only do you get a better finished product but also know that you are preserving the environment.

Recycle, Reuse and Repurpose – Water and chemicals are not the only consumables used at a commercial car wash. Obviously, some type of towels – paper, cotton, nylon or synthetic – must be used. In addition, there are any number of cleaning tools that are used in the process. Each of these items need not be disposed of after a single use. Instead, they can be cleaned and reused and even repurposed at the end of their useful lives.

As you can see, 21st century car washes have come a long way from the wasteful and environmentally destructive ones of the mid to late 20th century. It did not take much – just a little technology and a little care. In fact, these days, using a modern commercial car wash is as or more environmentally friendly than washing the car in your driveway.