Waterless Wash – The Full Picture

Last Updated May 28, 2026

We know we’ve voiced some potentially controversial opinions regarding waterless wash in the past. We’re back to provide a more detailed explanation on waterless washes. 

What is “Waterless”?

The term waterless refers only to the process used to wash your car, not the product itself. Almost all waterless wash products contain water in their makeup. They’re called waterless because they are designed to clean your car without you having to pre or post-rinse the vehicle.

A distinction should be made between products labeled as no-rinse washes and waterless washes. A no rinse wash still uses water during the process, as the two bucket method is still employed. A waterless wash is much simpler, as the user only needs the product and clean microfibers to clean the car.

The Dr. on Waterless Wash

There are negative and positive  aspects to waterless washes, and we’ll lay them out for you so you can decide whether or not this type of product is right for you.

Cons

1) These products require no rinsing. No rinsing means there are more contaminants left behind to be potentially dragged across the painted surface.

Dragging contaminants, as you probably already know, means scratches. Bad news. The absence of rinsing also causes wash lines and micro marring, which become increasingly visible in the sun. Not a good look.

2) Another point against waterless washes deals with suds. No water = no suds. Suds create lubricity and they lift dirt off your car, so there’s much less chance of damage. Suds are for safety!

3) Finally, some car wash jobs are simply not compatible with waterless wash. If your car is totally filthy and covered in dirt that has possibly even been sitting on the surface for an extended period of time, a waterless wash is just not going to cut it.

Using this product on a vehicle in such a state will take forever, literally, until the end of time. It also won’t be able to remove everything without causing,  at the very least, some minor scratching. The constant wiping of a surface that’s covered in contaminants is a big no-no. 

Pros

1) For the car lover who actively takes steps to reduce their environmental impact, waterless washes are awesome. They don’t use water! Using water is horrible for the earth.

2) Then there are some detailing enthusiasts who would love to use water during their washing process because they know it’s safer for the car, but simply cannot because of where they live. Here, we’re thinking of our Californian customers. There are mandatory restrictions on water use, and a waterless wash is a decent way to abide by those water regulations while still being able to keep the car clean.   

3) Some people in urban areas live in high rises and keep their cars in large, communal parking garages. Where are they supposed to have room to use a hose and a couple buckets? For these people, a waterless wash means being able to clean their car in the garage of their building without a huge mess or ordeal. It’s just easier.

If You’re Going to Use It, What’s the Best Way?

You want to make sure you’re only using clean and soft microfibers when you’re doing a waterless car wash (duh). A towel that’s not soft enough means abrasion, which means damage.

If you live in an area that’s strict about water consumption, you might also be required or strongly encouraged to use a wash berm. A wash berm, for those of you who might not know, is basically a giant kiddie pool for you car. You wash your car while the berm surrounds it to prevent chemical runoff. Once you’re done washing, you must dispose of the water in the berm exactly as directed.

You need to use the correct type of waterless wash product for your car. If you’ve got a matte car, don’t use a product that’s not matte specific. We make an amazing waterless wash for matte vehicles. Just sayin’.

Bottom Line

Both traditional car wash soaps and waterless washes have their time and place, as outlined above.

If you’re concerned about the environment or if you want a simpler way to wash your car, get yourself a waterless wash. Make sure it is readily biodegradable. It should have low VOCs and no petroleum distillates, and you must use it with clean, super soft microfibers.

If you’re extremely invested in the health of your car’s paint and you have access to a hose, some buckets, and the space to use them, get yourself a regular car wash soap.