Hosepipe ban extended: how to wash your car without wasting water

Is the current hosepipe ban affecting your area? Here’s how to keep your car clean while using less water and staying within the rules.

If you’re planning to wash your car this weekend, it’s worth checking whether your area is covered by a hosepipe ban first.

More than two million South East Water customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire will be subject to new restrictions from Saturday (25 July), joining customers in Kent who are already affected.

The rules ban the use of hosepipes for jobs including washing cars, watering gardens and cleaning patios, while anyone who ignores the restrictions could face fines of up to £1,000.

While you won’t be able to use a hosepipe during a ban, you can still wash and rinse your car using a watering can. It may not be quite as effective, but with the right techniques, you can still achieve a great finish while staying within the rules.

So, whether you’re already affected by a hosepipe ban or want to start saving water before one reaches your area, car care experts at Autoglym have shared 10 simple tips to help you keep your car clean while making the most of every drop.

Elliot Spurgeon, assistant brand manager at Autoglym told Carwow: “Keeping cars clean when there is a hosepipe ban in place is certainly more challenging, but it’s still possible to achieve a great result if you follow these essential steps and use readily available tools, like watering cans and spray bottles, to get water to where you really need it with minimal waste.

“It’s also important to think about preventative measures – by adding protection to your paintwork, it will be much easier to remove dirt in the future. And if a full clean isn’t possible, we always recommend using a quality glass cleaner to keep screens and lights free of dirt to maintain good visibility.”

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Wash your car early in the day

Where possible, wash your car first thing in the morning or when it’s parked in the shade. Keeping the bodywork cool prevents cleaning products from drying too quickly, giving them more time to lift dirt while reducing the risk of streaks and water spots.

2. Loosen dirt before you start

A pre-wash spray can soften stubborn grime, bugs and road dirt before you make contact with the paintwork. Instead of using a hosepipe, rinse it away with a watering can fitted with a rose to spread the water more efficiently.

3. Clean the wheels first

Always tackle your wheels before washing the bodywork. Brake dust and dirt can easily splash onto clean paint, meaning you’ll end up cleaning the same areas twice. Make sure the wheels have cooled down before you begin.

4. Use the two-bucket method

Fill one bucket with soapy water and another with clean water to rinse your wash mitt after each panel. Rinsing the mitt in a dedicated bucket removes dirt before it’s dipped back into the soapy water, keeping both buckets cleaner for longer. This means you won’t need to keep replacing dirty water or constantly rinsing with fresh water, helping you wash your car thoroughly while using less water overall.

5. Treat stubborn stains separately

Bird droppings, tar, tree sap and baked-on grime shouldn’t be scrubbed aggressively. Instead, use dedicated cleaning products designed to break down stubborn marks without damaging the paint.

6. Wash and rinse one section at a time

Rather than washing the whole car at once, clean one section before rinsing it. This prevents soap from drying on the surface in warm weather and makes it easier to use less water overall.

7. Dry the car before water spots appear

Don’t leave your car to dry naturally in the sun. Using a clean microfibre drying towel straight after rinsing helps prevent unsightly streaks and water spots that can be difficult to remove later.

8. Use a detailing spray between washes

If your car only has a light layer of dust or pollen, a detailing spray can freshen it up without the need for a full wash. It’s also a useful way to quickly remove fresh bird droppings before they damage the paintwork.

9. Keep your windows clean

Even if you skip washing the rest of the car, keeping the windscreen, windows and lights clean improves visibility and safety. A specialist glass cleaner can remove dirt and insect splatter without needing large amounts of water.

10. Protect your paintwork

Applying a wax or ceramic coating creates a protective barrier that repels dirt and water. As a result, your car stays cleaner for longer and usually requires less water the next time it needs washing.

With more hosepipe bans expected if dry conditions continue, following these simple water-saving tips can help drivers keep their cars looking their best while staying within the rules.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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