Washing Your Car

• Wash cars on gravel, grass, or other surfaces that absorb water. 

• If you must use pavement, try to pick a location where the water runs off into a grassy area at the pavement’s edge.

• Use only biodegradable soaps that are phosphate-free and water based.  Do not use petroleum based or phenolic based cleaners.

• Minimize water usage. Use a spray gun with flow restriction to minimize water usage and runoff.  Use hoses with nozzles that automatically turn off when left unattended.

• Use buckets for soapy water to "re-soap" rags and sponges rather than adding soap directly to rags or sponges.

• Use detergents and soaps sparingly.  Or try just using plain water, a coarse sponge and a little elbow grease. 

• Wash only the car exterior.  Do not wash engines, undercarriages, truck cargo bays, or mounted equipment and tanks that may contain toxic materials.

• When finished, empty the bucket of soapy water down the sink, not into the street.

• The best option is to take your vehicle to a commercial car wash, especially if you plan to clean the engine or the bottom of the car. Car washes send wastewater to the sewer system, not the stormwater system.

Rev. October 10, 2007