Waterless Car Wash: The Smart Way to Clean in a Water-Wise City

Anyone who lived through Cape Town's "Day Zero" drought scare knows that water is precious. Washing a car with a hosepipe can easily use well over 100 litres. A waterless car wash uses a spray bottle and a few cloths. Here's how it works.

What is a waterless wash?

It's a spray-on formula with special lubricants that lift and encapsulate dirt, so you can wipe it away without scratching. Many also leave a light wax shine behind.

When to use it

• ✅ Light to moderate dust and road grime
• ✅ In-between washes
• ✅ Apartment dwellers with no hose access
• ✅ Car dealerships, rental fleets and showrooms
• ❌ Heavy mud or sand. Rinse that off first.

Step by step

1. Work one panel at a time, in the shade.
2. Spray generously so the surface is well lubricated.
3. Wipe gently in one direction with a folded microfibre cloth. Don't scrub in circles.
4. Flip to a clean side of the cloth often.
5. Buff to a shine with a second, dry microfibre.

How many cloths do I need?

More than you think! Plan on 6–10 clean microfibre cloths per car. A mixed 10-pack is ideal.

Find waterless wash products and bulk microfibre cloth packs at our sister store maxproducts.co.za.

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Products mentioned in this guide

Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.

Microfibre Cloths 10 PackShop now →Microfibre Cloths 200gsmShop now →

Visit maxproducts.co.za →