16 June 2021
SQUEAKY CLEAN: 3 eco-friendly car cleaning products

Your next car wash can be eco-friendly! Read more about these car cleaning products that help reduce the harmful impact on the environment!


Much of the conversation relating to cars and the environment revolve around internal combustion engines (ICEs) vs electric vehicles (EVs). While different arguments support and refute EVs as the answer to transport related carbon emissions, switching our vehicles is not the only way to be environmentally friendly.

Like most things, there are many facets to cars that we can view through a sustainability lens. While we can’t immediately change our engines, we can certainly change the way we maintain and upkeep our car. For instance, rationing water by using buckets instead of hosing the car down during a car wash. This is a great start, but did you know that you can take things a step further by using eco-friendly cleaning products too?

For instance, have you ever considered that the chemicals in car cleaning agents might contain harmful ingredients? Most wastewater ends up in the sewer via our drainage system, but can also end up in the soil. Switching to an eco-friendly product can reduce the harmful impact of any toxic chemicals.  Here’s a list eco-friendly car cleaning products will help you build your top-to-toe car TLC kit!

Check out our guide on giving your car the full spa treatment here!

Eco Touch Car Wash Shampoo

First up, it’s important to get rid of the any contaminants on your car before polishing or waxing. Typically, a car shampoo or other cleaning agent will be used to lift the dirt of your car’s surface. 

Eco Touch Car Wash Shampoo is a non-toxic and biodegradable wash that uses plant-based cleaning agents. The formula is also phosphate free. Phosphate not only tends to remain in wastewater, but can cause harmful algae to bloom despite its low toxicity.

While Eco Touch Car Wash Shampoo is a great option, it still requires you to have at least a bucket of water or two handy. Are there more water-saving alternatives? There sure are!

Chemical Guys EcoSmart Hyper Concentrated Waterless Car Wash & Wax

Contrary to that mouthful of a name, products in the Chemical Guys’ EcoSmart range are not only 100% biodegradable but also do not require water. Their EcoSmart Waterless Car Wash and Wax helps you save both water and time by completing two steps at a go!

The formula contains a blend of surfactants and lubricants that separate dirt from the surface of your car. Meanwhile, the natural carnauba wax leaves a smooth, glossy finish. Simply spray some onto the surface of your car, and let sit for a few seconds before wiping off with a microfibre cloth. Who knew cleaning a car could be so quick, easy and eco-friendly? 

Simple Green All Wheel & Tire Cleaner

Finally, after labouring over the car’s body, you’re ready to get the wheels up to squeaky-clean speed. This next product promises to “cut through caked-on brake dust, grease, dirt, and road tar on chrome, aluminium, mag wheels, and tyres”. Like the first two products, Simple Green All Wheel & Tire Cleaner is specially formulated to remove all that tyre gunk with minimal scrubbing. The non-toxic and biodegradable solution is also non-corrosive and non-acidic, so you don’t have to worry about it ruining your paintwork should there be overspray.

To clean your tyres, first spray on some cleaner, using a brush or sponge to loosen up any stubborn dirt. Rinse with clean water, and wipe dry with a microfibre cloth.

And there you have it! Your car is now sparkling clean and shiny to boot, and you’ve minimised harm on the environment too, thanks to these eco-friendly car cleaning products. Remember, small changes like these go a long way in helping our environment, and no effort is ever too small!


Enjoyed this article? We’ve got more car care tips for you here!