At first mention, a waterless car wash might seem a ridiculous or impossible product, even downright odd; however, once you add this product to your car’s maintenance kit, you will not want anything else. These products make cleaning your car more enjoyable and less of a chore. It allows you to clean quicker and even more effectively. With the waterless car wash and a couple of soft towels, you are well underway to giving your car that shine it so deserves.
Now, the market is awash (pun intended) of waterless car washes, with each manufacturer swearing that their product is the best thing since sliced bread. However, from reviews and our testing, we have discovered that these claims often ring hollow. It can be hard choosing the best waterless car wash. You have to select a product that cleans your car and does not cause damage. We have waded into the market and have tested scores of these products. After our testing and scouring the internet for reviews, we have compiled this list of the best waterless car wash you can buy right now.
Furthermore, we have provided a buyer’s guide and an FAQ section for your education and pleasure. All the products listed here offer a high standard and will do an admirable job.
First, however, let us consider some of the things you should know about a waterless car wash.
- Features to Consider in Good Waterless Car Wash
- Top 10 Best Waterless Car Washes 2024
- 1. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax
- 2. MEGUIAR'SG3626 Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax
- 3. Chemical Guys WAC_707RU_16 EcoSmart-RU
- 4. Turtle Wax 50775 Quick & Easy Exterior Waterless Wash & Wax
- 5. Chemical Guys Swift Wipe
- 6. Adam's Waterless Car Wash
- 7. Chemical Guys WAC_707_16 EcoSmart - Hyper Concentrated Waterless Car Wash & Wax
- 8. TriNova Waterless Car Wash and Wax Kit
- 9. DualPolymer 4332944525
- 10. FW1 Cleaning Wax
- Guide to Buying the Best Waterless Car Wash
- FAQs about the Best Waterless Car Wash
- Conclusion
Features to Consider in Good Waterless Car Wash
In your quest to buying the best waterless car wash, there are several things that you should consider. In the main buying guide, we will consider these factors in more detail. For now, we will merely provide an overview of what they are.
These factors include the size of your car, which will affect the amount of product you need. You should also think about the form the waterless car wash comes. Some of these products come in a concentrated formula that requires you mixing with water, and others come without any additional steps for making the final product. You must also consider the type of material you will use in cleaning the car’s surface.
These are but some of the vital factors to consider.
Now, let’s discuss the benefits of using a waterless car wash.
Benefits of a waterless car wash product
The benefits of using a waterless car wash product are rather numerous. Some of these benefits include, but are not limited to, those listed below.
Conserves Water
This is the first obvious benefit of these products. You need little to zero water for using a waterless car wash. Hence, you will conserve water, as well as water bills. Imagine just how much money you will save if you can cut down on the amount of water used in washing your vehicles.
Safe
Waterless car wash products are made to clean your car effectively and safely. They are designed to leave your car looking clean without any damage. These products are made of lubricants and cleaning agents that improve the look and overall health of the car’s body. The product acts by lifting particles off the surface of the vehicle without scratching the body.
Protects your car
Waterless car wash products do not only keep your car looking great but even add a protective layer to your car’s surface. By using these products over other types of car cleaning products, you will observe that your car has a longer-lasting shine than usual. Additionally, if you buy the best waterless car wash products, your car can be protected for up to three months.
Saves time
These products allow you to clean up your car in a short time. Since cleaning becomes less of a chore, you will find yourself cleaning your car more often. Say goodbye to grudgingly cleaning your vehicle, and enjoy the cleaning process using these products.
Environment-friendly
Waterless car wash products are great for the environment. Aside from the obvious benefit of water conservation, these products are made with harmless materials. Additionally, since they do not wash off and seep underground, unlike other car wash products, you can rest assured that no harmful chemicals will affect the environment due to your washing.
Deep cleaning action
Waterless car wash products clean deeper than your regular car wash products. You can surely testify to the difficulty of blotting out stains from your car using regular cleaning products. A waterless car wash product removes stains pretty easily.
Versatile
Waterless car wash products are handy agents that can be used for other stuff. Aside from washing your car, you can use these products for other domestic uses. They are remarkably effective in removing limescale from tiles. Unlike other car cleaning agents, they have a wide range of applications.
Ease of Use
A major reason why folks that tried waterless car wash products once and refuse to go back to other products is the ease of use. These products are easy to apply and easy to remove, all of which makes it better at cleaning stains.
Top 10 Best Waterless Car Washes 2024
1. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax
Editor’s Rating:
Design
This kit includes a gallon of wash wax, and a spray-on can of the wash wax. Other items include four microfiber towels and a small scrubbing sponge.
The kit includes aircraft cleaning specifications for a number of Boeing and Airbus planes. The kit is, of course, intended for use with vehicles, boats, RVs, and motorbikes.
The cleaning products are all water-based. The liquids don’t contain any alcohol or ammonia. The cleaner s biodegradable as well.
Performance
This car wash kit is quite simple but very effective. It doesn’t include a lot of stuff for detailing, washing, or different parts of the car. The cleaning liquid included however is suitable for use on metal, glass, plastics, car paint, rubber, and leather material in or on the car.
So it’s sort of an all-purpose cleaning kit you can use for washing and detailing your vehicle. It can wash, detail, and even act as a degreaser. The cleaner can polish scratches to remove oxidation or remove any water spots from car paint.
The spray-on cleaner doesn’t require water, though you can use water on the car if you want. It’s capable of cleaning off dirt very effectively. However, this cleaner is not suitable for removing hard grim like salt, sand, or mud.
Another downside is the lack of wax remover. You will have to use any other wax with the existing wax on the car. But that’s not a bad thing because new layers of wax easily bond to older layers, thus leaving your car with multiple layers.
Even without the wax, the spray acts like a sealant. It can make the car paint shine (though not as the glow wax provides).
Using this cleaner kit won’t strip off layers of protectant on your vehicle, like taking your car to a car wash would do. The wash works really fast and offers some UV ray protection.
Plus, the kit comes with four microfiber towels that are made just for auto use. The sponge is very regular. It’s good for bug removal but not for detailing because it’s not non-abrasive.
Overall
This is probably the best waterless car cleaning kit you can buy. The price is amazingly affordable and there aren’t a dozen things in here you don’t understand.
This kit is very easy to use and can get your car clean and shiny in less than an hour. You can clean just about any part of your vehicle with this kit.
It doesn’t come with a wax or a grit remover. But other than that, this kit offers great value.
Pros
- Waterless cleaning
- Four microfiber towels
- Works on interior and exterior
- Safe to use with multiple different materials
- Meets aircraft-grade cleaning standards
Cons
- Doesn’t include car wax
- Not suitable for removing sand, salt or dirt
2. MEGUIAR'SG3626 Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax
Editor’s Rating:
Features
This cleaning agent is a powerful cleaner that can remove tough stains with remarkable ease. It comes with a polymer formula that acts to maintain the wax layer in the paint.
Before using this wash, remember to clean away the grime on your car. It is suitable for a slightly dirty car, and definitely not for cleaning just after off-roading adventures.
With that information out of the way, you can forge ahead with this cleaner. It comes with a polymer-based formula that works better than most of the waterless car wash products on the market.
It features a no-scratch formula that is designed to trap the dirt and debris so that no scratches are left on your car paint. We observed while using the product that it leaves a glossy wax barrier as it dries up.
Performance and other features
The Meguiar’s Ultimate Waterless Wash and Wx product is affordable and lifts any dirt from your car’s surface. We noticed that it left zero water spots and that swirls and scratches were roundly eliminated.
It is especially great for glossy paints, polished metals, and plastic trim.
Once again, it is for a car that is already clean.
Pros
- It leaves your car looking very shiny
- Inexpensive
- Quick and easy to apply
Cons
- It isn't great for heavy dirt
3. Chemical Guys WAC_707RU_16 EcoSmart-RU
Editor’s Rating:
Features
The Chemical Guys EcoSmart-RU Waterless Car Wash comes with a variety of properties that make it a highly rated waterless car wash product by different professionals.
One of the reasons why Chemical Guys have had a meteoric rise in the automotive care industry is the fact that most of their products are safe. They do not contain harmful chemicals, and the Chemical Guys EcoSmart-RU Waterless Car Wash and Wax is similarly manufactured.
Performance
This bottle of waterless car wash is a three-in-one product. It is a car wash, a wax, and a protectant. It protects the car from different contaminants, as well.
The hydrophobic qualities of the wax make sure that water and acid rain does not affect the surface of your car and make the color fade away.
Ease of Use
This waterless car wash is one of the easiest to apply. In fact, during our testing, we finished washing the car in about 30 minutes. The speed of application in no way affects the efficacy of this wax. It remains resistant to detergents, acid rain, and chemicals.
Pros
- It dries quickly and is easy to apply
- It offers excellent protection
- It removes white streaks
- It can be used immediately after washing your vehicle
Cons
- The nozzle is rather flimsy
4. Turtle Wax 50775 Quick & Easy Exterior Waterless Wash & Wax
Editor’s Rating:
Features
The kit comes with a pair of 12 oz. Spray detailers, one 12 oz. bottle of Pre-wax cleaner and conditioner, and a similar volume of the wax itself. The wax is dye-based.
The bottle is labeled for easy reference. We observed that the cleaner is excellent for removing stain like tar spots. However, it is ineffective when it comes to removing scratches. Therefore, after the pre-wax cleaner is used and the wax itself is applied, it merely glosses over imperfections. It does not eliminate them.
Ease of Use
As pointed out earlier, this car wash product is straightforward to apply. However, we feel Turtle Wax sacrificed neatness/messiness for ease of use because this kit is very messy to use. In fact, during the application, we used so many microfiber towels. Moreover, the product does not come with microfiber cloths, so we had to get a third-party product.
Performance
Aside from the messiness, we were left impressed with the overall performance of this kit. The results we obtained were quite good. The car looks great. However, when viewed from different angles and light conditions, the scratches and swirls that were initially on the car we tested were still visible.
Altogether, if you are new to waterless car wash products and you want something relatively cheap to start with, this is the right choice. We will also recommend it for washing old dark-colored or black cars.
Pros
- It is easy to apply to the car
- It comes at a relatively low price
- The instructions are easy to follow
Cons
- It doesn't eliminate deep scratches or swirls
- It is quite messy
5. Chemical Guys Swift Wipe
Editor’s Rating:
Features
Unlike some other waterless car wash products on this list, it does not come with high gloss soap or anything that you can use to clean the car. Aside from the lack of cleaning materials, it has everything else required for cleaning the car.
Performance
The kit gives a premium performance. Despite not being an all-in-one kit, it provides all the necessary tools to give your black car a clean finish. The shine we obtained from using this kit was quite deep.
Aside from the beauty of the shine and finish, it surprisingly gives relatively lengthy protection to the body of your car. It prevents rain from drying on the body of the car, which preserves the lifespan. It also comes with UV protectors that reduce the rate of fading due to the action of sunlight on the body. Considering that the solution is wax-less, we found this rather exceptionalю
Hence, if there are scratches on the car, they will be noticed.
Ease of Application
The product is easy to apply. As your cars’ body must be clean before application, it is a bummer that it doesn’t come with a cleaning agent.
Pros
- Strong sweet smell
- It gives smooth consistency and is easy to spread
- Two-step wax-less solution
Cons
- It doesn't evaporate as quickly as other products
6. Adam's Waterless Car Wash
Editor’s Rating:
Features
Adam’s Waterless Car Wash is different from the other car wash products on this list. For one, it comes with a luminous blue color that sets it apart. Additionally, it comes with a scent that we found mild and pleasing. Hence, as you apply it to your car, you don’t have to scrunch up your nose in distaste.
Additionally, the spray container feels solid and is easy to use. Along with the product, Adam’s provide car wash towels that are soft and that leave a glossy finish on the car.
Performance
Performance-wise, it is rather decent. It doesn’t exactly stand out on this list, but that is likely because the products on this list are the top products on the market. When compared with others on the market, the performance is impressive. It leaves a better, longer-lasting finish than most.
Other Features
There are several sizes of bottles that can be purchased, ranging from 16 ounces to up to 5 gallons. The 5-gallon bottle lasts for a very long time and offers excellent value for the price.
For an even better finish, you can pair this waterless car wash with any of the polishes from Adam’s.
Pros
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Friendly on the environment
Cons
- 16 oz. bottle is expensive for the price
7. Chemical Guys WAC_707_16 EcoSmart - Hyper Concentrated Waterless Car Wash & Wax
Editor’s Rating:
Features
This car wash is worth the relatively steep price. It is a powerful and eco-friendly car wash that will please anyone looking for fast and thorough cleaning without using water. It contains carnauba wax, which is safe for the environment and protects the car’s paint.
Performance
The waterless car wash delivers quite excellent performance. We like the consistency we got from it. This consistency speeds up the rate at which it dries and improves the application rate.
With a small amount, we were able to clean a vehicle satisfactorily. The car had scratches and some minor stains. After the application of the wax, these stains, swirls, and mild scratches are barely discernible.
Ease of Application
The car wash product is easy to apply. As it comes in concentrated form, you will have to mix the formula yourself. The kit does not come with a spray bottle; hence, you have to get your own.
While this might seem tedious, the manufacturer makes it easier by providing easy-to-follow instructions on how to mix it. During our testing, we found that following the instruction leaves a pretty light solution; hence, we recommend that you add a little more formula than what is found in the instructions.
Pros
- It gives smooth consistency and is easy to spread
- It lasts longer than spray products
- It provides UV protection
- Bio-degradable
Cons
- The smell is a tad unpleasant
- Not as convenient as a spray
8. TriNova Waterless Car Wash and Wax Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Design
The main draw of this wax is the ease of application it offers. Compared to other waxes, it takes very little time to apply.
It features a hydrophobic formula that ensures that water is repelled. During our test, we could see the water droplets rolling off the waxed car. This not only protects the body of the vehicle but also makes it easier to clean.
Performance and Ease of Use
As it is a concentrated formula, it required dilution before application. Instructions have been provided to help you apply the car wash product properly. From how to clean the car before applying the product, to how to use the product and the mixing ratio, the detailed instruction manual provides needed information.
During use, we didn’t perceive any smell. Furthermore, when it got on surfaces, we didn’t want it to get on; we found it very easy to clean.
Overall, the cleaner removes tough stains and gives a deep shine and a protective coat that we found very appealing. After using the cleaner, we didn’t notice a lot of blemishes, as is common with many other car wash products. There’s no white residue on plastics.
Pros
- The wax does a great job of repelling water
- Good value for money
- Comes with a microfiber cloth
Cons
- There is staining on darker finishes
- It isn't great on glass parts
9. DualPolymer 4332944525
Editor’s Rating:
Features
You do not need water or wax to clean your car after applying this waterless car wash. It is better than carnauba wax and beeswax since it heals any minor scratches in the paint.
Performance
Despite the relatively high price, this waterless car wash product offers one of the best value for money on the market. Once applied, it can take months before you think about cleaning or waxing your car.
In fact, during our testing, most of the professionals we asked revealed that this cleaner is one of their favorites. When we tested this cleaner on the car, our doubts about the veracity of their claims disappeared. Although it doesn’t remove deep scratches or significant swirl marks, it does thin them out a bit and make them less visible.
One problem we have is the white marks that some car wash products leave on plastics. We were pleased with the lack of annoying white marks on plastics when we used this cleaner.
Ease of Use
It is one of the most straightforward car wash products to apply. One of the things that make it easy to use is a nice consistency. Furthermore, using a microfiber towel, you can easily buff off any wax. If you do not have a lot of time, but you still want vital protection for your car’s chassis, then this product is right for you. It is also versatile as you can use it for your motorcycles, boats, or RVs.
Pros
- It is very easy to apply
- Repairs minor paint scratches
- It offers excellent value for money
- It doesn't cause white marks on plastics
- The overall performance is satisfactory
- Comes with a microfiber cloth
Cons
- Initially expensive
- There is no spray bottle
10. FW1 Cleaning Wax
Editor’s Rating:
Features
The wax is made from the famous carnauba wax, which is one of the best waxes for black cars. It is designed to work both for the interior and exterior of your vehicle. We observed that it works efficiently, whether on glass, chrome, paint, or plastic.
Performance
This wax gives a stunning finish. No wonder many car perfectionists and detailers love it. If it weren’t for the high price, it is an ideal wax. The Brazilian ivory carnauba ensures that you get the best results.
Ease of application
It is easy to apply and provides impressive coverage. The wax comes in an aerosol can; hence, a simple spray is all you need to get an excellent finish. It is versatile and can be used for boats and RVs.
Pros
- It is easy to apply
- It can be applied in a short time
- Works for the interior and exterior of the car
Cons
- It is expensive for a 12 oz. bottle
Guide to Buying the Best Waterless Car Wash
We have provided a rundown of ten of the best waterless car wash products on the market. By considering these ten, you will have narrowed your choices to the best on the market. However, you might be interested in the factors to consider before making a choice. Or you might not fancy any of those above and want more options. Well, in this section, we will discuss the essential factors to consider when choosing a waterless car wash product.
Features to Consider
1. Brand
Considering the choices that we reviewed, you’d notice that most of the products come from popular brands. The brand is essential when buying any accessories or products for your automobile. The more reputable the brand is, the better for you. These renowned brands that make products like waterless car washes usually make them correctly.
By buying from such brands, you can rest assured that the product is safe for the car and you. Additionally, since these brands have more to lose, they usually pay more attention to the quality of their products. If you run into any problems or complications with products from these brands, they typically have responsive and helpful customer service agents to assist you. Their products also often come with lengthy warranties.
2. Safety
In this regard, you have to ensure that the waterless car wash product is safe, both for the car and your skin. Importantly as well, you must consider the environmental impact of the product.
Although these products are already preserving the environment by conserving water, you should be sure that you are not exchanging one vice for the other. Check the labeling of the product to see if it contains any toxic ingredients that can harm the environment. To be a responsible owner, the product should be bio-degradable.
3. Ease of use
The waterless car wash product you choose should be easy to use.
Some waterless car washes arrive pre-mixed, and others need mixing parts of the product yourself. Having to mix the product yourself might devolve into a messy affair; moreover, you might not even get the right mix.
For the least amount of stress, waterless car wash products that involve a simple spray and wipe are an excellent choice. You will find some of the products we reviewed to have this feature.
4. Portability
You should consider how easy it is to carry the kit around. Ideally, the car wash product should be portable enough to be stowed in the trunk of the car. That way, you can use it in cleaning the car whenever and wherever you need it.
5. Accessories
It can be beneficial to have the waterless car wash product come with accessories. Some of the most useful accessories it can come with include a washcloth, sponge, and spray bottle.
Furthermore, while it is excellent to have accessories, it is better to have quality accessories. Your cloth should be of soft microfibers. Thus, it would be easy to remove any dirt.
6. Finish
Most waterless car wash products contain wax. Instead of water, this wax coats the top of the car. Therefore, your vehicle will stay cleaner for a longer time compared with using water and soap.
The best waterless car wash products, like those we reviewed, keep the car clean and shiny. Furthermore, it prevents dust and dirt from sticking to the body of the vehicle. It not only keeps your car looking great but also saves you from spending on frequent washing.
How to Use a Waterless Car Wash
Using a waterless car wash is remarkably easy; at least, it is easier than other methods of cleaning your car.
Before you begin, ensure that you have all you need ready. This includes the waterless car wash product and a soft, clean cloth at the very least. Also, before you start cleaning, it can be productive to divide the car into sections mentally. Hence, start with the cleanest sections before moving on to dirtier parts. Remember that you shouldn’t let the car wash dry on the surface of the car; hence, the sections must be manageable so that you can clean it quickly once sprayed.
Here is a systematic method of cleaning using a spray cleaner:
- Start from the roof of the car. Spray the cleaner
- Next, wipe the roof in a direction to prevent scratching
- Ensure the roof is entirely free of the car wash product before moving to another section
- When done, move to another section using the same method
- Ensure your cloth remains clean throughout the washing process
FAQs about the Best Waterless Car Wash
Q. What is a waterless car wash?
As the name implies, a waterless car wash is a way of washing your car without using water. Although we regard the ‘waterless’ as a misnomer because there is still some water used, the amount of water used is minimal. The goal of a waterless car wash is to reduce the amount of water used in cleaning the car. By doing this, the environment is preserved.
In chemical terms, a waterless car wash is a solution that lubricates the car’s surface. In most cases, the solution is applied by spraying. To get a clean surface, after spraying the car in the solution, you can use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away the debris or dirt on the body.
These solutions are primarily for cars that are slightly dirty and not for cars that are severely dirty. Using these cleaners regularly will leave your vehicle looking great for a long time.
Q. How does it work?
The working principle is rather simple. The solution acts by lifting any stain or dirt from the body of the car. To remove the dirt, all you need to do is to wipe the dirt with a clean cloth. It is recommended that you wipe the dust off in one direction. That way, the chances of scratching the car are reduced.
Q. Can they be used on all surfaces?
Well, it depends on the type of car wash. Generally, waterless car wash products can be used on all kinds of surfaces. To ensure that you are applying it to the right surface, you should read the instructions listed on the package. The best waterless car wash products that we reviewed can all be used on all types of surfaces.
Q. Can they scratch the paint of the car?
These car wash products, when used correctly, leave your car looking clean and great, without any scratch. Therefore, you must use them correctly. Remember to use a clean, soft cloth to clean the vehicle. Furthermore, wipe the debris and dirt away in a single direction. If you clean in a circular motion or opposing directions, the chances are high that you will end up scratching the car’s surface.
Conclusion
Selecting the best waterless car wash can be a challenge since there are several options on the market. Thankfully, we have provided this article to help you. From the list of products reviewed and the information in the buyer’s guide, you should be better equipped to make the best choice.