Keeping your car clean without water during California drought

The California drought continues, but that doesn't mean you have to neglect keeping your car clean. Here are some tips for keeping your ride shiny while saving the H2O for other things.

The drought continues. Does that mean you have to neglect keeping your car clean? Not at all.

"There are great ways to maintain your car's finish without using water," said Edmunds.com Automotive Editor Mark Takahashi.

Even though many commercial car washes do recycle water, they still go through a lot of it. Washing the car yourself, even if you're careful, uses precious water too.

So the editors at Edmunds.com came up with some tips for keeping your ride shiny while saving the H2O for other things.

Their first tip is to make sure your car is well-detailed and waxed to begin with.

"If you have a nice glossy, glassy surface, it's much less likely that liquids and other contaminants are going to adhere to it," said Takahashi.

If your car's finish picks up a light coat of dust, don't grab the hose. Grab a California Car Duster. It's been a staple of the classic and exotic car scene for many years. Just a light touch wipes dust away. It's especially useful on dark-colored cars.

If the dirt's a little more serious, waterless quick detailing products will do the job. There are lots of choices available, and the newest one works especially well. Meguiar's Ultimate Wash and Wax Anywhere can be used on any surface, including on paint, rubber, plastic, even the windows. And it'll tackle really heavy dirt.

"It could be kind of muddy and caked-on stuff and it will remove it without damaging it, and leave protective coating behind," said Takahashi.

Remember: You want to use a microfiber towel with these, not just any old rag. They help pick up the dirt and prevent scratching.

Of course another piece of advice is to not let your car get dirty in the first place. A lot of people who park outside regularly swear by using a car cover. Sure, it can be a bit of a hassle and they can be expensive, but you'll have to wash your car much less often.

And there are other things you can do to avoid the dirt.

Where you park can make a big difference, say our experts. Avoid spots under power lines and the edges of buildings. That's where birds like to "relax." And try not to park next to landscaping sprinklers. The hard water from them can leave nasty spots on your paint.

Of course, a conventional car wash might still be needed every now and then. But as this drought lingers on, saving water, while still keeping your car nice, is an increasingly appealing option.

For more information: Edmunds.com Drought-Friendly Car Care Tips