Sustainabilty Award winner 2011, Alan Willmott from Willmotts in Cairns reports that not only does this method save water, save on product use and therefore costs, it also saves on detailing time and helps with workshop throughput.
A repair shop uses the most water in its wash bays when cleaning clients’ vehicles. Many traditionalists are hesitant about switching to waterless believing it can’t be as good as wet wash, so here is a list of the top five misconceptions about waterless washing which might convince you to give it a try.
1. Waterless cleaners scratch the surface of the car
This is just a matter of technique and using the right cloth, the product itself will not scratch the car. Use a 100 percent cotton terry cloth or a micro-fibre towel, rub lightly in a circular motion. Rinse off the vehicle if it’s covered in mud or sand before applying the product.
2. They’re bad for the environment
All car-cleaning products have some sort of environmental impact because of the chemicals they contain, but the run-off from waterless washing is significantly less than traditional bucket-and-hose washes. Make sure you check that the spray is VOC-compliant.
3. They don’t clean as well as water
The chemicals contained in waterless wash products break down dirt on the surface of the car, which can then be wiped off and buffed away with a cloth. Not only that, but waterless wash products adds an extra layer of protection against dust, grime and dirt from the road.
4. It’s not ‘waterless’ if you have to clean the towels in water
‘Waterless’ is commonly mistaken to mean that water is eliminated from the cleaning process altogether, which is an unrealistic expectation. Waterless products greatly reduce the amount of water used per wash and a simple soak in a bucket of hot water and soap can easily clean the cloths used.
5. It’s more expensive than soap and water
Waterless car wash products can often be used in more than just surface cleaning. Some can also double as wax and polishes and you only need to wipe down with a cloth, it saves you money on car care products as well. It all adds up in the end.
Water is precious – keep it clean
Are you making sure none of your shop’s wastewater is going where it shouldn’t? Thinners, coolants, sanding dust, wastewater, vehicle-cleaning detergents and oily wastewater must be treated before entering the sewer system.
The Motor Traders Association in Western Australia provides the following guidelines through the Green Stamp Program the national program run in each State and Territory:
- Use a sediment tank or a silt trap for sanding dust when draining workshop floor; and an oil separation system for any oily or greasy wastewater
- Clearly mark all stormwater drains – only rainwater should be allowed to enter them – and direct all wastewater to the sewerage system
- Store all chemicals and contaminated components (oil, brake fluid, battery acid, coolant etc.) in sealed and leak-free containers or bins, making sure they are all undercover and clearly marked
- Use biodegradable detergents for cleaning vehicle exteriors
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, certain liquid wastes are classified as “trackable”, meaning they require special monitoring and reporting and that there are special disposal procedures. These include oils, transmission fluids, batteries, solvents, paint waste and oil and fuel filters, unless rushed and drained of oil.
Trackable liquid wastes must be disposed of by a licensed contractor for recycling or reuse.