Table of Contents
- View The Best Waterless Car Wash Below
- 1. SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat Waterless Car Wash & Wax
- 2. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit
- 3. Adam’s Waterless Wash
- 4. Ultima ULT-8016C Waterless Wash
- 5. TriNova Waterless Car Wash
- 6. Carfidant Ceramic Coating Spray Car Wax
- 7. Griot’s Garage 11065 Spray-On Car Wash
- 8. Rain-X 620100 Waterless Car Wash
- 9. Chemical Guys EcoSmart-RU Waterless Car Wash and Wax
- 10. 3D Final Touch Waterless Car Wash
- Waterless Car Wash Buyer’s Guide
Many different products could each be considered the best waterless car wash available on the market, for varying reasons. Perhaps a more specific question that we want to address is, “what is the best waterless car wash for you and your needs?”
The waterless car wash has not been around for too long, and it’s highly likely that in your area, it’s not too popular either. Just look at how many people stand outside on a Saturday morning with a bucket, rag, and hose, making their car look as clean as a whistle. It comes with a whole new set of stigmas and doubts, ones that we hope to address later on in the buyer’s guide section of this article.
If you haven’t ever used one of these car wash products before, searching for a new waterless car wash can be confusing. Many of these wash products seem very similar to each other. This is aside from the fact that some come in concentrate form and others in ready-to-use.
To try to help you with this, we have put together a list of the ten best waterless car washes you can get your hands on at the moment. We have also put together a buyer’s guide to help answer some of the questions you may have about these products.
We hope you find this article interesting and useful.
View The Best Waterless Car Wash Below
1. SHINE ARMOR Fortify Quick Coat Waterless Car Wash & Wax
This is certainly one of the best waterless car wash overall in this list due to its fantastic 3-in-1 formula, allowing you to wash, coat, and shine your car all from one convenient bottle. The formula gets rid of dirt, grime and grease immediately, saving you both money and time, giving you sleek, clean, showcase look. Leaving you with a streak, scratch, and smear-free finish, this ultimate waterless car wash and wax formula gives you a spotless, shiny finish, all while avoiding damaging the paint on your car.
Shine Armor is suitable not just for cars but also motorcycles, RVs, boats, and even more. With the ideal blend of Sio2 Ceramic-coating science and surfactants, this waterless car wash and wax leaves you with a quick, high-quality showcase look without the high cost. If the Fortify Quick Coat doesn’t meet your needs and expectations, you have a 30 day, 100%, money-back guarantee.
Pros:
+ 3-in-1 formula
+ Suitable for multiple vehicles
+ Leaves a showcase finish
+ Money-back guarantee
Why We Like It – The unique 3-in-1 formula of this waterless car wash makes this product one of the best. Easy to use and saving you time and money, SHINE ARMOR leaves you with a clean, coated surface that is can easily be compared with the look of a showroom vehicle. With a money-back guarantee, what’s not to like?
2. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit
Gently cleaning and protecting the surface of your vehicle, this premium quality Aero Cosmetics waterless wash/wax leaves a non-stick UV protective coating on your car. Easy to use, the waterless wash/wax will wash up to 36 cars, or wax as you dry, up to 57 cars. For 32 years, this high-quality wax kit has been used on aircraft by large organizations such as Marine One, Air Force One, the military, and airlines, as well as private aircraft owners, and is super easy to use.
This waterless wash/wax kit by Aero Cosmetics is alcohol and ammonia-free and has a water-base that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, making it safe to use on the majority of surfaces both inside and outside the vehicle. The chemical-free base makes the Aero Cosmetics waterless wash and wax friendly to use, causing no skin or eye irritation, unlike other similar products. The kit comes with one gallon of this waterless Wash Wax, a 16oz spray bottle of Wash Wax, four microfiber towels, and a how-to-use guide, as well as a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros:
+ UV protective coating
+ Waterless wash and wax product
+ Economically friendly, lasting a minimum of 36 cars
+ Water-based, environmentally friendly, and safe to use
+ Comes in a kit with ideal additions
Why We Like It – Unlike other competitors of similar features, this Aero Cosmetics waterless wash for cars not only cleans but also protects with a non-stick UV coating, shielding the paint from sun damage that may cause discoloration. Not only this, the water-based, biodegradable formula makes is not only environmentally friendly but also economically friendly, as it lasts a minimum of 36 waterless car washes. This is a great product from Aero Cosmetics.
3. Adam’s Waterless Wash
This great value product has a formula that has been created with extra lubricants and surfactants, removing dirt from your finish while avoiding scratching the paint, especially when used with a Waterless Wash microfiber towel. These towels have been specifically designed in a ‘waffle-weave’ pattern that removes and traps any dust and dirt into the towel, reducing the opportunity for scratching.
It’s a powerful cleaner created to remove particles of dirt without damaging surfaces. Using an advanced blend of wetting agents and emulsifiers, Adam’s Waterless Wash encases dirt, which makes it easy to clean and finish without using water. The formula is very versatile and can be used for light jobs such as dusting or window cleaning, as well as for tougher tasks like dirt. It can even be used as a light wheel cleaner.
The eco-friendly formula has a tropical scent and is made from a range of high-quality ingredients that give equally high-quality results. Made in the USA and with a 110% satisfaction guarantee, you are sure to be pleased with the results.
Pros:
+ Great value
+ Specially designed microfiber towels
+ Can be used for lighter jobs as well as more labor intense jobs
+ Made from high-quality ingredients
Why We Like It – This a great value waterless wash product, coming with not only the given spray bottle but also unique microfiber towels that are specifically designed to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. The formula is not only suitable for lighter jobs but also works on tougher marks. It also has a unique, tropical scent that you wouldn’t get with most competitors.
4. Ultima ULT-8016C Waterless Wash
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This waterless wash is easy to use, with just 1/2 ounce of concentrate making 22 ounces of ready-to-use spray wash. The formula has a very good cleaning ability as well as gloss strengthening, rapidly and carefully cleaning surfaces, plastic, glass, chrome, and even wheels, without using water.
There is no need to hose, rinse, or dry, with the formula leaving the surfaces of your vehicle not only clean but also protected from severe elements and UV rays that can be harmful. It is easy to use and lasts a long time due to the minimal amount of product used, working best when applied with a high-quality, microfiber towel.
Pros:
+ Waterless wash product economically friendly
+ Protects the car from harmful elements
+ Multiple surface use
Why We Like It – This economic waterless car wash is one of the best due to how long the product lasts. Unlike other similar products, this formula is completed at home, leaving you the opportunity to make and use as much as you want. As well as a cleaning product, the formula also strengthens the gloss and protects the surface from harmful elements.
5. TriNova Waterless Car Wash
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This waterless wash and wax kit not only cleans but also protects the paint on your car with one quick and easy application. A small 1/2 ounce of concentrate gives you a full bottle of solution that will clean your standard-sized car and more, so the product is very long-lasting and economically friendly. As well as the concentrate, the wash kit comes also comes with a reusable spray bottle and premium, high-quality microfiber cloth that has been specially designed to encase grime, sediment, and dirt, removing it without scratching or damaging the paint.
The spray, as well as cleaning the vehicle, also provides a protective coating that resists water and harmful UV rays. Better than simple soap, the Trinova Waterless wash is convenient. It makes no mess as there is no need for a hose or even a bucket to wash product off, significantly reducing the time taken to clean your car in comparison with normal car washes at home.
Pros:
+ Economical
+ Comes with reusable spray bottle and cloth
+ Gives a protective coating (wax)
+ Waterless wash and wax product
Why We Like It – Trinova’s waterless wash and wax product is great value, and with the concentrate is a self-measuring container, it is easy to mix at home. With a simple spray and wipe system, this waterless wash and wax product gives fantastic, long-lasting results for your car. This affordable, convenient, and easy-to-use product goes a long way.
6. Carfidant Ceramic Coating Spray Car Wax
Able to work on all paint, aluminum, chrome, and headlights, Carfidant ceramic coating spray can be used on your whole vehicle, helping it stay clean by preventing dirt, grease, and sediment from plastering into the paint. This easy, wipe-on wipe-off spray has a specifically formed SiO2 sealant, coating the paint of the car to maintain that polished shine.
This ceramic coating spray not only provides the ideal waterless car wash but also has the added benefits of a light polish and wax, simply sprayed on the car and easily wiped off with a microfiber towel, giving a polished shiny final product. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back, you simply can’t go wrong with this waterless wash and wax product.
Pros:
+ Prevents dirt coating the paint
+ Lightly polishes and waxes as well as cleans
+ High-quality waterless car wash and wax product
+ 100% satisfaction or your money
Why We LIke It – This waterless car wash not only saves water and time, cleaning your car in just minutes, but it also leaves you with a light polish and wax. Made of high-quality chemicals, this formula does exactly what it says on the bottle and has a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back if you don’t agree.
7. Griot’s Garage 11065 Spray-On Car Wash
Cleaning your car to a fantastic shine, this spray-on car wash rapidly and harmlessly leaves your vehicle looking fresh. Spray on and leave for just 10-15 seconds. There is no need for a bucket or hose. It’s ideal for areas that are susceptible to drought. Simply spray the product onto the panels of the car. The formula clings to the dirt and breaks up the grime quickly, removed by just wiping it off.
The high lubricity quality of this waterless car wash spray means it easily lifts any grime and sediment off of the surface of the paint, encasing the particles that may cause damage, so you can safely wipe away without feat of scratches. This product is specifically designed to be used with Griot’s Garage microfiber spray-on car washcloths, which are incredibly thick and soft.
Pros:
+ Breaks up the dirt and grime
+ High lubricity
+ Wipe away without the fear of scratching
Why We Like It – With just a 10-15 second wait, this is one of the best waterless car washes. The formula contains a high amount of lubricant, which not only makes the dirt and dust easy to remove, it also leaves a glossy finish and shine without causing any damage or scratching the paint.
8. Rain-X 620100 Waterless Car Wash
With no water needed, this eco-friendly and convenient waterless car wash is also a rain repellent and is quick and easy to use. The straightforward spray on, wipe off product not only cleans your vehicle but also leaves it with a protectant layer that also contains water repellent technology. The water repellent not only protects the surface of the car but also helps with visibility when driving in the rain, sleet, or snow.
This waterless car wash can be used safely on all exterior surfaces of the vehicle, with a highly lubricated formula that makes cleaning easy and helps prevent scratches on the surface. The car is left looking smooth with a sheen finish, which means you don’t need any wax.
Pros:
+ Eco-friendly
+ Water repellent technology
+ Highly lubricated
+ No need for wax
Why We Like It – The simple spray-on, wipe-off application of this product makes it easy to use. It not only cleans but leaves the car with a nice shine that repels water. Completed in a quick five minutes, this convenient car wash is perfect for a swift clean, and flawless shine.
9. Chemical Guys EcoSmart-RU Waterless Car Wash and Wax
This easy-to-use waterless car wash and wax product from Chemical Guys means it takes just minutes to clean your car. Chemical Guys have created the ultimate waterless formula that not only washes your car but also waxes and protects it quickly. In a shaded area, with the surface of the vehicle cool to the touch, simply spray on and carefully rub dirt away using a clean microfiber towel. Give it a quick buff with a different, clean microfiber towel to finish off, and you are left with a glossy, clean car.
Available for use on almost the whole exterior of the vehicle, this Chemical Guys spray will not only clean paint but also wheels, windows, wing mirrors, and more, on any surface, whether wet or dry. You don’t need to dilute the solution as it’s ready to use straight out of the spray bottle. However, the waterless car wash can also be re-diluted if desired, with a simple 1:1 or even one part solution and two-part water, depending on the strength desired.
This small feature makes this Chemical Guys product one of the best waterless car washes as it’s more economically friendly. It’s a good idea to purchase a set of microfiber towels with this as you will find them useful in achieving the perfect finished look.
Pros:
+ Waterless car wash/wax product
+ Chemical Guys is quick and easy to use
+ Can last longer by diluting if desired
Why We Like It – This waterless car wash and wax is gentle on the vehicle surface, easy to apply, and very lubricated. Effortlessly removing dirt and grime, this formula leaves a glossy, polished car. This product is ideal because, unlike others, it can be used on either a wet or dry surface, meaning it works in a variety of weather conditions. This makes it one of the best waterless car washes.
10. 3D Final Touch Waterless Car Wash
This fast-acting, easy-to-use waterless car wash is one of the best, giving your car not only a wash but also a wax at the same time, leaving you with a smooth, showroom shine on paint, glass or chrome. This final touch, waterless car wash acts rapidly and is easy to remove, meaning no residue marks are left behind from, say, buffing. This quick and easy way to get rid of fingerprints and smears is used as a simple dry wash.
For application on surfaces that are not heavily covered in grime or sediment, simply spray on the exterior and wipe off with a soft, clean cloth such as microfiber towels. You will be left with an immediate, deep gloss. 3D Final Touch waterless car wash also conserves and protects the wax that has previously been used on the surface. It’s also a perfect lubricant if using a clay bar on your vehicle afterward.
Pros:
+ Fast-acting
+ Can be used lightly
+ Protects previous wax
+ Leaves you with a showroom look
Why We Like It – Convenient and leaving you with a great shine, we particularly liked this product because it is environmentally safe and has a great scent that isn’t too overpowering. It keeps your vehicle looking fresh.
Waterless Car Wash Buyer’s Guide
Is Waterless Car Wash Any Good?
A waterless car wash is considerably more effective than you might imagine. It must be said; when the words “waterless car wash” are uttered, they produce an image of instant doubt and mockery from the traditional car wash enthusiast. However, this way to wash your car isn’t as bad as the back of your mind might be telling you.
For a start, several myths surround the waterless car wash. Myths that we hope to dispel here:
“I’ve heard that a waterless car wash will damage the paint on my car – is this true?” – It can be true, but it’s not the case for all waterless car wash products. If you purchase a product with a low-quality formula, it’s certainly likely to cause damage to your car’s paint. This is the same issue that comes up for essentially everything you ever purchase for your car, though. For example, buying low-quality spark plugs are much more likely to misfire sooner than high-quality products.
Buying a cheap head unit with less quality than most is more likely to damage the audio systems of your car or simply stop working. Using a car cover that is not so high quality may damage the paintwork while you have it in storage. So you can see that purchasing the right product, of the best quality, is vital for everything, including when you buy a waterless car wash products. For example, always avoid products including silicone, as the silicone particles can irreparably damage your car’s paint as soon as they are exposed to UV radiation.
We would also recommend buying from a trusted brand. Other things may also damage the paintwork, including your washing technique and the type of rag you are using. A waterless car wash is designed to be used with microfiber cloths. Anything else may result in damage to your paint, so be careful of that. Make sure that you get yourself some microfiber cloths for when you use your product.
“I’ve heard that a waterless car wash isn’t actually very environmentally-friendly at all – is it not?” – How friendly any product is for the environment is always an opinion, rather than a set fact. For essentially all products and materials, there is evidence that points in both directions. A waterless car wash product is no different. You should make sure to pick a product that is VOC compliant.
The main environmental benefit from a waterless car wash is perhaps the most obvious – the lack of water. A traditional car wash can use huge amounts of water, especially if you use a hose to wash the soapy suds off. You will also inevitably end up draining large amounts of soapy water and oils into the environment (although how bad this actually is for the environment is, again, debated).
A waterless car wash, by definition, does not result in any of this. Apart from anything, it will keep your water bill down, at the same time contributing to water conservation. If you live in hot, dry areas such as California, this may be most applicable to you.
These myths aside, a waterless wash is very effective, but it must be used in the conditions and situations. We will look into this in more detail in the “When Should You Use a Waterless Car Wash” section of this buyer’s guide.
When Should You Use a Waterless Car Wash?
These waterless wash products are designed to remove light dirt and dust. If you have been off-roading and your car is completely caked in two inches of dried mud, a waterless car wash is quite simply not going to do it for you. You’ll need some major amounts of patience, water, and car wash kit accessories for this situation!
Rather than this, as mentioned, a waterless car wash product is for light dirt and dust. We will go through how to use a waterless car wash in this buyer’s guide, under the section entitled “How Do You Clean a Dirty Car Without Water?”.
In general, you should see the waterless car wash as a quick way to wash your car in between full washes, although if you use them carefully, they can do a great job alone.
Does Waterless Car Wash Remove Wax?
Nope. Some waterless car wash products will both wash and wax your car. When you use your product, it often contains a wax which is used to “top-up” the wax on your car. This is much the same principle as when you use a traditional car wash soap. Although how much wax is realistically applied is hotly debated with waterless wash car cleaners. Every little always helps.
How Do You Clean a Dirty Car Without Water?
Here, we will go through the basics of how to use your waterless car wash product in a few simple, basic steps.
Get your car ready. One of the best ways to do this, and a way that is often overlooked, is to use a clay bar kit. This will remove as many of the particulates embedded into the paint of your car as possible. This then creates a smooth surface that is perfect for the use of your waterless car wash.
Get yourself ready. Have your waterless car wash product ready, along with your microfibre cloth.
Start at the top of the car, spraying the panel enough to saturate the dirt and dust. You should aim to cover an area that is approximately the size of half of the hood.
Only wipe in one direction. If you find yourself wiping in circles, you’ll just be wiping dirt over areas you have just cleaned on your car. It doesn’t make any sense in a waterless car wash. Once the panel is completely dry, repeat these steps over the entire of the rest of the car.
Keep an eye on the microfibre cloth. When it gets too dirty, it won’t remove dirt as effectively anymore. You should hold the cloth folded in such a way as to be able to use multiple different parts of it at different times. It will also probably be useful to have several different cloths available as the others get dirty.
That’s genuinely all there is to it. You can see the appeal for the waterless wash in terms of the amount of time taken compared to traditional wet washes, as well as the convenience of being able to use a product like this in almost any situation and location, provided you have your microfibre cloths with you.
Conclusion
So, should you use a wet or waterless car wash? What is best for you?
In our opinion, you will likely benefit from using both, if you have good access to water and a variety of rags and washcloths in your wash kit. However, one of the main benefits of waterless car wash products is that they can be used anywhere. Although some of these waterless wash products may require a minimal amount of water (you should always check this on every product before you purchase it if it might be a problem!), they are much easier to use in the large majority of situations.
We would, therefore, recommend purchasing a waterless car wash as well as having a traditional wash kit available for your car. For more information on washing your car with a traditional car wash soap product, take a look at our other articles.
We hope this article has been useful for you and will help you to decide what the best waterless car wash product will be for you.
