Can you wash your car with only water?

[iseeu1001]

Hi people, I was wondering if I can wash my car only with water to remove the snow white parts. It shows and it snowed a lot yesterday so I was wondering if I can clean it with only water and a rag.

 

[Slash]

Anything is better than nothing. Water won't hurt it. Salt does.

 

[ildd]

I'd recommend using a sponge instead of a rag. Using only water isn't ideal, but only good can come from it.

 

[Joey D]

I just go to one of the do-it-yourself quarter car washes and blast my car with the powerwasher during the winter to get the grime off, works get and only costs me $1.25.

 

[iseeu1001]

I'd recommend using a sponge instead of a rag. Using only water isn't ideal, but only good can come from it.

What about a dish washing sponge?

 

[ildd]

What about a dish washing sponge?

As long as it's not very coarse or stiff. That could take the paint off...

 

[Mikeybc]

Washing a car without soap though could lead to fine scratching or swirl marks in the paint, proper car wash soap helps lubricate the sponge and help suspend the dirt to prevent the sponge from grinding the dirt into the paint. I'd just hose it off if you only have water.

 

[niky]

What he said. Washing with a sponge and water is like trying to pan-fry an egg without oil.

Even if it's a teflon pan, it's not a good idea.

 

[Jet Badger]

Washing with a sponge or a rag is all in all no good. Sand particles, dust and whatnot get cought in it and scratch your paint all the way as you go. I just use a brush and two buckets with regular shampoo. Then again, the car is quite a beater.

 

[McLaren]

Use a microfiber towel if you're just going to use water to clean it. I would not recommend using anything else unless specifically made for drying cars.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Hi people, I was wondering if I can wash my car only with water to remove the snow white parts. It shows and it snowed a lot yesterday so I was wondering if I can clean it with only water and a rag.

Anything is indeed better than nothing but if you have access to a drive through car was with underbody spray, I would do that. Especially if you live in a state that throws a lot of salt onto the roads. Those car washes spray an insane amount of volume of cleaning solvent and water to wash the ENTIRE car. This removes all the salt from anywhere on your vehicle including under the car. Which most people neglect and end up seeing the rust damage within 5-10 years. We have a local car wash with underbody spray that is only $5.00. Well worth it. Depending on how much snow we get, I take it through at least once a week. Especially if they are throwing down salt. In Michigan they do it almost every time it snows.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

No don't. Water does not provide enough lubrication to move the dirt away. If you use water and a rag, you might as well be washing your car with sandpaper, doing it that way is a sure way to put a crap load of scratches in your car and decrease the resale value.

Just use soap and warm water, thats what I do.