Waterless Wash and Wax Kit? …6 Pros & Cons

Shine of Car's Paint Finish After CleaningLet me start off by saying that I have a bias opinion. The first time I tried using this waterless car wash and wax kit, I knew I was not going back to using water.

That said, I am going to cover what I think are the pros and cons of a waterless car wash. Keep in that this viewpoint comes from an average car owner’s perspective.

I don’t detail cars professionally, nor do I spend my weekends working on my vehicle. However, I do want to have it look good with the least amount of effort.

Who doesn’t, right?

Advantages of a Waterless Wash-Wax Kit:

1. It is Eco Friendly.

Man Cleaning Car with Waterless Wash & Wax
courtesy of https://washwax.com
When we don’t use water to clean our cars, we are preserving a natural resource. In cities that experience drought, it becomes even more important to preserve water.

Some neighborhoods may even ban homeowners from using water to wash their cars in their own driveway. A waterless car wash spray instantly resolves this problem.

In addition to minimizing water use, many no-rinse car wash solutions are made up of all-natural ingredients. When you wash out your car-washing rags, you can feel good about not washing toxic chemicals down the drain.

2. You Can Save Money… Think a $1 Car Wash

Washing your own vehicle is a cost-saver as long as the process doesn’t take up a lot of time. The no-water procedure requires less supplies, less space and less time. I average about $1 per wash and wax, and that’s cheap!

In fact, I think I can wash and wax my own truck in about the same time as it would take me to drop my car off at the car wash and wait to have other people clean it for me. Yes, while I am waiting at the carwash, I can talk or fiddle around on my phone or something, but usually it’s nothing productive.

Waterless Wash and Wax Kit with Towels and Scrubber

3. You Can Wash Your Car in the Garage.

No water means that I can actually give my SUV a carwash in the middle of winter without me having to go outside. I just do it in the garage. It’s easy, convenient, and it motivates my to keep my car cleaner.

When all I have to do is spray down my car and wipe off the cleaner, it makes the job of car washing much less intimidating than having to pull out a bucket and a hose. Spot treatments? No problem. A quick wipe-down? Yes, I have 5 minutes for that.

4. Wash ‘n Wax Means Less Frequent Cleaning.

Man Relaxing by Pool in Chaise LoungeWaterless car wash products are nice, but using a treatment that waxes your car at the same is way better. Why? Because the polymer additive protects the finish and helps keep your car looking shinier for longer, so less washes are required.

In my experience, both processes (wax and no-wax) take about the same amount of time. You buff out the wax finish as you wipe off the cleaner, therefore, you finish faster.

I don’t mind washing my car, but yes, less work is better. =)

Disadvantages to Using a Dry Car Wash Kit:

1. Washing Requires Effort

We all know that washing our own cars will be more work that having someone else wash it for us. That’s obvious.

However, you may not know that a waterless wash & wax treatment takes significantly less time than a traditional hose-and-bucket wash. In addition, waxing the car afterwards take work.

2. You Have to Buy the Kit

Yes, washing your own car can save you a lot of money over the long run. However, the supplies cost money. But you probably already knew this as well.

That said, you don’t need to buy fancy cleaning equipment. Plus, you don’t have to be skilled or knowledgeable to use this special wash style. Cars still come out looking great.

Waterless Car Wash Pros & Cons

What to Look for in a Waterless Wash and Wax Kit:

Go with All-Natural

All natural car cleaning products typically will not irritate eyes or skin. Plus, they can be used on a variety of different surfaces such as leather, countertops and appliances. (They provide a great value because they can be used for so many clean-up jobs!)

  • Water-Based
  • Petroleum-Free
  • Biodegradable

Other Key Factors

  • No Ammonia or Alcohol (that can damage car finishes)
  • A Product that can be used on wet and dry surfaces (more versatile)
  • Cleaners that are safe to use on all or most surfaces (better value)

What Should You Pay for Waterless Wash Kits?

There are high-quality waterless wash/wax kits out there that cost less than $2/wash. Usually, you don’t need to spend any more than that. Therefore, I don’t recommend that most people do (unless you are looking for a specialty product).

Buying in larger quantities or pre-made packages are a good way to also get the cost down on more expensive products. I have listed some of the top-rated products below. They are also available in smaller versions. Nonetheless, they cost more per wash when you buy the smaller amount, of course.


3D Waterless Car Wash, 1 Gallon
94¢/wash

approx 32 washes

Waterless Wash Wax Kit
97¢/wash

(w/cloths, sponge & spray)
approx 36 washes

Chemical Guys Waterless Car Wash, 1 Gallon
91¢/wash

approx 32 washes

PS: Don’t put microfiber towels in the dryer where they can collect lint from other items. In addition, high heat and fabric softeners can cause them to lose their electrostatic charge which makes them so effective at cleaning. I hand-rinse my washing towels when I am done using them. Therefore, it takes virtually no time at all.