A waterless car wash is a high lubricity spray that’s designed to clean light dirt, grime, bugs, tar and much more. It’s one of the best products to use that replaces a car wash soap and can be used to quickly wash your car without requiring a garden hose.
The best waterless car wash is the Adam’s Waterless Wash, which is made with advanced emulsifiers and special lubricants for a safe and eco-friendly wash.
Table of Contents
Waterless Car Wash Comparison
| Waterless Car Wash | Contains Wax? | Multiple Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Adam's Polishes | No | Yes |
| Aero Cosmetics | Yes | No |
| Meguiar's G3626 Ultimate | Yes | No |
| Chemical Guys EcoSmart | Yes | Yes |
| TriNova Gold Standard | Yes | No |
| FW1 Cleaning Wax | Yes | No |
| Griot's Garage 11065 | No | Yes |
| Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine | No | Yes |
| McKee's 37 N-914 | No | Yes |
| Rain-X 620100 | Yes | No |
Using a waterless car wash and microfiber towel makes cleaning your car quick and easy. You simply spray the dirty panel, allow it to soak into the dirt and then wipe it clear using a clean towel. To avoid causing any scratches or swirls, you will want to use minimum pressure whilst wiping and ensure that all the residue is removed.
It’s important to note that a waterless car wash is designed for light dirt and debris. If your car is covered in stubborn dirt, the best option would be to clear the dirt away using a car pressure washer instead.
Below is a list of the best waterless car washes that allow you to clean your car in minutes and without the need to access a water supply.
The Best Waterless Car Wash
1. Adam’s Waterless Car Wash
Adam’s are a premium detailing brand that produce a wide variety of products. Their waterless car wash is one of their most popular and uses an extra-slick lubricating formula to lift dirt. There is no need for a hose as the formula simply wipes clear without any water.
In order to reduce the chances of any scratches to the paintwork, it uses an advanced blend of emulsifiers and wetting agents to capture the dirt.
Other features of the Adam’s Waterless Wash include:
- Made in the USA
- Extra surfactants and lubricants
- Tropical aura scent and color
- High quality reusable spray bottle
- Nozzle provides multiple spray patterns
- Suitable for use in direct sunlight
- 110% satisfaction guarantee
- Bulk buy options available
Adam’s Waterless Car Wash is one of the best options for safely removing light dirt and surface contamination with ease. Unlike other formulas, Adam’s have developed it to be less invasive, which helps to prolong previous products applied to the paint.
The brand also offer a ceramic waterless wash formula, which is designed to act as a cleaner and booster for those with a ceramic coating applied.
Check it Out2. Aero Cosmetics Waterless Car Wash Wax
The Aero Cosmetics is by far the most popular waterless car wash and wax formulas that can be used with or without water. It’s a high quality product that has been used within the aircraft industry for over 30 years with great success.
It comes as a complete kit that includes a gallon of the wash and wax, reusable spray bottle and multiple microfiber towels.
Other features of the Aero Cosmetics Wash and Wax include:
- Water based formula
- Alcohol and ammonia free
- Leaves an anti-static UV protective coating
- 4 microfiber towels included
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
- Made in the USA
The Aero Cosmetic formula meets both the Boein Aircraft Cleaning spec and Airbus AIMS, which shows its quality. It’s one of the best options on the market and the brand states that the 1 gallon bottle can be used over 50 times.
Check it Out3. Meguiar’s G3626 Ultimate Waterless Wash
Meguiar’s is a brand that needs no introduction and their Ultimate Waterless Wash is a long lasting formula that lasts weeks. This is thanks to an advanced polymer chemistry that leaves a durable synthetic wax barrier.
According to the brand, it’s a versatile formula that can be used on all glossy paints, glass, chrome, polished metals and even plastic trim.
Other features of the Meguiar’s G3626 include:
- High lubricity and spot-free formula
- Suitable for most automotive surfaces
- No equipment required
- Long lasting wax barrier
- Each bottle washes up to 4 cars
- 26 ounce spray bottle
The Ultimate Waterless Wash by Meguiar’s is an excellent all-round formula that can be used on most automotive surfaces. Another great benefit is that it offers excellent value for the money when you consider it’s a 26 ounce bottle.
Check it Out4. Chemical Guys Waterless Car Wash and Wax
The Chemical Guys waterless car wash and wax is a 3-in-1 formula that’s suitable for most automotive surfaces. It’s a wash and wax formula that’s similar to the Aero Cosmetics alternative but it doesn’t come with the expensive price tag.
Included within the formula is a carnauba extract, which is a desirable ingredient that’s often found in many high quality car waxes.
Other features of the Chemical Guys EcoSmart-RU include:
- Scratch and swirl-free shine
- Multiple bottle sizes to choose from
- Suitable for paint, wheels, windows and more
- Eco-friendly and natural formula
- Provides a pleasant smell
- Hyper efficient lubricating agents and gloss enhancers
- Wash, wax and protectant in one application
The Chemical Guys EcoSmart-RU is an affordable option that’s easy to use and provides great results. Although it’s slightly more expensive than the Meguiair’s alternative, the formula does include carnauba, which is known for improving the shine.
Check it Out5. TriNova Waterless Car Wash and Wax Kit
The TriNova Gold Standard is a high performing rinse free solution that lifts dirt without causing any scratches to the paintwork. Each bottle is enough for 40 washes and it’s designed to leave a protective shiny finish.
In order to use this waterless car wash, you need to pour half an ounce of the concentrate formula into the spray bottle and then fill it with water to make a full bottle.
Other features of the TriNova Waterless Wash and Wax Kit include:
- Durable and lasts between 7 to 21 days
- Concentrated formula that is suitable for 40 washer
- Suitable for all colors and automotive surfaces
- Protective wax coating
- 18 oz bottle
- Made in the USA
The TriNova is another 2-in-1 formula that’s very popular across the USA and provides excellent results. It allows you to quickly wash your car after small journeys and won’t disappoint.
Check it Out6. FW1 Carnauba Waterless Wash & Wax
The Fast Wax waterless car wash is a highly rated formula that uses a unique blend of cleaning agents, lubricants and carnauba wax. It’s suitable for use on all types of automotive surfaces as well as fiberglass, headlights and non-porous plastics.
According to the Fast Wax brand, by using this formula, you are able to effectively remove tar, tree sap, grease, oil, bugs and surface oxidation.
Other features of the FW1 Waterless Wash and Wax include:
- Deep show car shine results
- Suitable for all automotive surfaces
- Lifts stubborn dirt and debris
- Zero water required
- Clear and gel coat safe
- Carnauba protective wax finish
it’s a premium waterless car wash that’s highly effective and provides a long lasting protective finish. The brand state that it’s used by professionals as well as pit crews that need to clean race cars. Therefore, it’s more than ideal for everyday cars that need spot cleaning.
Check it Out7. Griot’s Garage 11065 Spray-On Car Wash
The Griot’s Garage 11065 is a popular waterless car wash that uses a high lubricity liquid to lift dirt and grime. It’s available in multiple bottle sizes and requires no diluting, which means it can be sprayed straight onto the car for instant cleaning.
For the best results, Griot’s Garage recommend that you use their microfiber cloths, which helps to prevent scratches whilst wiping off the formula.
Other features of the Griot’s Garage 11065 include:
- Removes road grime, dirt and bugs
- Available in multiple bottle sizes
- Can be used as a lubricant with a clay bar
- Durable 35 oz spray bottle
- Bulk buy and complete kit buying options
The Griot’s Garage 11065 is a popular option with an affordable price tag that also has the backing of the reputable Griot’s Garage brand. Unlike other similar priced alternatives, it does a great job at removing bugs as well as lifting stubborn dirt.
Check it Out8. Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
Another popular waterless car wash is the Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine. It uses an exclusive blend of high lubricating polymers, which are designed to bond to the paint whilst releasing dirt and grime.
The brand state that it’s suitable for all automotive surfaces as well as fiberglass, wood, airplanes and much more.
Other features of the Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine include:
- Concentrated formula that dilutes with 1 or 2 gallons of water
- Safely lifts dirt and grime
- No streaks or residue left behind
- Can be used with a clay bar
- 8, 32 and 1 gallon bottle options
- Available as a complete kit
The only main drawback is that you will need to dilute the formula each time you wish to use it. However, this does mean that it’s very long lasting and each bottle will go a long way.
Overall, the Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine is an excellent all-round waterless car wash that cleans, shines and protects in a single application.
Check it Out9. McKee’s 37 Rinseless Waterless Wash
McKee’s 37 are a highly reputable brand and have recently released their improved Rinseless Wash formula. It’s a 4-in-1 formula that can even be used as a wheel cleaner.
The formula itself is highly concentrated and needs to be diluted beforehand for the best results. According to the brand, it uses an advanced surfactant that cleans your car without leaving a film behind, which can alter the characteristics of the sealant or wax.
Other features of the McKee’s 37 Rinseless Wash include:
- Highly concentrated
- Multiple applications based upon dilution
- Can be used with a clay bar
- Pleasant scent during application
- Doesn’t contain protective polymers or glossing agents
- Available as a 16 oz or 128 oz bottle
- Eco-friendly formula
The McKee’s 37 Rinseless Wash is a premium option that’s similar to the Adam’s polish. The formulas of both don’t include any polymers or glossing agents and have been designed to safely clean the car.
Check it Out10. Rain-X 620100 Waterless Car Wash
The Rain-X 620100 is a cheap waterless car wash that actually worth buying. It’s a highly lubricated formula that safely lifts dirt and leaves behind a water repellent coating that protects the paint.
As well as providing a safe and easy method of cleaning your car, it also increases the shine levels similar to a waxed car.
Other features of the Rain-X 620100 include:
- Patented water repellent technology
- Safe for all exterior surfaces
- Highly lubricated scratch-free formula
- Can be used as an auto glass cleaner
- 32 oz bottle
Overall, the Rain-X 620100 is an affordable waterless car wash that cleans and provide a water repellent finish. It can also be applied to all exterior surfaces, which makes the application far easier.
Check it OutWaterless Car Wash Buying Guide
It can be difficult to keep your car shiny and clean when you’re on a busy schedule and don’t have time to go to the car wash. However, using a waterless car wash can make it a little easier to keep your car free of dirt and grime.
The use of a waterless car wash should only be for light dirt and debris only. It’s won’t be able to lift thick layers of dirt, mud or tar that has bonded with the paintwork.
It’s designed to work on its own, so you don’t have to use your car washing hose. This means you can spot clean at home, at cars shows and anywhere else where water isn’t accessible.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding waterless car washes.
Intended Result
When you are looking to buy a waterless car wash, you not only want it to clean your car but also do it with maximum safety. There are hundreds of cheap solutions that you can use but a waterless car wash solution is designed to lift dirt safely.
In terms of its limitations, most formulas are designed to remove light dirt, grime, debris and surface contamination with ease. Some even leave a protective wax layer afterwards, which helps repel water and dirt.
Pre-Mixed vs Mix Yourself
Some waterless car washes come pre-mixed, while others require you to mix two or more parts of the formula together yourself.
Pre-mixed car washes are generally easier to use and you don’t need to do any measurements. However, in the long run, they are going to be more expensive to use unless you purchase a reusable spray bottle and a bulk container.
Protective Finish
Due to the advanced polymer technology used in the development, many waterless car wash formulas include wax, which helps protect the paint.
This has the result of leaving a protective wax barrier once applied to the car. They are also designed to not strip any wax, sealant or a ceramic coating previously applied.
Portability
Compared to washing your car with a mitt, bucket and hose, using a waterless car wash is truly portable. This means you can use it before a car show or inside of your garage. You can also leave the spray bottle in the trunk and out of direct sunlight so that it’s ready to be used.
No Residue
Water can sometimes leave streaks or drip marks behind, which can ruin the overall appearance. Some brands of waterless car washes state that they are designed to be spot and streak free, which provides far better results. However, it’s worth noting that the finish will depend upon whether you follow the manufacturers recommended application.
Accessories Included
Some waterless car washes come with accessories such as a wash cloth, sponge and reusable spray bottle. This can be very helpful if you don’t already have these accessories as you don’t have to buy them separately. Some brands also state that their formula can only be used with their own cloths but this isn’t necessarily true.
Can Be Applied To Multiple Surfaces
Most cars will have multiple surfaces upon the exterior which include the paint, plastic trim, glass, chrome and much more. You will want to ensure that the formula you use can be safely applied upon all automotive surfaces.
It’s fairly easy for the spray to fall onto these other surfaces and you will want to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage. Other surfaces that some formulas can be sprayed onto include wood, fiberglass, mirrors and much more.
Safe Chemicals
Many waterless car washes would have been developed using natural ingredients that are biodegradable. The environmentally friendly formulas ensure that there are no harmful chemicals present that may strip wax previously applied or damage trim.
Conclusion
Waterless car washes are very convenient, effective and good for the environment. Many people assume that they can be used for cars that are absolutely covered in dirt but that isn’t the case. It’s used for many minor bits of dirt, contamination or bug removal.
All of our recommendations are reasonably priced and very popular across the USA. Our team have used the Adam’s Polishes waterless car wash and were blown away by the results and we highly recommend that you try out a number of the best waterless car washes available.
