Waterless Car Wash for RVs, Vans, and Cars

Keeping your vehicle clean without access to running water can be a challenge. Trust me, I know! Living off-grid in Canada, I don’t have conventional water access at home. On my recent journey to Mexico, water access was limited too. That’s why my Dad’s DIY waterless car wash formula has been a lifesaver. Over the years, I’ve used this simple yet effective method on my van, car, and even my motorhome.

This formula works wonders, especially on high-gloss paint, but you’ll get the best results if you keep your vehicle as clean as possible between uses. Below, I’ll walk you through the process, from the recipe to the tools you’ll need, and some tips to ensure a sparkling finish.

DIY Waterless Car Wash Recipe

This tried-and-true formula is incredibly easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 part (1 cup) liquid wax – I’ve had the best results with Turtle Wax. Make sure it’s liquid!  Check the Amazon Price here.  

• 2 parts (2 cups) water – Just plain water does the trick.

• 1 tsp dish soap – This might surprise you, but the dish soap’s main job is to keep everything flowing smoothly through your trigger sprayer.

Tools You’ll Need

• A good-quality trigger spray bottle – Did you know there are versions that work upside down? Perfect for those hard-to-reach areas! Get my favorite sprayer from Amazon here.  

• Multiple high-quality microfiber cloths – These are a must for streak-free cleaning. Best pricing I have found on Amazon here.

• California dust cloth – Ideal for removing as much dust as possible before applying the formula. Check the price on Amazon here.  Also available at Canadian Tire.  

Optional: If you’re tackling particularly dirty areas, keep a bucket of water on hand for pre-cleaning those tough spots.

How to Use the Waterless Car Wash Formula

1. Pre-clean the vehicle.
   Before starting, remove as much dust as possible however you can, I use a "California dust cloth". For very dirty areas, quickly wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth or rinse with a bucket of water.

2. Spray the formula.
   Shake your spray bottle well and lightly mist a small section of your vehicle. Work in small sections to avoid streaks and keep things manageable.

3. Wipe with microfiber cloths.
   Use one microfiber cloth to gently lift away dirt, then another clean dry one to buff to a shine. Rotate your cloths frequently to avoid spreading dirt around.

4. Repeat as needed.
   Continue until your entire vehicle is clean and shining.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• This formula is perfect for maintaining your vehicle between deeper cleans.

• Always use clean microfiber cloths to prevent scratching your paint.

• Avoid using the formula in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces to prevent streaking.

Why I Love This Formula

Not only is this recipe eco-friendly, but it’s also cost-effective and convenient for off-grid living or traveling. It’s saved me countless times when water access was limited, and it leaves my vehicles looking showroom-ready.

If you’re looking for the best tools to make this process even easier, check out these Amazon links:

• Trigger sprayer

• Microfiber cloths

• California dust cloth

Don't feel like making your own shocking news; you can buy it premade from Amazon click here.

With this waterless car wash formula and the right tools, you’ll never have to worry about access to running water again. It’s a simple solution that works for RVs, vans, cars, and more, keeping them spotless no matter where life takes you.

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