ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL … IT’S AN ALFA ROMEO
CAR WASH FREE MONTH
The traditional approach for drivers of beautiful cars is to wash them regularly. However, we all have a responsibility to save water and washing cars regularly and inefficiently can be wasteful.
Throughout the month of September, Alfa Romeo is recommending a car wash free month for drivers. Take the time that you would have spent washing your car, driving your car - it will still look beautiful. After all, it’s an Alfa Romeo.
Share your before and after photos here, or post on Facebook or Instagram tagging @AlfaRomeoUK and using #Carwashfreemonth.
When you do wash your car next, follow the expert tips below.
Top 10 expert tips on how to clean your Alfa Romeo
Proper maintenance and cleaning is still necessary to get the most from your car, therefore, we have worked with renowned detailer Richard Tipper to get his advice on how best to clean your car that limits water usage.
1. Start from the top
– An entire car of average dirtiness can be cleaned using just one standard sized bucket of water. Cleaning from the roof down not only means the cleanest areas are attended to first but the run-off water will help soften the dirt below.
2. Regular rinsing
- When washing the car with a bucket, the cleaning mitt or cloth should be rinsed out regularly and the dirtiest areas, such as wheels, should be left until last. To avoid picking up grit when rinsing, use a grit guard in the bottom of the bucket. This separates any grit that could damage your paintwork from the water you want to reuse.
3. PH Neutral
– A pH neutral soap is biodegradable, so it breaks down naturally without leaving behind harmful residues. It also gives a lasting shine and is even suitable on classic cars. A couple of capfuls in a large bucket is all you need due to its concentrated formula.
4. Collect rainwater
– Levels of water hardness vary dramatically from county to county and can have a marked impact on car cleaning. Hard water can cause spot stains if not dried thoroughly and can also affect the amount of suds you get. Rainwater however is far softer, free, and readily available in this country. If you can collect rainwater in a vessel over time, be sure to fit a filter or mesh gauze to it to reduce the debris and contaminants that may have fallen with the rain, before using it to clean your car.
5. Get wet
- Another way to save water and utilise nature's most precious resource is to get outside and wash your car in the rain, pop your waterproofs on and get the kids involved for a fun outdoors activity.
6. Go waterless
– There are many effective cleaning products on the market today which do not require water, they work by softening and lifting dirt from the surface, coupled with a plush microfibre cloth to reduce swirls or scratches. Waterless products should always be purchased from a recognised industry standard manufacturer and supplier to ensure the best available is used and opt for cleaners with plant-based ingredients where possible for less environmental impact.
7. Steam clean
- Water expands 1700 times when it turns to steam, whilst this isn’t obvious when using steam to clean it is undeniably a significant water saving measure. Steam cleaners are expensive and specialised, and techniques and methods should be researched before use as it isn't recommended for all surfaces.
8. Check for leaks
- By far the most wasteful of all car cleaning methods is the hosepipe which can use up to 300 litres per wash. However, if you have to wash with a hose, always check your tap and attachments for any leaks. Kinks in the pipe and sand or grit in the attachments can all cause leaks which in turn can lead to hundreds of litres of water being wasted. If your hose is a trigger style hose gun, ensure its adjusted for minimum water volume and always switch to the fan jet setting to reduce water usage.
9. Switch off
- Simply switching off the tap to your hose when it is not being used will literally save 100’s of litres of water every time you wash your car.
10. Time it right
– As tempting as it is, avoid washing your car on a hot and sunny day as this can cause the water on the car to evaporate quicker than you can dry it leaving ugly water and soap marks which will need rinsing again, leading to more water consumption.