In your home

rebates DSE top banner 2

 

Vehicle washing

On Stage 1 water restrictions, can I wash my car?Young girl washing the car with bucket water

Yes, you can wash your car at home now using a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning device. 
 
You can also wash your car by using a water efficient commercial or mobile car wash.  Only commercial or mobile car washes which meet water-efficient and EPA  requirements can operate in metropolitan Melbourne - which mean that they must use a set number of litres of drinking water per vehicle or less and properly dispose of any waste water.

And of course you can wash your car at home if you are using an alternative source of water such as rainwater.
 

What is a high pressure water cleaning device and can I use a trigger nozzle or water wand instead? 

A high pressure cleaning device significantly increases the pressure of the standard tap (or other source of water). Powered by an external power source (usually by a standard electrical cord), they use up to 80% less water than the standard hose. On Stage 1 water restrictions, trigger nozzles or water wands can now be used to wash cars.

Washing at home the right way 

The waste water produced by washing cars at home can be harmful to our waterways and rivers, so please try to follow the following tips. 

  • Seek out biodegradable and environmentally sensitive car washing products.

  • Wash your car on top of grassed areas where possible.  Lawn can help in filtering out chemicals and pollutants from waste water.  Avoid washing your car on the street if at all possible.

  • If washing using a bucket - use warm water, it will save on elbow grease and you will need less car washing product too. 

  • Consider using a commercial car wash if your car is especially dirty.  Car washes treat their waste water similar to sewage,  meaning it will stay out of our waterways.   


Car Wash Logo - Water Saving Rating StarsHow do I know if a commercial car wash is an approved, water efficient car wash?

Only approved, water efficient commercial or mobile car washes may operate.  Look for signage that contains the Water Saver Rating Logo.  Commercial car washes who display this sign work within water restrictions under an approved Water Conservation Plan.