Rank | Picture | Name | Rating | Shop |
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL - Aero Cosmetics Wax Wash All | ||
#2 |  | RUNNER-UP - TriNova Waterless Car Wash | ||
#3 |  | Griot’s Garage Spray On Car Wash | ||
#4 |  | Rain-X Waterless Car Wash and Rain Repellant | ||
#5 |  | 3D Waterless Wash and Wax |
No matter how much you love your car, spending your weekend giving it a deep clean probably isn’t on the top of your list of fun things to do.
What puts people off from this chore is usually everything you need to get the job done, not to mention the mess you make with all that water.
The waterless car wash was invented as a way to solve this age-old problem.
Not only does it let you clean your car without the buckets of soapy water and gallons wasted from the hose, but you can do it virtually anywhere and any time, so you’re not restricted in how you keep it clean.
What are the best waterless car wash options and how do they work?
Waterless car wash uses a high lubricity spray to wash and polish the surface of the vehicle by applying chemicals that capture the dirt without the need for water. The best options on the market are those that are gentle to the vehicle’s bodywork but with enough power to clean the car like a regular wash.
This efficient method of washing the car is not only easier, but better for the environment as well, so it’s no wonder many prefer it.
If you’ve been considering switching to this mode of cleaning, we’ve got the top picks for the best waterless car wash products, and exactly what makes them so special.
Our Top Picks for the Best Waterless Car Wash
A waterless car wash takes the hassle out of cleaning your car, and helps you do your part for the plant, but they aren’t all worthy of your vehicle.
Rather than put you through the trial and error of finding one that works, we’ve got the best waterless car wash spray options on the market today so you can choose one that has our stamp of approval.
Winner: Aero Cosmetics Wax Wash All
Featured Specs
- Size: 144oz
- Chemical Base: Water based
- Wax: Yes
By far the best rated waterless car wash is Aero Cosmetics Wax Wash All. This is a high-performance wash and wax that’s sprayed onto the car to clean, and given a wax as you wipe it off, combining two important jobs in one. As a water-based cleaner, there’s no risk of ammonia or alcohol damaging the bodywork, and it requires minimal work to clean. This car wash comes in a complete kit with a full gallon of Wash Wax All, a 16 oz spray bottle of the product, a user guide, and four microfiber towels to provide a gentle clean.
All of Aero Cosmetics products are designed to be aircraft quality, and it’s obvious how much of a difference this makes in the final result. Customers were thrilled at the level of shine and cleanliness a waterless spray like this could have, and it’s all thanks to the unique formula used by airlines, Air Force One, and corporate and private aircraft owners.
On the downside, you’ll need to pay special attention to your windows and window shield after applying this as it has been known to affect visibility. Although it came off well when wiped with the correct towel on the body, you should work a little harder on the glass parts of the car to get them clean, which does add some time to the job. This is simply to avoid the swirl marks, so it lost some points in this aspect.
You can use Aero Cosmetics Wax Wash All in parking garages, backyards, driveways, and anywhere else you need to without making a mess. The formula is plant-based and eco friendly, biodegradable, and safe for humans to use, so you don’t have to worry about a list of harmful chemicals. If you need a deeper clean before you wax and wash, Aero Cosmetics also offers Polish All to help bring the shine back to your car and made with the high quality they’re known for.
To get your car the cleanest it’s ever been with a waterless wash, our number one pick is Aero Cosmetics Wax Wash All. Priced at around $38 for the complete kit on Amazon, plus free shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee, there’s no better choice out there for your car. To harness the power of aircraft cleaners more safely and easily, Aero Cosmetics Wax Wash All is the best on the market.
Runner-Up: TriNova Waterless Car Wash
Featured Specs
- Size: 16oz
- Chemical Base: N/A
- Wax: Yes
TriNova Waterless Car Wash is a concentrated formula that captures dirt, grime, and residue from your car with ease, and all without the need for water. The 16oz bottle requires just ½ oz per wash mixed with a bit of water, and there’s no need for buckets and hoses to get the job done. In addition to being a powerful cleaner, it also provides a protective coating to the car when you wipe it away, keeping away harmful UV rays and water droplets.
Although the bottle size is only 16oz, it’s a highly concentrated formula. You’ll get over 40 washes from the one purchase and even more if you have a compact car. Customers were thrilled that their TriNova Waterless Car Wash lasted for over a year, even with regular washing, so if you want to save money and time on car cleaning, this is the way to do it.
This is probably not ideal for darker color cars as you’ll notice quite a bit of residue left behind. Customers found that the glass also needed some extra effort to remove the swirl marks, so leave it off the windows if you’re in a hurry. Although you can work harder to buff it out, it doesn’t appear to leave the shine that other waterless washes are capable of, especially not ones with a wax built into the formula.
TriNova Waterless Car Wash promises a scratch-free finish and they include a special microfiber cloth to help you achieve a professional look. You’ll also get an 18oz spray bottle to use, with just a small amount added to water to clean the entire car, and you can carry this around as you drive in case you ever need an emergency wash. This product is especially helpful for removing bugs, so if you’re someone who drives at night a lot, you’ll have a new and easy way to get rid of them.
You can get the TriNova Waterless Car Wash for just over $20 when you shop on Amazon, which equates to around 75 cents a wash. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that promises you’ll love their product, and you’ll also qualify for free shipping direct to your door. For an easy way to wash and wax lighter color cars with one step, this waterless wash from TriNova is one of the best.
Alternative: Griot’s Garage Spray On Car Wash
Featured Specs
- Size: 1 gallon
- Chemical Base: N/A
- Wax: No
Griot’s Garage is a trusted name when it comes to car products and if you’d rather shop from a quality brand for your pride and joy, you’ll love their Spray On Car Wash. The spray-on car wash works on glass, metal, plastic, and paint, so no area will be safe from its cleaning powers. The Griot’s Garage Wash comes with a full gallon of cleaner and a handy spray bottle, so you’ll be able at least 100 times and not have to replace it, and all without having to fill up a bucket or turn on the hose.
What customers loved most about this spray on car wash was how easily it went on and wiped off. Compared to other products that required you to work hard to get out swirl marks or made you worry about minor scratches, the Griot’s Garage Spray On Car Wash went on smooth and sleek. Although it doesn’t feature any wax in the formula, it still left an amazing shine that made it look as though it’d been professionally detailed.
This isn’t the best option for people with truly dirty cars though, and should only be used more as a spot cleaning treatment to bring some of the shine back. Customers who had more mess to deal with found it wasn’t as effective as lifting off the dirt as some of the other top contenders, so it’s not the best rated waterless car wash for bigger jobs.
Griot’s Garage promises this was is environmentally friendly and safe to use. For the best results, they recommend applying the wash with their microfiber washcloths, but unfortunately, you’ll get none included in the purchase. With a range of different lubricants in the formula, it’s amazing at how effective it can be at cleaning your car without needing to add any water.
As one of the more expensive options at around $40 for a gallon bottle on Amazon and with no included towels, you’ll have to be sure this is the type of clean you’re after before you commit. However, for people without a lot of dirt and grime who are looking more for a professional finish, the Griot’s Garage Spray On Car Wash will be your favorite choice.
Alternative: Rain-X Waterless Car Wash and Rain Repellant
Featured Specs
- Size: 4 x 32oz
- Chemical Base: Yes
- Wax: No
If your car is regularly left out in the open and water marks are beginning to impact the surface, you’ll want a dedicated waterless wash like Rain-X. This spray on is the best waterless car wash and wax that deals with rain specifically, and it has a unique formula that makes the water droplets bead up and roll away. With a four pack of 32oz spray bottles, you’ll have ample supply to last for years, and because it only requires a minimal amount per waterless wash, it’s one of the best value choices out there.
According to their happy customers, the best thing about Rain-X was the shine it gave to the car afterward. There’s no need to take the next step and apply wax after using this waterless wash because it’ll add the water repellent coating and distinctive shine that a quality wax does, without you having to put in any more effort. The way it beads up and disperses water, snow, and sleet is another added benefit of this, and what this product is famous for.
Although it does a great job at repelling water, it’s not the best choice for cars that require a deeper clean. Rain-X recommends washing your car with a heavy stream of water before applying it if it’s particularly dirty, which defeats the purpose and convenience of using one of these waterless washes. This would be better suited for mid-week cleans to keep the rain away and add a shine
Within this pack you’ll get four spray bottles of 32oz, saving when you purchase the complete bundle. For best results, you should use with a microfiber towel, and spray the vehicle lightly with a circular motion to clear it off. As a highly lubricated, scratch-free formula, you won’t need to worry about the car’s paintwork being damaged, provided you use a gentle cloth to finish the job.
Rain-X Car Wash and Rain Repellent is a great choice for the vehicles often left vulnerable to the elements. Priced at around $50 for a four-pack of 32oz bottles or just over $15 for one bottle on Amazon, you’ll get a lot more value if you shop in bulk. With free shipping and satisfaction guarantee from Rain-X, this is one car product that it makes sense to shop online for.
Alternative: 3D Waterless Wash and Wax
Featured Specs
- Size: 1 gallon
- Chemical Base: Clay base
- Wax: Yes
3D Waterless Wash and Wax is a premium product designed for cars that need a sleek finish, and it can be used as either a detailing treatment or a dry wash. With a hefty one gallon bottle, there’s plenty there for a full year of washes, depending on how often you get the job done, and it only takes minutes to apply. As a fast-acting detailer, it wipes off easily and won’t leave any buff residue behind, even on glass.
The ingredients of the 3D Waterless Wash and Wax are premium, and it works not just as car wax, but also a primer for your buffing pad and a clay lubricant. The result is a slick and shiny finish that can’t be beaten, and you’ll be able to make your car look brand new again after just one treatment. Customers have remarked at the lack of soap film left behind as they’ve experienced with other waterless washes, so there are no filler ingredients to be worried about.
Price-wise compared to our other best water car wash review products, this is more expensive. It’s not a concentrated formula like the others so it requires more to get the job done, and there are no included supplies. You’ll need to have your own microfiber towels as well as a spray bottle to make up the formula with, so be prepared to spend extra if this is your favorite.
The 3D Waterless Wash and Wax provide a showroom shine and works hard to remove smudges, dirt, and fingerprints from any surface. The product is suitable for glass, paint, and metal, and features a gentle lubricating formula that won’t damage the surface. Better still, the car will be left with a sweet bubble gum aroma after applying 3D, which stays with it for days. To use, simply empty some into a spray bottle or a microfiber towel, wipe it onto the car, and then wipe off with a dry cloth, revealing a sleek shine that makes it look like it’s been professionally detailed.
If you’re looking for a versatile waterless wash that can detail your car and remove the dirt and grime build-up, 3D Waterless Wash and Wax is it. Priced at around $30 for a gallon of non-concentrated formula from Amazon, plus free shipping, it’s one of the higher-priced options but ideal for those who take their car care seriously.
FAQs About Waterless Car Wash Products
Car care products are a dime a dozen these days, but when something revolutionary like a waterless car wash comes out, it’s natural for everyone to sit up and pay attention.
This single product has changed the way we look after our cars and made it more convenient than ever, and even those who once hated washing their car will be converted.
If you’re still unsure what it’s all about, read our FAQs to find out the scoop.
What Is A Waterless Car Wash?
A waterless car wash is a care product that applies a lubricating layer of chemicals to the car’s paintwork that is then wiped off with a cloth to reveal a cleaner car.
The chemicals capture dirt, debris, and grime that’s on the paint surface and remove it without the need for water or harsh scrubbing.
Depending on the formula used, they might also feature wax or a water repellent designed to offer further protection in between washes.
How Do You Use A Waterless Car Wash?
All waterless car wash products are different, and for the best method, you should check the manufacturer’s directions.
Generally, these products are sprayed onto a dry car and then left to sit for a couple of minutes before being wiped away with a microfiber towel.
A second wipe with a dry towel might be recommended to buff out the remaining product and add a layer of shine to the paint.
Is Car Wash Safe For Paint?
If your goal is to protect your car’s paint, some car wash products are better suited.
Never attempt to use anything like soap or dishwashing detergent as it can strip the paint off, and only ever apply a dedicated car washing product.
The cloths you use to apply the wash is also just as important, and a microfiber towel is the best choice as it prevents swirl marks and minor scratches to the paint.
Can You Use Waterless Car Wash On Windows?
A waterless car wash is designed predominantly for cleaning the car’s paint surface so it shouldn’t be used to clean windows unless specified that it’s okay.
If you do apply the car wash to the windows and are experiencing streaking or build-up of product, you can clean it with some vinegar or a dedicated household window cleaner to remove it.
The Easy Way To Keep Your Car Shining
The days of loading up buckets of water and tangling the hose trying to get it to reach your car are over, thanks to the invention of the waterless car wash.
These products showcase how far this car product has come, with fine-tuned lubricating formulas that make it easier than ever to keep your car looking fresh and detailed.
There are loads of different types of waterless car washes, so it depends entirely on what your goals are and the condition your vehicle is in.
Whether you’re after something to add shine to a dull coat of paint or just want to keep your car clean in between the bigger washes, there’s something here for everyone.
Regular car care with a waterless wash can hold the value of your vehicle and protect it from the elements, and considering how little work it takes to apply, it’s something all of us should be committed to once a week.
With our recommendations, you’ll find the most convenient way to keep your car sleek and shiny, and with minimal effort, making every car owner’s dreams come true.
