Waterless wash mini test
We test two top new waterless washes against our reigning best buy
Not all hosepipe bans have been lifted, so a waterless wash is still essential for many drivers to keep their cars clean. Makers have flooded the market with sprays, and the latest are Car-Chem and G-3. We rated them against Eco Touch – our reigning Best Buy.
A month’s worth of muck had built up on our test car’s tailgate – dried-on dirt, watermarks and other road grime. We divided the panel into three, then sprayed each product over the bodywork and glass. We compared their spray patterns, then assessed how much grime had been lifted with just one wipe of a clean microfibre cloth, and how much effort it took to finish the job. Our final factor was value for money.
Additions to the market are always welcome, but while the two newcomers follow different approaches, neither can topple our champ. We prefer Car-Chem to G-3 – it’s less tricky to use and cheaper, too. But Eco Touch is still our top all-round solution.
Budget buy: Car-Chem Car Wash (White)
Price: £6.90 (500ml)
Contact: www.car-chem.co.uk
Rating: ★★★★
This gets off to a great start, as it’s the cheapest on test by £2. We thought the short, fat bottle’s spray nozzle was good, too, misting a useful amount of the formula on to our test panel. However, while it didn’t smear like G-3, it didn’t shift as much dirt in one wipe as Eco Touch. The upside is that the maker claims White can also be used inside your car, on cabin trim. It’s top value, too, with the 500ml bottle costing only £6.90. Car-Chem offers various car washes in its range, as well as waxes and cloths.
Used - available now
2021 BMW
4 Series Convertible
40,207 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L
Cash £27,995
2024 Vauxhall
Mokka
14,106 milesManualPetrol1.2L
Cash £15,500
2022 Kia
Sportage
27,249 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L
Cash £23,976
2022 Nissan
Qashqai
23,150 milesManualPetrol1.3L
Cash £14,697Premium choice: G-3 Ceramic DryClean Cleaning System
Price: £10.99 (500ml)
Contact: www.g-3glasscoat.com
Rating: ★★★
As with its rivals, G-3 Ceramic DryClean comes in a 500ml bottle – but at £10.99, it’s the most expensive option in this trio. We reckon you’re paying more for protection, as the thick formula probably has a touch of wax in it. However, this causes problems. While the spray nozzle is effective, the formula it squirted out took more effort to buff. It smeared with the first wipe, and removed no more dirt than the others. Ease of use and a keen price are key in this market, so we can’t recommend G-3.
Our favourite: Eco Touch Car Wash
Price: £8.99 (500ml)
Contact: 01246 292929, uk.ecotouch.eu
Rating: ★★★★★
Despite the onslaught from newcomers, our 2012 Best Buy is still the most efficient choice and easiest to use. The spray nozzle is great, and misted on a useful amount of formula in one action. Uniquely in this test, you spray it on to a microfibre cloth first, then wipe your panel – which cuts waste and prevents you having to clear up overspray. Eco Touch removed the most dirt in a single wipe, and therefore works out as good value. At £8.99 for the 500ml bottle it’s competitively priced, and for £1 more you can get a kit with two cloths.
