How to keep your vehicle clean during the hosepipe ban

A HOSEPIPE ban is coming into force in parts of England after months of scorching sun, meaning those affected will struggle to keep their cars clean.

But can you still wash your car if there’s a hosepipe ban in your area?

Can I wash my car during a hosepipe ban?

England experienced its driest July in almost 90 years with record low rainfall throughout the summer, prompting water companies to consider temporary usage bans on sprinklers and hosepipes.

Under new restrictions, households could be fined up to £1,000 if they are caught using sprinklers or hosepipes connected to the mains water supply for domestic use.

The ban will affect millions of households in the UK.

Households will be able to wash their cars during periods of water restrictions but they will have to get creative.

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How to clean your car during a hosepipe ban?

You can still wash your car but you can’t do it with a hosepipe.

But there are other methods to keep your motor clean.

These include:

• Use tap water to fill a bucket or watering can
• Use grey water, which is water that’s been used before ie: bath water
• Have your own water supply such as a private borehole.
• Consider waterless cleaning products and a microfiber towel
• Apply wax to your car’s finish to keep your car cleaner for longer

Washing with a bucket uses around 32 litres of water when compared to a hosepipe, which uses between 400 and 480 litres, according to Uswitch.

But with the warm weather set to continue, it’s worth exploring other options to keep your motor clean without using up the water supply.

Who is exempt from a hosepipe ban?

Some households and businesses are exempt from any water restrictions.

Garden centres and private car washes are able to operate as normal.

Households fitted with drip or trickle irrigation systems are exempt as they control the water pressure.

Blue badge holders and households using a hose for health and safety reasons will be exempt.