Is it okay to wash the car by fetching water with a bucket?
2 Answers
Car owners can wash their cars by fetching water with a bucket, as long as the washing method is correct and scientific, it will not damage the car paint. After prolonged use, cars inevitably accumulate dust and dirt. When washing the car, this dirt will mix into the water. Continuing to use the same dirty water to wash the car is equivalent to rubbing the car body with sand and gravel, which can cause wear and tear on the car paint. Therefore, if you choose to wash the car yourself, it is best to change the water frequently to achieve better washing results. Here are some precautions for washing the car yourself: 1. Do not use plastic brushes to wash the car: This can scratch the car paint and window glass. It is best to choose soft brushes or use sponges or cotton cloths for washing. 2. Do not use laundry detergent or dish soap to wash the car: These are either too acidic or too alkaline, which can cause oxidation of the car paint. Over time, the car body will become dull and the paint may even peel off. It is recommended to purchase specialized car cleaning solutions from car beauty shops, as these are mostly neutral and less harmful to the car paint. 3. Do not wash the car with plain water only: Plain water can only remove surface dirt and cannot achieve deep cleaning. Moreover, most plain water today is slightly acidic and contains calcium, magnesium ions, and other substances, which can damage the car during washing. Therefore, it is best to use car cleaning solutions for washing. 4. Do not wash the car under direct sunlight: If water droplets are not wiped off the car paint after washing, direct sunlight can create localized high temperatures, leading to aging of the car paint.
I often wash my car with a bucket of water, especially in the apartment parking lot without a hose. This method is quite convenient—all you need is a bucket of clean water, a soft sponge, and some car-specific wash soap to get started. First, I soak the sponge in the bucket water, then gently wipe the car body from top to bottom, avoiding hard brushes to prevent scratching the paint. The advantages are saving money and hassle, skipping the car wash shop that charges dozens of yuan; it also doubles as light exercise, as carrying the bucket feels like a simple workout. However, the downside is that it’s time-consuming and labor-intensive—washing a car requires multiple trips to refill the bucket, and you might end up splashing water all over yourself. I recommend washing in the shade to avoid paint burns or water spots under direct sunlight. Environmentally, bucket washing helps control water usage—I save half the water compared to using an automatic spray gun, making it more water-friendly. If washing at home, remember to bring a towel and dry the car surface promptly to protect it. In short, it’s totally doable, but don’t rush and overlook the details.
