What is dry cleaning and how effective is it?

The phrase “dry washing” itself causes bewilderment for some, and interest for others. The first thing that comes to mind is that such a procedure is fraught with a danger to the paintwork (LCP) of the body and will cause scratches. About 10 years ago, a person who wanted to wash a car without water would have been ridiculed. Today?


Waterless technology is still poorly distributed not only in Russia, but also in America and Europe. In the latter, dry washing is gradually becoming popular due to the introduction of water limits for industrial purposes. But it's not just about savings - there are other benefits as well.

The essence of the dry cleaning process

During the procedure, a composition with good lubricity is used. The tool is found on sale in the form of a concentrate, which must be diluted with water or as a ready-to-use product. To carry out the "wash" simply spray the composition over the entire area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe body and wipe with microfiber. According to the manufacturers, the product first softens the dirt, then splits it and envelops it. As a result, an emulsion is formed, which is easy to remove with a microfiber cloth. This washing technology allows you to avoid scratches that occur with the traditional method of washing a car. There are other interesting features associated with the components included in the product.

What's in a Dry Cleaner?

The total number of ingredients is about twenty. These are active substances that corrode dirt, components that lubricate the surface of the body and carnauba wax (obtained by processing the leaves of the palm tree Copernicia cerifera). The role of the latter is to form a durable film that protects the car from bituminous road tar, insects, ultraviolet radiation (fading) and other “troubles” for a maximum of a couple of weeks.

What you need for dry cleaning (more)

To carry out the procedure, you will need a special tool, which, oddly enough, is done on the water (without which, neither “there” nor “here”). By the way, therefore, it is necessary to store most of these products (see the label) at a positive temperature. If the pollution is specific, for example, bitumen, bird droppings or insects that the base product cannot cope with, you can always choose a special one from the assortment of manufacturers. The second accessory for dry washing is three or four (depending on the dimensions of the car) microfiber towels.



Some need to remove contamination, others polish the body so that the wax evenly “spreads” over the surface without leaving streaks. If the car is too dirty, one or two towels are not enough, it is better to prepare several at once (or you will have to rinse them constantly). They should be soft, with a long nap to collect dirt inside, and not rub it on the body.



When buying, look at the fiber density - at least 300 GSM is recommended. The higher the index, the more fibers in the material. If cheaper, choose a fabric where 80% polyester, the rest is polyamide. Dimensions - 400x350 mm. Products are reusable, easy to wash, so you can not save much.

Dry cleaning procedure

First, evaluate the degree of contamination: in the presence of adhering lumps, it will not be possible to do without water. It will still be needed, albeit in small quantities, to rinse towels. Course of action:

✅ fold the microfiber in half 2 times to make eight sides, used in turn
✅ shake the detergent for better mixing of the components
✅ clean the car from top to bottom, treating each body part separately so that the product does not have time to dry before rubbing it
✅ first impregnate the contaminated panel by spraying the composition and waiting 10-15 seconds
✅ lightly sprinkle a towel and wipe the body with longitudinal movements (in one direction or “snake”) without pressure (the circular “technology” of cleaning will endlessly return the dirt back)
✅ walk again with a little pressure
✅ when all sides of the microfiber need cleaning, take a fresh towel

To tidy up windows and rims, it is better to use other, special tools. At the end of the wash, the body will become shiny and acquire hydrophobicity for a while - it will repel moisture.

Now let's see what the market offers today from dry cleaning products.

ASTROhim AC-319

A product from a Russian manufacturer, sold as a spray in a 500 ml bottle with a “sprinkler”. It is positioned as a "shampoo-polish for waterless washing." It is not recommended to clean the body at sub-zero temperatures.



The jet is strong, hits almost two meters, the shampoo copes well with traces of poplar buds and pigeon marks.

AutoDoctor AD3503

The product is sold in a 350 ml container. Removes dirt not only from metal body panels, but also from glass and plastic elements.



The composition includes natural wax, which gives shine to the surface and protects it from moisture. The product can be used to clean chrome parts. Users note a weak jet and difficulty in removing traces of poplar buds.

Runway RW5061

It has a low cost, is sold in the form of a spray bottle with a volume of half a liter. There is no mention of temperature limits.



According to user reviews, the jet is rather weak and copes with poplar buds moderately. But light pollution eliminates effectively.

Today there are special services for quick car wash. It is enough to dial the number and specialists will come to you, who will put your car in order in 15 minutes without the use of water. In urban areas, the service is quite convenient.

What are the benefits of dry cleaning?

With self-cleaning, it will take a maximum of 20-25 minutes for an inexperienced car owner. Still faster than a water procedure. The second positive point is the efficiency and the absence of the need for Karcher-type washing devices. You do not even have to change clothes: if everything is done carefully, it is enough to use protective rubber gloves. Another advantage is that you do not need to look for a source of water and run somewhere with a container - a canister or a bucket, which is very important in urban conditions. Yes, and it is unlikely that anyone will like it if you dilute a dirty puddle near the entrance.



The cost of dry cleaning products is quite affordable and in some cases comparable to car shampoos, and more often cheaper than them. Of the negative points, it is worth mentioning the need for several clean microfiber towels. Only then will it be possible to quickly carry out a dry wash. Most funds are afraid of sub-zero temperatures. And one more thing: if it is not specifically indicated on the label, it is not recommended to use the composition for cleaning glass and mirrors - there will be stripes, stains.

With the result that

Calling a "team" for, albeit dry, washing your car is economically unprofitable, except perhaps in some extreme case. If you use cleaning and polishing products yourself, it's quite worthwhile. But only in cases where the machine has a little pollution. For example, after a long stay in the parking lot or in the garage. And then a situation arises when you need to go somewhere, but there is still time to put the equipment in order. After trips through forests and swamps on a frame SUV, it is pointless to use dry cleaning products. You can't do without an abundance of water procedures.