CAR WASHING THE GREEN WAY; FORD OFFERS TIPS ON MAKING YOUR CAR WASH ECO-FRIENDLY

As the summer season gets underway, millions of Americans will have “Wash the Car” on their weekend to-do lists. Before you pull out the buckets, sponges, soaps and sprayers, Ford Motor Company has a few tips for making your car clean and your car wash green.

• Turf Job: When washing your car at home, take the chore off the driveway and on to your lawn. Not only will you get your car clean, but you will water the grass as well.

• Save it When You Spray it: Americans waste gallons of water by leaving their hoses on during car washes. Before you make your vehicle squeaky clean, buy a water-saving hose nozzle to shut off the flow of water when you aren’t spraying your car.

• Don’t Kick the Bucket: Give your car a quick rinse with the hose, then fill a bucket with water and suds. Use the bucket with soapy water to wash the car, allowing you to save gallons of water during the cleaning process. Use your hose to rinse the car clean.

• Grab the Rag: Before you get out the paper towels to dry your car, consider using a clean rag or a microfiber towel. Either will get the job done better and can be used repeatedly throughout the summer.

• Go Pro: While you can save money washing your own car at home, the most environmentally-friendly way to get your vehicle clean may be using a car wash. The International Carwash Association reports that automatic car washes use less than half the water of even the most careful home car washer. According to one report, washing a car at home typically uses between 80 and 140 gallons of water, while a commercial car wash averages less than 45 gallons per car.

However you clean your car, Ford Motor Company encourages you to do it in the most environmentally friendly way possible. For more information on Ford’s environmental initiatives, please visit: www.ford.com/go/sustainability.

June 9, 2010