Fundraiser Car Washes
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Raise Money While Protecting Local Waterways
Car washes are a popular fundraiser for clubs, teams and community groups, but where and how you wash cars matters. When vehicles are washed on streets, parking lots or driveways, dirty wash water can carry soap, grease, dirt and other pollutants into storm drains.
Why It Matters
Wash water from cars can pick up pollutants from tires, engines and vehicle surfaces. If that water runs across pavement and into a storm drain, it can flow directly into local waterways.
That’s why the location and setup of a fundraiser car wash matter. Choosing a water-friendly option helps prevent pollution while still supporting your team, club or organization.
Partner With a Commercial Car Wash
The best option is to hold your fundraiser with a commercial car wash or sell commercial car wash coupons instead of hosting your own wash event.
Commercial car washes are designed to manage wash water properly. They recycle water and send dirty water to the wastewater system instead of allowing soap, grease, dirt and other pollutants to flow into storm drains and local waterways.
Hosting Your Own Car Wash?
If you do host your own fundraiser car wash, take steps to keep wash water out of storm drains and local waterways.
Car wash tips:
- Use biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaners only
- Minimize water use and runoff by using a hose nozzle with flow restrictions
- Wash cars on gravel, grass or another surface that can absorb and filter water
- Avoid washing on concrete or asphalt unless the area drains into a vegetated space
- Wring sponges and rags into a bucket instead of onto the ground
- Empty wash buckets into a sink, toilet or vegetated area
Request a Car Wash Kit
Car wash kits help divert wash water away from storm drains so it can soak into grassy areas instead. Kits may include a drain seal, submersible pump, extension cord, hydra barrier, garden hose and GFCI adapter.
