Many people worry about whether they should be washing a car in their garage if they don’t have a drain. We understand. After all, where is that water going to flow with no drain?
Thankfully, you can do it. You have a couple of options that you can use. You can drain the water away in the traditional way or use the rinseless method.
It is worth noting that while these are both pretty viable methods, traditional is only going to work if you have a fairly large garage and if your garage is sitting on a hill.
It is also the best method to use if you have a filthy vehicle since you will be rinsing it clean.
The traditional car cleaning method
We all know this one. You grab yourself some soap and water. The water should be in a bucket. You don’t want to be hosing that vehicle down. You have nowhere for that water to drain.
If possible, place a rubber mat underneath the vehicle. It will catch the water. If you don’t have a rubber mat, use towels instead. You want something to catch most of the water, at least.
When you are done, push the water out of the garage using an old broom. It would help if you also used a fan to dry the excess water. If you don’t have a fan, leave that garage door open, so you have air flowing in. to help prevent mold.
Remember, if your garage does not sit on a hill, then you will have puddles of water in your garage. Try and clean these up as best as you can.
Rinseless car washes
If you don’t have a drain in your garage, we recommend rinseless car washes. A rinseless car wash involves picking up one of the many different rinseless car cleaning products on the market.
This is essentially a soap that you mix up into your water bucket. You can then use this to wipe your vehicle down. When you are done, dry the vehicle with a towel.
As long as you are not putting too much water onto the vehicle, barely any water will hit the ground in your garage. It means that everything should dry nicely and quickly. You will end up with a very clean car too!
Remember that many of these rinseless car washes will have to be used in a specific way. Some will not be great for washing seriously filthy vehicles since you won’t be rinsing off. So, don’t think this is a method you can use for those off-road vehicles!
Just like with the traditional car cleaning method, you will want to ensure that there aren’t any puddles of water on the floor of your garage. It is easy for some of that cleaning solution to drip down.
If you do, then make sure that you clean them up as quickly as possible. Using a towel is going to be a good bet here. You don’t want the water seeping into the floor of your garage.
There is a good chance that this could lead to mold or a foul smell.
Washing a car in the garage without a drain
In a garage, ventilation is especially important while dealing with water. Make sure that mildew and mold don’t grow as a consequence of using a shop fan or vent.
Dehumidifier use
If you reside in a subtropical area where mold may be a bigger concern, purchasing a simple dehumidifier may also help you maintain a pleasant garage aroma.
Putting in a drain
Putting up a drain for your garage, whether one or two within the garage or at the entrance, is a smart idea. Trench drains are longer ones that allow water to enter the drain from your garage and driveway.
Although this system may be installed in an existing garage, it is recommended that you seek it when designing or purchasing a new garage.
What to consider when washing a car in a garage without drain?
Here are a few things to consider before undertaking this task:
1. Where will the dirty water go? Without a drain, the water will have nowhere to go but onto the floor. Make sure you have some buckets or other containers on hand to catch the runoff.
2. How will you keep the floor from getting wet? If you don’t want your floor soaked, you’ll need to lay down some towels or plastic sheeting before you start washing.
3. Are there any chemicals you should avoid using? Some cleaners and waxes can harm concrete or other surfaces if they’re allowed to pool and sit for too long.
Be sure to read the labels carefully and use only products that are safe for use without a drain.
What to do if there is no drain where you park your car indoors?
While some garages may have an easily accessible drain in the center of the floor, others may not. If your garage doesn’t have a drain, you can still wash your vehicle there, but you’ll need to be extra careful.
Repeat the same methods as before, being sure to relocate everything from the garage floor that can’t get wet. Besides the standard cleaning supplies, you should get a big floor squeegee.
Frequently push water out of your garage using the squeegee to prevent pooling. Rinse the garage floor well to remove any soap residue that might eventually erode the concrete. After the washing process, use a squeegee to remove any remaining water.
What would be the cost to put a drain in a garage?
Today, the cost to install a drain can range from $10 to $50 per linear foot. Costs range from $30 to $90 per linear foot when trenching an existing yard for a yard drain.
Alternative places to wash the car
Take your car to a local self-serve car wash. It is a great option if you’re on a budget because you only have to pay for the time you use the washing equipment.
Head to a nearby DIY car wash. These places usually have all of the equipment that you need to get your car sparkling clean. Plus, it’s usually cheaper than a professional car wash.
If all else fails, you can always wash your car at home on your own driveway.
Conclusion
Take the proper precautions if you wash your car in a garage without a drain. Do not let the water build up, and always have a way to clean up any messes that you make.
Following these simple tips can avoid potential damage to your home or car.