Car washing tips

Use a commercial car wash

Car washes use water efficiently and have systems that capture and treat wash water so that it is environmentally responsible.

When washing your car at home

• Wash your car over the lawn; this give your lawn a drink and the soil will help filter soap and grease.
• Use biodegradable, ammonia-free soap.
• Avoid harsh chemical products such as chrome cleaners and degreasers (visit commercial car wash for detailing work, if possible).
• Empty dirty car wash water onto the lawn or into a sink or tub (so the water will go to the wastewater treatment plant and not in a stormdrain).
• Sweep the driveway instead of hosing it off (this helps keep dirt and pollutants from being washed into our creeks).

Use a Fish-Friendly Car Wash Kit

Community groups that wish to host a car wash will be provided special equipment that will keep sudsy, greasy, dirty water out of the storm drains and keep these pollutants from entering our creeks and streams. Brochure

Reserve the kit

• The kit is free for loan from Gresham City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway.
• Fish-Friendly Car Wash - Instructions 
• Download a $25 Fish-Friendly Car Wash Coupon for schools or clubs just for using the kit
• Call to arrange car wash kit pick-up at least five days in advance, 503-618-2657.

Approved car wash sites

The kit must be used at one of these approved sites. Groups are responsible for getting permission and reserving a date with the manager of the business.

• Jack in the Box, 25678 SE Stark; 503-674-8107
• Les Schwab, 390 NE Burnside Road; 503-666-9496
• Firestone, 2105 NE Burnside Road; 503-666-3609
• Gresham City Hall, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway; 503-618-2657

Alternatives to hosting a car wash

Car washes with coupon book programs for non-profit groups to sell as fundraisers:

• Car Washman (various locations) contact: 503-667-8888
• Eco Carwash (various locations) contact: 503-666-9596