Environmental Services

Car Washing Tips

  • Hosting a car wash? 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.

    Fish-friendly car washing brochure

    Fish-friendly kit and instructions

    • Kits are free for loan from Gresham City Hall at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway.
    • 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 at 503-618-2657.

    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

    Car wash tips

    • At a commercial car wash
    • At home
    At a commercial car wash
    • A commercial car wash uses water efficiently and captures and treats wash water.
    • Be sure the soap is non-caustic and formulated for cars.
    • Tire treatment services effectively remove heavy grease and baked on brake dust. Paying for tire service prevents toxic chemicals from entering drains that go to a wastewater treatment plant.   
    • Look for brushless systems that will not scratch your paint.
    At home
    • Wash your car over the lawn to give your lawn a drink. 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).
    • Empty dirty car wash water onto the lawn or into a sink or tub.
    • Sweep the driveway instead of hosing it off to help keep dirt and pollutants from being washed into creeks.