Ways To Keep Your Car Clean This Summer During a Hosepipe Ban

We all love the warmer weather the summer brings but hotter days can have consequences as demonstrated by a hosepipe ban being introduced across much of the UK.

Indeed, a lack of rain during the recent summer months has seen reservoirs reach a critical level, prompting local authorities to initiate a ban on the use of a hosepipe to help limit the use of water and maintain reserves.

As of July 2025, the UK regions supplied by South East Water, Southern Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water have hosepipe bans in place for the summer, with other companies potentially following suit. 

What Does A Hosepipe Ban Mean?

Quite simply, the ban prohibits the use of hosepipes as an attempt to try and save water during periods of high demand and/or low supply.

Hosepipes are most popularly used to wash cars, patios and windows, as well as water gardens and plants during the hotter summer months. Filling paddling pools, swimming pools and hot tubs are also most likely to be involve hosepipe use.

The ban means a hosepipe with its large water flow cannot be used when the Temporary Use Ban (as it is also known) is in place. 

It can take months for the restrictions to ease but breaking the rules could land you a fine of £1000.

Can I Clean My Car With a Hose?

No. The rules are strict on the use of a hosepipe while cleaning your car.  

Why Keeping Your Windscreen Clean Is Important in the Summer

There is a good reason as to why many use the summer months to wash their car by hand or with a hosepipe. The lack of rain relative to winter months means vehicles – and especially windscreens – are more likely to become to get dirty.

And this is not just with general dirt and grime. Summer months means more bugs in the air, many of which will strike your windscreen leaving marks and fluid, not to mention greater risk of bird droppings, dust being kicked up from fields and tree saps settling.

So, while you may think that wiper blades are most useful in the rainy winter months, it is in the summer months where they undergo arguably the tougher test due to the greater build-up of grime and debris on windscreens.

After all, how often do you find yourself using your washer fluids and wiper blades just to clean your mucky windscreen while driving during the summer months even though it isn’t raining?

As such, the use of a hosepipe would be an excellent way to ensure clear visibility, but as this is not possible during a ban, it is worthwhile considering other methods of keeping your windscreen sparkling without the risk of damaging your wiper blades.

How To Keep Your Windscreen Clean Without a Hosepipe

No hosepipe? No problem… you can use these handy and cheap accessories to help keep your windscreen clean and clear without breaking the law!

Screenwash Pod
£2.65

Forget trudging from the petrol station or supermarket with a huge bottle of windscreen washer fluid, simply purchase one of these small, convenient Screenwash Pods to perform the same task without unnecessary use of plastic and oversized bottles.

The Screenwash Pod can be dropped into the washer fluid reservoir and mixed with simple tap water, where it will dissolve to provide cleaning strength for 5 litres of washing fluid. 

Environmentally friendly by removing the need for big five litre bottles of pre-mixed washer fluid, it provides a smear-free clean and offers a pleasant blue raspberry fragrance. It is also suitable for use at up to -5 degrees Celsius.

At Wiperblades.co.uk, you can get either a single pod or a pack of three Screenwash Pods to keep for when you need them.

Bug Shifter Pad
£2.15

We’ve all suffered the scourge of bugs striking the windscreen when we’re driving.

Big or small, each bug leaves a gritty mark and/or fluid that can be tough to remove using wiper blades alone. Moreover, wiper blades can become damaged trying to shift such material.

So beat the bugs with a Bug Shifter to ensure your windscreen remains clean and clear. With its honeycomb style sponge on one side and super soft synthetic wash sponge on the reverse side, the Bug Shifter pad will remove bugs and insects from glass and bodywork with ease.

Holts Screenies Car Glass Wipes (20 Wipes)
£3.15

Dirt and grime can build up as a film on interior glass and cause glare in strong sunlight or at night with oncoming headlights. 

Holts has developed Screenies so you can quickly clean your windows any time, removing distracting marks and grime and improving your visibility. 

The wipes come in a handy pack so they can be conveniently stored inside your side pocket or glove compartment.