Our founder Simon was invited onto GB News, live on national television, to answer a question a lot of drivers have been asking this summer: with a hosepipe ban in place, is it still okay to have your car washed? The short version is yes, and the interview was a chance to explain why, and how Yikes does it on a fraction of the water a home wash uses.
Can you wash your car during a hosepipe ban?
A hosepipe ban, officially a Temporary Use Ban, is brought in by a water company when supplies are under pressure. It restricts domestic uses of a hosepipe, such as washing your own car on your own driveway with a hose at home. It is aimed at discretionary household water use.
A professional car washing service is treated differently. Yikes is a commercial mobile car wash, and our operators are self-employed contractors running a business, not householders washing a car at home. Commercial car washing is not covered by the domestic hosepipe restrictions in the same way DIY home washing is. So when you book Yikes during a ban, you are doing nothing wrong, and you are not using your own household supply at all.
Why booking Yikes is the responsible choice, not a loophole
Being allowed to wash a car is one thing. Doing it responsibly is another, and it is the part we actually care about. Our wash technique uses around a quarter of the water a typical mobile competitor gets through, and far less than a hose running on a driveway. We carry our own supply on the bike, so you never need a tap, a hose or any outdoor access, and nothing runs off down the street while it is not in use.
So the honest position is this: a hose left running at home is exactly the kind of use a ban is meant to curb. A booked, low water professional wash that brings its own measured supply is the opposite. If anything, it is the more considerate way to keep your car clean while supplies are tight. You can read more about our low water, zero emissions approach if you want the detail.
How it works
We come to you. You book online, pick a time and a location, and an operator rides to your car by cargo e-bike with everything needed on board. Zero emissions getting to you, no van idling outside, and no need for you to be present. It is the same service we run every day across London, Cardiff and Southampton, ban or no ban. Have a look at what is included in each wash to choose the right one.
Common questions about washing your car during a hosepipe ban
Is it legal to wash my car during a hosepipe ban?
Washing your own car at home with a hosepipe is what a Temporary Use Ban restricts. Using a
commercial car washing service is not restricted in that way, so booking a professional wash such
as Yikes is fine during a ban.
Does Yikes use a hosepipe at my home?
No. We bring our own water supply on the bike and use a low water technique, so we do not use your
tap, your hose or your household supply at all.
How much water does a Yikes wash use?
Around a quarter of the water a typical mobile competitor uses, and far less than a hose running on
a driveway. We carry a measured supply rather than leaving anything running.
Do I need to be at home for the wash?
No. As long as we can reach your car and you have confirmed the location when booking, you do not
need to be there. We let you know when the clean is done.
Can I still book a wash today?
Yes. Same day slots are available across London subject to operator availability.
Check live slots near you.
Ready for a wash without leaving home?
We ride to you by cargo e-bike and wash your car where it is parked. Live prices and slots are in the booking app.
Book online