Local entrepreneur, Lipolelo Lethoesa, is set to launch a waterless, eco-friendly carwash on January 31, marking a significant step towards sustainable business practices in the country.
Lethoesa said the idea was inspired by her passion for environmental conservation and the influence of her uncle, the founder of the business, whose love for cars and environmental care stems from his background in aviation.
She explained that the combination of their shared interests in clean vehicles, environmental protection and the growing challenge of water scarcity in Lesotho led to the establishment of the waterless carwash.
The business uses biodegradable cleaning products made entirely from plant-based materials. These are mixed with small amounts of water in specialised machinery and spray bottles. During the cleaning process, the solution is sprayed onto the car’s surface and wiped off using microfibre cloths.
“The products lift dirt, grease and grime from the surface and leave behind a shiny protective wax layer that shields the car from harsh sun rays,” Lethoesa said.
She noted that traditional carwashes contribute significantly to environmental degradation by wasting large volumes of water, causing soil erosion and generating wastewater that leads to land pollution.
“While these are common impacts of traditional carwashes, our method is much safer. The car, the attendants and the environment are all protected. There are no dirty streams of wastewater and no damage to the vehicle,” she pointed out.
Lethoesa added that educating clients is a key part of the business model. Customers are taught about the benefits of waterless carwashing, including long-lasting shine, paint protection from the sun and the satisfaction of reducing environmental pollution.
She said pricing differs from that of conventional carwashes, with small vehicles costing from M100 per wash. The higher prices, she explained, reflect the quality of the products used and the cost of the eco-friendly cleaning materials.
“Our focus is on delivering excellent customer care and satisfaction through quality service, discounts and loyalty programmes,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Lethoesa said the business aims to expand to all districts across the country and eventually beyond Lesotho’s borders. However, she acknowledged that limited awareness and resistance to new methods remain a challenge.
“Many people are not familiar with waterless carwashing and some still believe it is less effective than traditional methods,” she indicated.
Lethoesa emphasised that the initiative aligns with Lesotho’s sustainability goals, as the products and processes are designed to protect and preserve the environment.
