3 Types of Detergents to Use to Wash Your Car (and 3 to Avoid)
You’ve put it off and now your car really needs a good scrub. You might be tempted to grab whatever you have around the house to clean your car, but it’s not a good idea.
Laundry detergent, shampoo, and dish detergent are all commonly used to wash your car, but here’s why you shouldn’t reach for them first.
Dish detergent
Great for cutting through grease, dish soap is too abrasive to use on your vehicle’s delicate clear coat. A lot of leading brands use toxic chemicals and corrosives that can eat through that wax coating underneath the dirt.
Laundry detergent
The same is true for laundry detergent. It was made to cut through dirt and grime to clean your clothes which means that chemicals are put in the product formula. These chemicals can easily compromise the porous coat on your car causing it to lose its shine.
Hair shampoo
Gentler than laundry or dish detergent, you could use this in a pinch, though we don’t recommend it. While it isn’t as abrasive as its counterparts, that also means it’s not as good at removing sticky or caked-on car residue. If you do use it, don’t make it a habit, and reapply a wax coat immediately.
Keeping your car clean inside and out is the key to keeping it looking like you just drove it off a showroom lot. So, what should you use to protect and extend the life of your car’s exterior?
We have three recommendations that you can find in any auto parts store.
Concentrated Soaps
You’ll find plenty of concentrated car wash soaps made specifically for washing your car. Used mainly for maintenance washes, you’ll find they get your exterior nice and clean.
What’s more, they are formulated to work with sealant and/or wax applications. Some concentrated soaps promise to be extra tough on environmental contaminants and debris. While others promise a waxy shine. Choose what’s best for your particular circumstances.
Wash and Wax Car Wash Products
A step up from concentrated soaps are wash and wax products which offer the additional benefit of adding an extra layer of protective wax. Granted, the protection is there for a limited time—it’s no substitute for a full wax job—but it does add more protection. If you live in a hotter climate, this is an excellent choice.
Waterless Products
If you want your DIY car wash to be more eco-friendly, or you don’t have access to water, waterless products are in the same price range as traditional car wash products which makes them appealing. They work well and provide versatility and lubricity to wash your car.
Wash Your Car the Best Way
Keep your car looking great long after it’s paid for. Use a dedicated car wash product which is designed for use on automotive paint.
As you wash your car, make sure you use a large, soft, natural sponge or a lamb’s wool mitt. It you’ve got road tar deposits, grease, or rubber, you may need a stronger product specifically designed to remove these stubborn offenders.
Always use a soft, non-abrasive cloth when removing these deposits because they will quickly blacken your cloth.
You’ll also want to use a separate sponge for cleaning the tires and wheels, which can be coated with brake dust, debris, and sand. Mild soap and water may work here. Just make sure the detergent is compatible with your vehicle’s finish, e.g., clear coat, chrome, paint, etc.
Don’t Swirl That Sponge
You may be tempted to move the sponge or cloth in circles. Don’t. This can create very light but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, rub the cloth lengthwise. And, if you drop the sponge on the ground, ditch it.
It can pick up particles that can scratch your paint.
Rinse your car thoroughly, and to prevent watermarks, don’t let the car air dry. Use a chamois, synthetic or natural cloth, to dry the vehicle.
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re all about extending the life of your new car or pre-owned car. Got more questions on how to prolong the life of your vehicle? Stop in at our service department and ask. We love auto maintenance questions!
Laundry detergent, shampoo, and dish detergent are all commonly used to wash your car, but here’s why you shouldn’t reach for them first.
Dish detergent
Great for cutting through grease, dish soap is too abrasive to use on your vehicle’s delicate clear coat. A lot of leading brands use toxic chemicals and corrosives that can eat through that wax coating underneath the dirt.
Laundry detergent
The same is true for laundry detergent. It was made to cut through dirt and grime to clean your clothes which means that chemicals are put in the product formula. These chemicals can easily compromise the porous coat on your car causing it to lose its shine.
Hair shampoo
Gentler than laundry or dish detergent, you could use this in a pinch, though we don’t recommend it. While it isn’t as abrasive as its counterparts, that also means it’s not as good at removing sticky or caked-on car residue. If you do use it, don’t make it a habit, and reapply a wax coat immediately.
Keeping your car clean inside and out is the key to keeping it looking like you just drove it off a showroom lot. So, what should you use to protect and extend the life of your car’s exterior?
We have three recommendations that you can find in any auto parts store.
Concentrated Soaps
You’ll find plenty of concentrated car wash soaps made specifically for washing your car. Used mainly for maintenance washes, you’ll find they get your exterior nice and clean.
What’s more, they are formulated to work with sealant and/or wax applications. Some concentrated soaps promise to be extra tough on environmental contaminants and debris. While others promise a waxy shine. Choose what’s best for your particular circumstances.
Wash and Wax Car Wash Products
A step up from concentrated soaps are wash and wax products which offer the additional benefit of adding an extra layer of protective wax. Granted, the protection is there for a limited time—it’s no substitute for a full wax job—but it does add more protection. If you live in a hotter climate, this is an excellent choice.
Waterless Products
If you want your DIY car wash to be more eco-friendly, or you don’t have access to water, waterless products are in the same price range as traditional car wash products which makes them appealing. They work well and provide versatility and lubricity to wash your car.
Wash Your Car the Best Way
Keep your car looking great long after it’s paid for. Use a dedicated car wash product which is designed for use on automotive paint.
As you wash your car, make sure you use a large, soft, natural sponge or a lamb’s wool mitt. It you’ve got road tar deposits, grease, or rubber, you may need a stronger product specifically designed to remove these stubborn offenders.
Always use a soft, non-abrasive cloth when removing these deposits because they will quickly blacken your cloth.
You’ll also want to use a separate sponge for cleaning the tires and wheels, which can be coated with brake dust, debris, and sand. Mild soap and water may work here. Just make sure the detergent is compatible with your vehicle’s finish, e.g., clear coat, chrome, paint, etc.
Don’t Swirl That Sponge
You may be tempted to move the sponge or cloth in circles. Don’t. This can create very light but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, rub the cloth lengthwise. And, if you drop the sponge on the ground, ditch it.
It can pick up particles that can scratch your paint.
Rinse your car thoroughly, and to prevent watermarks, don’t let the car air dry. Use a chamois, synthetic or natural cloth, to dry the vehicle.
Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’re all about extending the life of your new car or pre-owned car. Got more questions on how to prolong the life of your vehicle? Stop in at our service department and ask. We love auto maintenance questions!
