Soaps for cleaning your car are typically alkaline, which is understandable given that acidic soaps would corrode metal. most car washes use detergents made out of synthetic chemicals, giving them their “bleach” label name.
a constant danger with other soap is that it contains high levels of salts or phosphates to clear snow off your cars in the winter. these substances are fine when weather doesn't get anywhere near freezing but can cause byproducts to form while you're using them inside your heated garage…resulting in film buildup and corrosion on metal parts not insulated by salt.
the best kind of soap for cleaning your car? plain old dishwashing liquid- because it's stronger than regular laundry soaps
what soap can be used to wash a car?
your choice of soap will determine the type of protection that is offered on your car's finish. a high quality car wash soap, like meguiar's gold class car wash shampoo or p21s totally buff car wash gel, will provide good protection for all sorts of finishes, while a more abrasive car wash soap may not be best for some types of paint jobs.
a lot goes into what kind of soap to use when you are washing your car. it doesn't matter if it's waxed up or not coated with any kind of sealant, using the wrong product can lead to damaging effects on the paint job by stripping away key coatings and resins that are designed to protect against elements like road tar and
what can i use to wash my car at home?
household items like dish soap (dilluted with water), grass clippings, dryer sheets, and even citrus fruits.
it's wise to rinse all of your car's surfaces after using any type of household cleaner to remove any residue that might be left behind by the cleaner. and whenever possible, use a hose with a long reach (or pressure washer) for more thorough cleaning needs.
what is the best soap to wash your car with?
if you can, use a soap with at least 26% carnauba wax. this is the absolute best soap to wash your car because it will not only clean the dirtiest of cars but provide protection from water spots or damage due to rain or scratches.
it's important to remember that it's generally better for the environment to use cleaning methods with less environmental impact associated with them so if scrubbing is preferred, using vinegar diluted in water is an excellent option! making sure any leftover residue has been wiped off before spraying on some buffing compound or polish will mean your car looks brand new once again! happy polishing!
is it ok to use dish soap to wash your car?
no. dish soap is not meant to clean an oily surface such as a car. use purpose-built automotive cleaners for this purpose, and ideally do it out in the open so that the chemical reaction doesn't create noxious fumes indoors or risk discovery by children too young to understand what is happening.
dish soap is not made specifically for cleaning an oily surface like a car has. it will likely cause damage to your car's paint job unless you rinse off the dish soap instantly with water, which will also take any of the wax coating you put on earlier with it when all of that residue runs into puddles beneath your feet if you were doing this outside! simply use purpose-based automotive cleaners instead. these specialty products
