Updated at: 05-04-2022 - By: micdot

Is it OK to use dish soap to wash your car? Or will it damage the paint or wax on your vehicle? Dish soap and automobiles: all the facts you need to know. This author has been thoroughly vetted and is qualified to write about this subject matter. Learn more about us by visiting our website’s “About Us” page. When you wash your automobile, you not only maintain it looking its best but you also protect its paint, which increases its resale value as well. You may have bought all the essential equipment to wash your car, but you may have overlooked the most critical component: the car soap. It may seem inconvenient to have to go back to the store only to get some vehicle soap. You’re mulling over your possibilities when an inspiration strikes: dish soap!

Dish soap and automobile soap both remove grime, so this would seem like a smart idea at first. You should avoid washing your car with dish soap.

Because this is why.

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Dish Soap Damages The Protective Wax

Can You Use Dish Soap To Wash A Car? - Meineke Blog

The clear coat of the paint job is protected by a layer of wax sprayed on top of the car’s paint. Your car’s paint is protected by the clear coat, which shields it from the effects of the elements. Dish soap is designed to remove stubborn grease and oil. Unfortunately, this means that the clear coat will also be stripped of its wax layer. If the clear coat is left unwaxed, the paint will be more prone to scratches, increasing the cost of repair. When you wash your automobile, some dish soaps include particles that might harm the paint.

There’s no need to freak out if you washed your automobile with dish soap already. There is an extremely little chance that all of the wax will be removed after a single wash. The clear coat on a dish soap-washed car, on the other hand, is likely to be revealed, putting the paint job at risk.

What Should You Use Instead Of Dish Soap?

A excellent auto shampoo should be used instead of dish soap (no, hand soap is not a viable option). Automobile wash is specially created to protect the paint of the car from scratches and scuffs while also cleaning dirt and grime. The lubricating components in the car shampoo mix help prevent scratches from forming when you use your microfiber mitt to clean the paint.

Can You Use Dish Soap To Wash Your Car? [2022 Guide]

Conclusion

Using dish soap to clean your automobile will strip the clear coat, exposing the paint underneath, so you should avoid doing so. Car shampoo is a better option than dish soap because it provides greater results and keeps your car clean and free of dirt and debris. In most circumstances, a single wash with dish soap will not completely remove the wax. Repetition will eventually wear away the wax, leaving your car’s finish vulnerable to the elements. In addition to protecting the wax, a good car wash will keep the paint from chipping. Special additives assist minimize the chance of harm to your car’s paint, which is another benefit of using this product. You can always hire a professional car wash if you’re not confident in your own abilities. Detailing may not cost as much as you think.