Wash Car With or Without Soap?
 

My neighbor told me that I shouldn't use soap when I wash my car because it strips the car of its wax. He said that I should just use water when washing it. Is this true? If I should use soap, what kind of soap is good to use?

use car soap.


Im guessing you are using dish washing soap to wash your car, which will strip the wax off your car.

HELL NO. I'm using car soap.

What kind? If it says car shampoo/soap then you are good to go. Kick your neighbor in the nuts for me. :cool:

my dad says the same shit, dont worry use soap man

you neighbor doesn't know what he is talking about. like teh jesal said, dish soap strips wax, car wash soap does not

yeah, I figured he was full of ish.

I use dawn dish soap. Works great!

your neighbor is a moron

squeeky clean :nod:

As above, OK to use soap. Automobile car wash soap is designed to be more 'gentle' and not strip wax as effectively. It is a bit less alkaline (or more neutral) then dishwashing soap. Dishwashing soap will not hurt the finish of the car.

That being said, if you wax (ie: carnauba like stuff) your car, you will strip some off when you clean it or when you drive it. Depending on how often you wash your car, you might want to re-wax it just after you wash it to keep the finish sparkly bright.

The polymers like Zaino are more resistant to wear and last through the washes, especially with car wash soap.

Use teh Soap, neighbor :screwy:

Car & Driver published an article years ago, I'm guessing ten, that compare car soaps and dish detergents. P&G's Ivory liquid came out on top. Dawn is also made by P&G. However, times and automotive paints evolve, so this dated info.

Car & Driver published an article years ago, I'm guessing ten, that compared car soaps and dish detergents. P&G's Ivory liquid came out on top. Dawn is also made by P&G. However, times and automotive paints evolve, so this dated info.

Car & Driver published an article years ago, I'm guessing ten, that compared car soaps and dish detergents. P&G's Ivory liquid came out on top. Dawn is also made by P&G. However, times and automotive paints evolve, so this is dated info.

I use Meguiar's Gold Class soap on mine.



every time i see people say that using dishwashing soap for you car, i just shake my head. Its absolutely horrible for your paint. Not only does it strip the wax, the robs the clear coat of all its oils, which in turn, dries it out, which can cause premature oxidation. Oxidation = cloudy, no shine.

For all the people who use dish soap on your car, do you use car soap on your dishes?

:werd:

Yes, it does remove the wax and all kinds of stuff. It's a bit strong to be using for "regular" car washes and won't help your paint to last too long.

A car wash will "float" the grime off the surface of the paint. Deionized water can do a better job than plain tap water for cleaning windows and other surfaces, but is still missing surfactants and mild detergents to suspend and pull/float the crud away from the paint.

BTW, if the car is not too dirty, it's possible to use some good quick detail spray (Zaino Z6) and a microfiber towel. The dirt I speak of is actually more akin to dust, so beware... If it doesn't come off with a light wipe, it's time for a real wash...

YMMV