Can Body Wash Be Used to Wash a Car? Will It Damage the Paint?
2 Answers
Body wash should not be used to wash a car. Using body wash to clean a car can damage the paint. Body wash, soap powder, and highly alkaline detergents are generally unsuitable for car washing, as frequent use can dull the glossy finish of the car's surface paint. Additionally, these solutions can corrode the car's tires, windows, and rubber components of the body. Below are some relevant points: 1. Correct Approach: To wash a car, it is essential to purchase a reliable and officially approved car wash solution. Specialized car wash solutions have a neutral pH and contain key ingredients derived from natural plant-based surfactants, which do not corrode the car and help maintain the brightness of the paint, thus benefiting car maintenance. 2. Varieties: Currently, the market offers various types of car wash solutions, including nano car wash solutions, ultra-concentrated car wash solutions, water-crystal film car wash solutions, and no-rinse car wash solutions.
When I first started driving, I was tight on budget and tried to save by washing my car with shower gel. To my dismay, within days the car paint lost its shine and developed fine scratches. Later I learned that shower gels contain fragrances and skin softeners with imbalanced pH levels, which can corrode the clear coat of car paint—much like using the wrong cleaner damages furniture surfaces. Professional car wash shampoos have a neutral formula that effectively removes dirt without leaving water spots and protects the paint from oxidation. Now, my car washing routine involves rinsing off loose dirt with a hose, applying automotive detergent, gently wiping with a soft cloth, rinsing again, and air-drying—keeping the paintwork shining like new. A word to fellow beginners: don’t penny-pinch only to pay more later. Car paint is delicate; using the right tools is key to avoiding costly repainting repairs that can run into thousands.
