Can Dish Soap Be Used to Wash a Car?
2 Answers
Dish soap should not be used to wash a car Dish soap is a daily household product primarily used for cleaning kitchen utensils, fruits, etc. It has strong degreasing, stain-removal, and antibacterial properties. However, using dish soap to wash a car can cause significant damage. Prolonged use of dish soap for car washing will strip the wax from the vehicle's surface, damage the paint, cause it to lose its shine, and gradually turn dull. Using dish soap to wash a car can also corrode the rubber seals, leading to discoloration, loss of elasticity, or even breakage. In conclusion, professional car wash soap should be used for cleaning vehicles. Car wash soap is generally pH-neutral. It not only provides professional stain removal but also moisturizes and maintains the car's paint, achieving the goal of protecting the vehicle's finish.
A few years ago, not long after I bought my car, I tried to save money by washing it with dish detergent from home. It seemed convenient at the time—it removed dirt quickly and made the car look shiny. But after a week, I noticed the paint surface had dulled slightly and lost some of its original gloss. I asked a mechanic friend about it, and he explained that dish detergent is too alkaline—it strips away the car wax, leaving the paint unprotected and vulnerable to corrosion and aging. I regretted not taking advice sooner. Since then, I’ve only used pH-neutral car wash soap. Though it’s a bit more expensive, it’s cost-effective in the long run. Also, pay attention to water temperature when washing—avoid hot water in cold weather, as it can damage the paint more easily. If you must use dish detergent, reserve it for emergencies only—never make it a regular practice. Otherwise, you might end up spending a fortune on repainting, and your car’s resale value could take a hit.
