Can Dishwashing Detergent Be Used for Car Washing?
3 Answers
Dishwashing detergent should not be used for washing cars. Dishwashing detergent is an alkaline cleaning agent that can cause significant damage to car paint. If used for car washing over a long period, the car's surface will gradually lose its shine. The hazards of using dishwashing detergent for car washing are as follows: 1. Damage to Car Paint: Dishwashing detergent has the effect of removing oil stains. Because of this characteristic, it can also strip away the car wax that protects the paint. Once the wax is removed, the paint becomes vulnerable to damage, and the car may lose its original luster or even develop a whitish appearance. 2. Corrosion of Rubber Protective Strips: Dishwashing detergent is alkaline and can corrode the rubber protective strips on the car body, causing them to discolor, lose elasticity, or even break. For this reason, professional car washes use neutral cleaning products that protect the car's surface. 3. Difficulty in Thorough Cleaning: Dishwashing detergent produces abundant foam, and self-washing is often limited in scope, making it difficult to clean the car thoroughly. After drying, streaks may appear, affecting the car's appearance.
Don't use dish soap when washing your car. I've tried it a few times, and while it may seem cheap and convenient, it contains strong alkaline degreasers that will strip away all the car wax, leaving the paint exposed and accelerating aging, making it prone to dullness or scratches. Car-specific wash solutions have a neutral formula, gently removing bird droppings and dust while protecting the paint's shine. Long-term use of dish soap can also corrode metal parts, like the car frame or door handles, increasing repair costs later. It's recommended to buy a bottle of dedicated car wash solution from the supermarket—it only costs a little over ten yuan and can be used many times. When washing your car, use soft water to rinse and avoid leaving water stains. Choose a shady time to wash to prevent high temperatures from evaporating and damaging the paint. Protecting your car's appearance is a way to save money in the long run.
I used to take the easy way out by washing my car with dish soap, but the paint gradually deteriorated, losing its shine and becoming prone to dust and water stains. Dish soap is designed for cleaning dishes and has strong degreasing power, but it's too harsh on car surfaces and can strip away the protective wax layer. Now, I've switched to a dedicated car wash shampoo, which costs just a few dollars per bottle at the supermarket. It cleans gently without damaging the car. The washing method is simple: first rinse off dirt and sand with water, then use diluted car shampoo to wipe the car—avoid hard brushes to prevent scratches. Finally, rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. If you want to save even more money, a neutral detergent is also an option, but make sure it doesn’t contain strong alkaline ingredients. Remember, car maintenance lies in the details—once the paint is damaged, repairs can be costly.
