Can Laundry Detergent Be Used to Wash a Car?

[VanJordan]

Laundry detergent can be used to wash a car. Laundry detergent itself has excellent grease-removing capabilities, which can be nearly 10 times more effective than dish soap. Additionally, it is less corrosive, as it is generally a neutral detergent, making it less likely to corrode the car body compared to alkaline-based laundry powders. Here are some additional details: Avoid using other random cleaning agents to wash the car: Detergents that are too acidic or alkaline can accelerate paint aging. Some car owners, seeking convenience or cost savings, may use household laundry detergent, dish soap, or laundry detergent to wash their cars. However, these products often contain excessively high levels of acidity or alkalinity, which can easily damage the car body. It is best to use a specialized neutral car wash detergent for cleaning.

[Anne]

I once tried using laundry detergent to wash my car, thinking it would save some money, but the car paint quickly became dull and lost its shine. After washing, there was also a layer of white fog-like residue left on the surface. Later, I learned that the chemical composition of laundry detergent is too strong, with a high pH value, which can corrode the protective wax layer and clear coat of the car paint, leading to long-term damage. Fixing this issue might cost hundreds of dollars for polishing, which is much more expensive than a bottle of car wash soap. I recommend using a dedicated car cleaning product, as it is designed to be gentle and can protect the car's surface from scratches and fading. Remember, washing your car is part of maintenance, and using the wrong product can actually accelerate the aging of your car. It's better to invest in good products to keep your beloved car looking shiny and new, which can also enhance its resale value. Safety first, after all.

[Nathaniel]

Some people think using laundry detergent to wash cars is cheap and convenient, but it's not cost-effective in the long run. Laundry detergents contain bleach and strong degreasers that may damage the car's paint, causing fine cracks or bubbling, and even rust in severe cases. Repairs can be expensive and time-consuming. Switching to automotive car wash soap is a better choice—it has a neutral pH that won't harm surfaces, and a bottle costing just tens of yuan can be used multiple times. When washing your car yourself, use a soft cloth and a water gun to minimize residue and avoid polluting the environment. After all, a car is a major investment—taking good care of it saves money and hassle. Don’t risk big problems for small savings. Wash your car weekly with the right products to keep it shining bright on the road.

[DiMakayla]

Using laundry detergent to wash your car poses significant risks. The strong chemical agents in laundry detergent can strip away the wax layer on the car paint, making the surface rough and prone to dirt. Car wash soap is specially formulated to lubricate and protect the car's surface. Laundry detergent may also corrode rubber seals, leading to water leakage issues. It is recommended to avoid it and choose safe products instead, as washing your car with the right products will make it more durable. Don't save small money only to lose big money.