can you use dish washing liquid to wash car

[McEmiliano]

No, you should not use dishwashing liquid to wash your car. While it will remove dirt, its chemical formulation is designed to cut through grease on dishes and will strip away the protective wax or sealant on your car's paint. This leaves the clear coat vulnerable to UV rays, water spots, and contaminants, leading to premature fading and oxidation.

The primary issue is the pH level. Most car shampoos are pH-neutral (around 7), meaning they are balanced to clean effectively without harming automotive paint or wax layers. Dish soaps, however, are typically alkaline (with a pH of 8 or higher) to dissolve food grease. This high alkalinity is too harsh for your car's finish.

Using dish soap even once can degrade your existing protection. For long-term value and appearance, a dedicated car wash soap is a small investment that pays off. Here’s a comparison of typical properties:

Product Type	pH Level	Effect on Car Wax	Primary Cleaning Target	Long-Term Paint Safety
Dishwashing Liquid	Alkaline (8-10+)	Strips wax completely	Grease, food residue	Poor - damages protection
pH-Neutral Car Shampoo	Neutral (~7)	Preserves wax	Road grime, light dirt	Excellent - safe for regular use
Waterless Wash Spray	Slightly Acidic (~6)	Often contains light polymers	Dust, fingerprints	Good for light cleaning
All-Purpose Cleaner	Varies widely	Will strip wax	Heavy grime, engines	Not recommended for paint

If you're in a pinch and must use dish soap, understand it's for a specific, one-time job like prepping a car for a brand new wax application where you want to remove all old layers. For every other wash, stick with a product designed for automotive finishes to maintain your car's shine and value.

[StAdelyn]

I learned this the hard way after using it on my old truck. The paint looked dull and felt rough a week later. It completely removed the wax that was protecting it. Now I just buy a gallon of concentrated car wash soap from the auto parts store. It lasts me over a year and keeps the finish looking new. It’s just not worth the risk.

[PeytonRose]

Think of it like this: dish soap is a heavy-duty degreaser. Your car's wax is a protective layer of... well, wax and polymers. The soap doesn't know the difference between road grime and that protective coat; it attacks both. You're essentially cleaning your car by removing its sunscreen. A proper car shampoo is formulated to lift dirt away without dissolving the valuable protection you've applied.

[KiraDella]

From a chemical standpoint, the surfactants in dish detergent are far more aggressive than those in automotive shampoos. They are engineered to break down tough, baked-on fats. Your car's clear coat and wax sealant are no match for that cleaning power. Using it regularly will accelerate oxidation and make the paint more susceptible to swirl marks during drying. Always opt for a lubricating car wash solution designed to be gentle on your investment.

[DeclanLee]

Sure, it'll get the dirt off, but it's terrible for your car's paint in the long run. I only ever use dish soap if I'm helping a friend detail their car and we need to completely strip the old, failed wax off before applying a fresh coat. That's the only scenario where its wax-stripping power is actually useful. For every other wash, a few bucks spent on the right soap saves you hundreds in paint correction down the line.