can you use dishwashing liquid for car wash

[VonChloe]

No, you should not use dishwashing liquid for a car wash. While it will clean your car, it is chemically formulated to strip grease and food residue from dishes, which makes it far too harsh for your car's paint and protective wax or sealant. Regular use will degrade your vehicle's finish over time.

The primary issue lies in the chemical composition. Dish soaps are typically alkaline to break down cooking oils. In contrast, high-quality car wash shampoo is pH-balanced to be neutral or slightly acidic, ensuring it lifts dirt without damaging the clear coat or the protective polymer layer. Using dish soap will effectively strip away the wax, leaving the paint underneath vulnerable to UV rays, contaminants, and oxidation, which leads to a dull, faded appearance.

Aspect	Dishwashing Liquid	Car Wash Shampoo
pH Level	Highly alkaline (9-13)	pH-balanced (~7)
Primary Goal	Cut grease & grime	Lift dirt safely
Effect on Wax	Strips it completely	Preserves it
Long-term Paint Effect	Can cause fading & oxidation	Protects & maintains gloss
Cost per Wash	Very low	Low to moderate

For occasional, emergency use on a vehicle with no wax coating, it might not cause immediate catastrophic damage. However, for anyone who cares about their car's long-term appearance and value, investing in a proper car wash solution is a small price to pay for significant protection. Always follow up with a fresh coat of wax if you ever are forced to use dish soap.

[HarrisonDella]

Trust me, I learned this the hard way. I used dish soap on my old truck once, and it took the shine right off. The paint looked hazy and dull afterward. It’s like using a power washer on a delicate wood surface—it gets the dirt off, but it takes the good stuff with it. Just spend the few bucks on actual car soap. Your paint will thank you later.

[Jameson]

Think of it this way: dish soap is designed to completely degrease a surface. Your car's wax is a protective grease. The soap doesn't know the difference. It will wash away the very layer that protects your paint from the sun and bird droppings. You're essentially leaving your car's skin exposed. A proper car shampoo is formulated to be gentle on that protective layer while still cleaning effectively.

[DeLogan]

As a quick fix in a pinch? Maybe, if the car is filthy and you have no other option. But you must understand it's a trade-off. You're sacrificing long-term protection for short-term cleanliness. The detergent will remove your wax, so the next rainstorm won't bead up on the paint. Plan to re-apply a wax or sealant immediately afterward to restore protection. It’s better to just use the right tool for the job from the start.

[SanLeila]

From a chemical standpoint, the alkalinity is the problem. Dishwashing liquids have a high pH to saponify fats, which is great for plates but aggressively attacks the chemical bonds in carnauba wax and synthetic sealants. This degrades the hydrophobic properties and gloss. Automotive shampoos use a different class of surfactants that are effective at encapsulating dirt particles for rinsing without compromising the paint's integrity or its protective coatings. It's a matter of chemical compatibility.