can you use mr clean on car exterior

[LeElaina]

No, you should not use Mr. Clean on your car's exterior. While it's a powerful cleaner for household surfaces, its chemical formulation is too harsh for automotive paint, clear coat, trim, and wax or sealant protection. The primary risk is that many Mr. Clean variants are alkaline (high pH), designed to cut through grease and grime on floors and countertops. Automotive paint, however, is best maintained with pH-neutral or mildly acidic (low pH) car shampoo solutions that safely lift dirt without degrading the protective layers.

Using a product like Mr. Clean can lead to several problems. It can strip the wax or sealant off your paint, leaving it unprotected and vulnerable to UV rays and contaminants. Over time, this can cause the clear coat to become dull and oxidized. On black plastic trim and rubber seals, the harsh detergents can cause premature fading, drying, and cracking. For a safe and effective wash, always use a dedicated car wash shampoo that is specifically formulated to be gentle on automotive surfaces.

Cleaning Agent	Typical pH Level	Primary Use	Effect on Automotive Clear Coat	Effect on Car Wax/Sealant
Mr. Clean Multi-Surface	9 - 11 (Alkaline)	Household Degreasing	Can cause dullness & oxidation	Strips away protection quickly
pH-Neutral Car Shampoo	6 - 8 (Neutral)	Automotive Washing	Safe, preserves gloss	Gentle, maintains durability
Dish Soap	8 - 9 (Alkaline)	Cutting Grease	Dulls finish over time	Strips protection completely
Wheel Cleaner (Acidic)	1 - 3 (Acidic)	Brake Dust Removal	Damages paint if misused	Completely removes protection
Quick Detailer	6 - 7 (Neutral)	Light Dust & Smudges	Safe, enhances gloss	Safe, can contain protectants

[SanCassidy]

I tried it once on my old truck, thinking it would get the grime off better. Big mistake. It left the paint looking hazy and stripped the wax right off. It felt like I'd used sandpaper. Now I just grab the big bottle of Meguiar's Gold Class from the auto parts store. It's maybe a couple bucks more, but it suds up great and leaves a nice shine without any of the worry. Stick with the stuff made for cars.

[McKaleb]

Think of it this way: you wouldn't use a heavy-duty engine degreaser to wash your hair. The chemistry is all wrong. Car paint has a delicate clear coat that needs a specific pH balance to stay shiny and protected. Mr. Clean is engineered for a different job entirely—breaking down tough kitchen grease. Using it on your car is an unnecessary risk that can cost you far more in paint correction than you'd ever save on soap.

[FaithMarie]

Beyond just the paint, consider your trim and tires. That same powerful cleaning agent that works on your kitchen floor can permanently stain or dry out the black plastic trim around your windows and wheel wells, turning it a faded gray color. It's also rough on rubber seals. A proper car soap cleans effectively while being safe for all the different materials on your vehicle's exterior, preserving their look and condition for years.

[FranciscoRose]

The goal is to remove dirt, not your car's protection. A dedicated car shampoo uses lubricating polymers to lift dirt away without scrubbing it across the surface, preventing scratches. Mr. Clean lacks this lubrication, increasing the chance of creating micro-scratches during the wash. It’s a shortcut that leads to a dull, swirled finish. For a truly clean and glossy car, the right tool for the job is always the best choice.