Does Dishwashing Liquid Damage Car Paint?
2 Answers
Dishwashing liquid can damage car paint as it may corrode the paint surface, hence it is not recommended for car washing. Since dishwashing liquid has degreasing properties, it will wash away the wax coating on the car's surface, leaving the paint unprotected and losing its luster. Moreover, prolonged exposure of dishwashing liquid on the car's surface can harm the rubber seals, and in severe cases, may even cause them to crack. Car paint generally refers to the paint coating on a vehicle's surface, which involves applying a thin film to protect the paint's gloss from fading and to provide a physical protective layer, thereby safeguarding the paint.
I used to be curious too, and after washing my car with dish soap, I noticed the paint clearly lost its shine. The strong chemicals in dish soap easily dissolve the protective wax layer on the car's surface, which acts as the car's natural shield. Once the wax layer is gone, the paint becomes prone to oxidation, fading, and even minor scratches. Over time, the whole car looks dull and loses its appeal—definitely not something you'd want to show off. Trying to save time and money ends up costing more in the long run. Now, I only use specialized car wash soap, which is designed to be much gentler and helps maintain long-lasting shine. Remember, after washing, apply wax every month or two to keep the paint looking vibrant. Don’t let small conveniences ruin your car’s big looks.