What cleaning agent is generally used for car washing?
3 Answers
Generally, specialized car wash soap is used for car washing. The formula of specialized car wash soap is specially designed to provide better cleaning and stain removal effects on the car body, and it does not irritate the skin. Specialized car wash soap is also known as car body foam cleaner or car wash wax. Its key performance feature is lubrication, rather than producing rich foam or enhancing gloss. The better the lubrication, the less worry there is about impurities scratching the car paint during wiping. Method of using car wash soap: First, rinse off the dirt and sand from the car body with clean water. Then, dilute the car wash soap with water according to the specified ratio, generate a large amount of foam, and apply it to the car body using a cleaning sponge. Finally, rinse off the foam from the car body and dry it with a soft towel.
When I wash my car myself, I mainly use car-specific shampoo, which has a mild pH value that won't damage the paint or strip off the wax, making it much safer than regular dish soap. I usually wash my car once a week, first using a foam gun to evenly spray the shampoo, creating a layer of foam that encapsulates dirt and reduces scratches. Then, I gently wipe the body and wheels with a soft sponge, and the rinse water leaves no streaks. Once, I tried using laundry detergent, but it made the paint feel rough and required rewaxing. Since then, I've only used professional products. Remember to shake and dilute the shampoo properly before use to avoid damaging the car with concentrated solution. Car shampoos can also be chosen based on different materials, such as those with added wax for a shinier finish.
As an environmentalist, I prefer biodegradable car wash detergents that have minimal impact on the environment and help protect water sources. I usually use plant-based, phosphate-free car wash soap—it's made with natural ingredients, free from chemical additives, and gives me peace of mind while washing. The wastewater can be directly discharged into the soil. I dilute and mix it with bucket water, combining the two-bucket method to reduce grit scratching the car's surface, while also making sure to wash in the shade to prevent water spots from drying under the sun. Remember to avoid chemical solvent-based cleaners as they can be harmful to health. Nowadays, eco-friendly car wash liquids available in supermarkets are affordable—one bottle lasts for months, and there’s no pungent smell after washing, just a refreshing and worry-free feeling.
