What is the best cleaner to use for car washing?

[SanLaila]

It is best to use a dedicated car wash cleaner. Dedicated cleaners are neutral, which means they won't harm your hands or damage the car's paint during the washing process. Some specialized car wash cleaners contain natural wax components that can enhance the shine of the car's paint after washing. Avoid using laundry detergent for car washing, as it is alkaline and can cause corrosion to the paint, shortening its lifespan. Use a soft cotton brush for washing, as it has good water absorption and won't harm the car's paint. Many car owners try to save water by using only one bucket of water for washing, but this can damage the paint. Sand and small stones from the car's surface can get into the water with the washcloth, and using such water can scratch the paint. Don't wash your car too frequently just to keep the paint clean, as excessive washing can dull the paint's gloss. Generally, washing the car once a week is ideal.

[DeMiguel]

When washing my car myself, I found that the most crucial thing to check on the ingredient list is the pH value—absolutely avoid using ordinary alkaline dish soap! Alkaline ingredients can gradually wear down the clear coat on the car's paint. Professional car wash soaps are pH-neutral and gentle, lathering up like shampoo. Recently, I tried a plant-based car wash soap that was amazing—it could even soften dried bird droppings without needing to scrub hard. This liquid clings to the surface and flows off on its own, leaving almost no water spots after washing. For owners with ceramic coatings, remember to choose a car wash soap with ceramic coating agents—each wash acts like a top-up for the coating.

[VanSarah]

The experienced car wash technician taught me to look for pH-neutral formulas, as they are crucial for preserving the paintwork. The amount of foam is secondary; what really matters is whether there's any slippery residue left after washing. Car wash solutions with built-in wax are perfect for busy people, like when you're rushing to pick up your kids after work. Just pour half a capful into a bucket to wash the entire car – even white cars show reduced swirl marks after three washes. Remember not to scrub tires with a sponge, as alkaline foam accelerates rubber aging. Always use a dedicated brush instead.

[DelKevin]

A friend in auto detailing taught me the 'two-bucket car wash method': one bucket contains car shampoo diluted in the correct ratio, while the other holds clean water for rinsing the sponge. The key is using a wool wash mitt—its fibers are three times longer than those of a regular sponge, trapping grit at the base to prevent paint scratches. During rainy seasons when roads are muddy, opt for a concentrate with soil-release agents, as the foam penetrates beneath the dirt layer to lift contaminants. For black cars, a quick waterless wash solution is ideal to eliminate swirl marks from towel drying.

[McLukas]

In emergencies, baby shampoo with a pH of 5.5 can be used as a gentler alternative to adult shampoo. However, avoid dish soap as the sodium chloride content can cause metal trim to rust. The orange cleaner supplied by car washes is a miracle worker for removing tar, especially spots splashed near the wheel arches—just spray and wait ten minutes for it to melt away. Recently, I've found that a foam cannon is more crucial than a pressure washer; thick foam encapsulates sand particles, preventing paint scratches when blasted away by high-pressure water.