What is the best cleaner to use for car washing?
2 Answers
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.
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.
