Will Dish Soap Damage Car Paint When Washing a Car?
2 Answers
Low-quality dish soap can damage car paint as it has a certain corrosive effect on the paint. If you cannot determine the quality of the dish soap, it is recommended to use dedicated car wash detergent. Using neutral dish soap to wash a car will not harm the paint, provided that the car being washed is not a luxury or ultra-luxury vehicle like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Rolls-Royce, or Ferrari, but rather an ordinary car. It is important to note that the lifespan of most car paints, including metallic paints with base and mid-coat layers, is around eight to nine years. Therefore, even when using professional cleaning agents, the car paint will not remain as shiny as it originally was after eight or nine years.
I once used dish soap to wash my car, and a few months later, a hazy layer appeared on the paint surface, which felt slightly rough to the touch. It turns out the alkaline substances in dish soap can strip away the protective wax on the car paint, leaving the surface exposed to air and prone to oxidation and fading. Now, I only use automotive-specific cleaners for washing, as they gently remove dirt without damaging the paint. When washing, I choose overcast weather to avoid water spots and promptly dry the car afterward. Regular waxing is also crucial to extend the paint's lifespan. Saving money isn't always wise—otherwise, the cost of paint repair far exceeds that of a bottle of professional cleaner.
