Will Using Shower Gel to Wash a Car Damage the Paint?
2 Answers
Using shower gel to wash a car can damage the paint. Shower gel, soap powder, and highly alkaline detergents are not suitable for car washing, as frequent use can harm the glossy finish of the car's paint. Additionally, these solutions can erode the car's tires, windows, and rubber components on the body. It is essential to use a formal and reliable car wash detergent specifically designed for vehicles. Professional car wash detergents have a neutral pH and contain surfactants extracted from natural plants, which do not erode the car and help maintain the paint's brightness, contributing to better car maintenance. Currently, the market offers various types of car wash detergents, such as nano car wash liquid, ultra-concentrated car wash liquid, crystal film car wash liquid, and no-rinse car wash liquid.
Last year, I washed my car once with shower gel, and sun marks appeared on the body. The shower gel was too alkaline, which corroded the protective film on the car paint. The foam didn't cling or flow during washing, and the sponge directly rubbed the body dry, leaving fine scratches. Professional car wash soap has a neutral formula, with added lubricants to protect the paint surface, and it even leaves a water wax effect after washing. I later asked a repair shop technician, and he said household detergents and shower gels contain chlorides, which can easily cause metal parts to rust and roof seals to age. Now, I buy car wash soap in bulk, and a bucket can last for half a year, which turns out to be much more cost-effective than using shower gel.
