Have you ever been in a pinch and wondered if you could wash your car with the Dawn dish soap sitting under your sink? You’re not alone.
Many people have debated whether dish soap and a sponge can clean their vehicle in a bind. Before you scrub away, though, you should know a few things.
While Dawn is great at cutting through grease on your plates, washing your car with Dawn isn’t the best idea and could do more harm than good.
However, if you’re careful and take the proper precautions, that bottle of Dawn can work in an emergency. Here’s what you need to know before using Dawn dishwashing liquid to wash your car.
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Why You Can’t Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car
Using dish soap is really bad for car paint and can end up damaging your vehicle’s paint surface. In fact, the harsh detergents of the dish soap strip the wax and protective sealants from your car’s paint, leaving it unprotected.
Furthermore, Dawn may leave spots and streaks since it’s not designed for automotive surfaces. You’ll have to rinse and dry your car thoroughly to avoid water spots.
That’s why you should always stick with quality car wash soap for washing your vehicle. Your car’s paint job will thank you, and you’ll avoid an expensive trip to the detail shop to correct any damage.
Save the dish detergent for the dishes – that’s what it’s made for!
What Happens if You Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car?
However, washing your car with dish soap, specifically, Dawn, can have the following consequences:
- Damaged car paint – Dawn can strip the wax or sealant from your car’s paint, dull your car’s finish and reduce protection over time. Car wash soaps are pH balanced and formulated to be non-stripping.
Over time, this can lead to fading, water spots, and let UV rays into the car’s interior. This is the primary reason why cleaning your car with dish soap is not recommended.
- Stubborn residue – Furthermore, dish soap leaves behind a residue that’s hard to rinse off. No matter how well you rinse, that residue builds up over time, creating streaks and swirl marks in the paint.
- Not clean – Dawn does not contain the lubricants and conditioners in car wash soaps that help loosen dirt and grime while protecting your car’s paint.
What Soaps Can I Use to Wash My Car?
Having that said, the following are some suggestions for a suitable product:
- Car wash soap – This product is specifically designed to clean cars without damaging the paint. Brands like Meguiar’s, Chemical Guys, and Milwaukee’s make high-quality car wash soaps that will make your car shiny. These are your best options to keep your car looking its best.
- Homemade soap – Try DIY with natural components like baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap. It won’t strip wax but may require a bit more elbow grease to clean and a dedicated car wash soap. This is a great car wash soap alternative.
Other Tips for Washing a Car
1. Use the right cleaning products
When washing your car at home, choose products specifically designed for automotive use. Household soaps like using shampoo, using laundry detergent, or especially dish wash may seem like an easy solution, but they can cause damage.
Instead, invest in a quality car wash soap and wax or sealant to protect your vehicle’s finish.
2. Wash from top to bottom
You should clean your car from the top, rinse as you go, then clean the bottom. It’s recommended by experts to use the two-bucket method. You should fill one bucket with car wash soap and water and the other with just water.
Make sure you use a microfiber mitt to wash and rinse, dipping in the soap bucket to wash and the rinse bucket to remove residue.
3. Pay attention to hard-to-reach corners
Don’t forget door jambs, gas cap area, and trim pieces, and sometimes, remember to clean the car interior. These areas often get overlooked but still collect dirt and grime.
4. Dry as you go
Use a microfiber or very soft towel and dry the car by blotting it. This will make the final drying step quicker and prevent water spots from drying on the paint.
Following these tips will help you properly wash and care for your vehicle at home using the right techniques and products. Take your time and be thorough – your car will look showroom new when you’re done!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Dawn dishwashing liquid strip the wax or sealant?
Using Dawn too frequently can potentially strip the wax or sealant from your car’s paint over time. Instead, use a dedicated car wash soap and follow the directions to properly wash and wax your vehicle.
Can it damage the paint?
Yes, the degreasing agents Dawn contains can be harsh on car paint, especially in high concentrations. Therefore it is not recommended to clean your car with Dawn dish soap.
What about the wheels and tires?
Speaking from personal experience, Dawn works great for cleaning wheels and tires. Ensure rinse the wheels well after washing to prevent a soapy film from being left behind.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the lowdown on using Dawn dish soap to wash your car. The bottom line is: Is dish soap safe for cars? No. For your vehicle’s long-term health and appearance, it’s best to stick with a proper car wash soap.
Your car is a big investment, so why not give it the care and maintenance it deserves? Treat your ride right; it will keep looking and performing well for many years to come.
