Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Car wash soaps are designed to be tough on dirt but gentle on your vehicle’s finish. However, several other products can do the same job without potentially causing damage to your car.
The Car Wash Soap Alternatives:
1. Dish Soap
Dish soap can be a great alternative to car wash soaps when cleaning your vehicle. Many dish soaps are designed to be gentle on the environment and safe for use on all surfaces, meaning you don’t have to worry about damaging your car’s paint job. They’re often much less expensive than traditional car wash soaps, making them economical.
The one downside is that dish soaps tend to dry out your skin more quickly than specialized car wash products due to their higher foaming power. To counteract this effect, it’s recommended that you wear gloves while using dish soap on your vehicle and rinse off with plenty of water afterward. Dish soap is also ideal for tackling tougher stains or caked-on dirt that may require a bit more scrubbing power than standard car wash products provide.
2. Hand Soap
Hand soap is a great alternative to car wash soaps because it can effectively remove dirt and grime from the exterior. It is also much cheaper than purchasing specialized car-washing products. Hand soaps are generally more gentle on your vehicle’s paint, as they don’t contain harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. When washing with hand soap, use plenty of water and a soft cloth not to scratch the surface. Additionally, it’s important to rinse thoroughly after washing since any residue left behind may be difficult to remove later on.
3. Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergent is designed to clean clothes and other fabrics, so it can also be used to clean your car. It’s usually less expensive and more readily available than specialty auto cleaning products, making it a great cost-effective alternative. Plus, most laundry detergents contain surfactants that help break down dirt and grime on contact, so you won’t have to scrub too hard for good results. Just make sure you dilute the laundry detergent with water before using it – about 1/4 cup of detergent mixed with one gallon of warm water should do the trick!
4. Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoo is gentle on paint and rims while effectively removing dirt and grime from the exterior of your car. Plus, it’s typically much cheaper than purchasing specialized car wash soap. When using baby shampoo as a car cleaner, it’s important to dilute it with water as you don’t want to damage any surfaces by putting too much product on them. Additionally, ensure you rinse away all residue when finished to prevent streaking or water spots.
5. Hair Conditioner
A hair conditioner is an ideal alternative to car wash soap. It can be used similarly, creating a thick lather on the vehicle’s surface. Unlike car wash soap, however, the hair conditioner won’t strip away the wax coating on your car, and it will help maintain your paint job by preventing oxidation.
Additionally, it leaves behind a protective layer that acts as a barrier against dirt and other contaminants. This means that your car will stay cleaner for longer periods. Furthermore, hair conditioners are gentler on sensitive paint finishes than harsh chemicals in many car wash soaps. When using a hair conditioner instead of car wash soap, it is important to remember to rinse thoroughly since some ingredients can leave behind a residue if not properly rinsed off.
Why Should You Use A Diy Car Wash Soap Solution?
Inexpensive:
DIY car wash soap solutions are an inexpensive and easy way to keep your car looking great. Unlike commercially available products, DIY solutions are often made with natural ingredients that don’t contain harsh chemicals or abrasives. This makes them both safer for the environment and better for your car’s finish. They can also be tailored to fit your cleaning needs, so you can get a custom clean without breaking the bank.
Easy To Make:
DIY car wash soap solutions are typically straightforward and only require simple ingredients like baking soda, liquid dish detergent, or vinegar. These recipes can easily be adjusted according to the cleaning job you need and usually work just as well as store-bought products at a fraction of the cost.
Homemade Car Wash Soap Alternatives You Should Not Use:
Vinegar
Vinegar should never be used as a car wash soap alternative. Vinegar has very acidic properties that can damage your paint job and any rubber or plastic parts of your vehicle. Plus, vinegar will create a strong smell that may linger in your vehicle long after washing it.
Bleach
Bleach can be highly corrosive and isn’t suitable for cleaning any vehicle. It will cause paint damage over time and can even dissolve plastic parts or components in your car if left on too long. Additionally, bleach has a strong smell that can linger if not properly rinsed off after washing. The fumes from bleach are also highly toxic and very dangerous when inhaled – even in small amounts – so it’s best not to use bleach as a homemade alternative at all costs!
Tire Shine/Cleaner
Tire shine cleaner, in particular, can cause severe damage to both your car’s exterior and interior if it isn’t used correctly. Before attempting any homemade alternatives, you must understand the risks of using tire shine products.
Conclusion
Many alternatives to car wash soap can be used for cleaning car exteriors. The options include dish soap, laundry detergent, and an all-purpose cleaner. Consider wax or an epoxy sealant for a more thorough cleaning and protection from environmental contaminants. Whichever product is chosen, it is essential to read the instructions on the label for proper use and to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s finish.
