Is It Safe to Wash Your Car with Dawn Dish Soap?

Jimbo Balaam on

Dish soap might cut grease, but it can also cut protection. Here’s why you should think twice before reaching for Dawn on car paint—and what to use instead.

Is It Safe to Wash Your Car with Dawn Dish Soap?

Is It Safe to Wash Your Car with Dawn Dish Soap?

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Just use dish soap to wash your car.” But is that actually safe for your paint, coating, or wax?

In this post, we’re breaking down the truth about Dawn (and other dish soaps), when it can be useful, and why it's usually not the best option for car care.

Why People Use Dish Soap on Cars

The main reason people use dish soap like Dawn is because it cuts grease and strips wax. So some DIYers think it’s a great way to clean their car before waxing or ceramic coating.

And while it *can* remove old layers of protection, that doesn’t mean it’s good for regular use.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car

  • It Strips Waxes and Sealants: Great for decon—but bad if you want to preserve your protection.
  • It Can Dry Out Rubber and Trim: Dish soap isn’t made for automotive surfaces. Over time, it can damage rubber seals and fade plastic trim.
  • It Lacks Lubrication: Dish soap doesn’t have the same slickness as a proper car shampoo. That means more chances for swirl marks and scratches.
  • It’s Not pH Balanced: A high or low pH soap can affect coatings, finishes, and even glass water behavior.

When Is Dish Soap OK to Use?

Dish soap has one legit use in car detailing: stripping old protection before polishing or ceramic coating. If you need a clean slate before applying Tough As Shell or Picture Perfect Polish, a dish soap wash *once* can help. But don’t make it part of your normal routine.

What to Use Instead of Dish Soap

If you want real cleaning power without stripping protection, switch to a soap made for detailing. The Super Soaper is a high-foaming, pH-balanced car wash soap that’s safe on waxes, sealants, and ceramic sprays.

It works in foam cannons or buckets and gives you plenty of lubrication to reduce scratching.

✅ Ditch the Dish Soap—Use What Pros Trust

Try The Super Soaper here or get it on Amazon for a safer, smarter way to wash your car.

Final Thoughts

Dish soap is great for your dishes—but not for your car. It’s harsh, unbalanced, and removes all the good stuff that keeps your paint looking fresh.

Unless you’re doing a full detail or coating prep, stick with a purpose-made car wash soap like The Super Soaper. Your paint, trim, and coatings will thank you.