How to Properly Pre-Soak Your Car Before Washing
Pre-soaking your car is one of the easiest ways to reduce scratching and swirl marks—especially if your car is covered in dirt, bugs, or heavy grime. But many people skip this step or do it the wrong way.
In this post, you’ll learn how to pre-soak your car the right way to loosen dirt and prep the surface for a safer, more effective wash.
What Does Pre-Soaking Actually Do?
- Loosens dirt and grime: So you don’t grind it into your paint when washing.
- Helps remove bugs and road film: Especially helpful for highway-driven cars.
- Improves foam cannon performance: Less dirt to break down during foaming.
What You’ll Need
- A pre-soak sprayer (hand pump or battery-powered)
- The Super Soaper – a touchless soap that breaks down dirt and grime on contact
- Water source for rinse after dwell time
Step-by-Step: How to Pre-Soak Like a Pro
- Mix 2–3 ounces of The Super Soaper into a pump sprayer or battery-powered sprayer.
- Spray the entire exterior of the car, working from top to bottom.
- Let dwell for 3–5 minutes. Do not let it dry.
- Rinse thoroughly with water before moving to foam cannon or contact wash.
Why The Super Soaper Is Perfect for Pre-Soaking
The Super Soaper is a semi-touchless formula that clings to the surface, breaks down grime fast, and rinses clean without leaving residue. It’s safe for ceramic coatings, waxes, and even delicate trim. Plus, it’s strong enough to be used as a standalone wash for lightly dirty vehicles.
Need a Powerful Pre-Soak Soap?
Try The Super Soaper for maximum dirt breakdown with zero hassle. Just spray, dwell, rinse, and you’re ready to wash.
Pro Tips
- Use a battery-powered sprayer for faster application on larger vehicles.
- Pre-soak wheels and tires with a separate product like Pure Magic Cleaner.
- In hot weather, work in sections to avoid drying before rinse.