Can You Use Dish Soap in a Foam Cannon?

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Dish soap is cheap, but should you run it through a foam cannon? Here’s the truth.

Can You Use Dish Soap in a Foam Cannon?

Can You Use Dish Soap in a Foam Cannon?

Dish soap is cheap, easy to find, and foams when mixed with water. But does that mean it’s safe to use in a foam cannon for washing your car? The short answer: no. In this guide, we’ll explain why dish soap is bad for your car’s paint, what it does to wax and coatings, and which soaps you should use instead.

Quick Takeaways

  • Dish soap strips wax and protection: It’s designed to cut grease, not protect paint.
  • Not lubricated enough: Increases swirl and scratch risk.
  • Can dry out plastics and rubber: Harsh formulas aren’t safe for car materials.
  • Does foam — but weakly: It won’t cling like automotive soaps.
  • Better option: Use a dedicated foam cannon soap like The Super Soaper.

Skip Dish Soap – Use The Super Soaper Instead

Dish soap damages paint protection and dries out trim. The Super Soaper is pH balanced, safe on coatings, and creates thick foam that clings to paint.

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Why People Think Dish Soap Works

Many people assume dish soap works for car washing because it foams and cuts through grease on plates. It’s cheap, widely available, and seems to “clean” the car quickly. But there’s a huge difference between cleaning dirty dishes and cleaning automotive paint.

Why Dish Soap is Bad for Your Car

  • Strips protection: Dish soap removes wax, sealants, and even weak ceramic sprays. You’ll lose months of protection in one wash.
  • No lubricity: Automotive soaps are designed to be slick, reducing swirl risk. Dish soap increases friction instead.
  • Harsh on plastics: Dish formulas can dry out rubber trim, weather seals, and exterior plastics.
  • Doesn’t cling: Foam collapses quickly and doesn’t dwell on paint, so dirt isn’t lifted effectively.

What You Should Use Instead

The best soaps for foam cannons are formulated for lubrication, foam density, and paint safety. They protect your finish instead of damaging it. Check out: Best Soaps for Foam Cannons (Scratch-Free Washing).

How Much Soap Should You Use?

Even with the right soap, using the right amount is key. Most foam cannons only need 2–4 oz of soap per 32 oz bottle, topped with warm water. Using too much wastes product and can actually reduce foam quality. See full breakdown here: How Much Soap to Use in a Foam Cannon?.

Pro Foam Wash Setup

Ditch the dish soap. Pair The Super Soaper with Orange Wash Microfiber Towels for safe washing and the Massive Drying Towel for swirl-free drying.

The Super Soaper Orange Wash Towel Massive Drying Towel

When (If Ever) Dish Soap is Okay

There’s one scenario where detailers occasionally use dish soap: stripping wax before a full detail. If you’re planning to polish and reapply protection immediately after, dish soap can help strip oils and waxes. But this is the only time it’s acceptable—and even then, a dedicated wax-stripping shampoo is safer and more effective.

Pro Tips for Safe Foam Cannon Washing

  • Use soaps designed for foam cannons (pH balanced, high foaming, lubricated).
  • Stick to 2–4 oz of soap in a 32 oz bottle—more isn’t always better.
  • Use warm water to improve foam density.
  • Work in the shade and let foam dwell 3–5 minutes before rinsing.
  • Always rinse your foam cannon with clean water after each use.

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