Can You Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car?
It’s one of the most common questions out there—can you wash your car with dish soap? Maybe you’ve heard it’s fine, maybe you’ve done it before. But just because it cuts grease doesn’t mean it’s good for your paint. Let’s break down why dish soap isn't the best choice and what you should be using instead.
What Dish Soap Was Made For
Dish soap is designed to break down food, grease, and oils. It’s highly effective at cutting through tough grime—which is exactly why it’s too harsh for automotive surfaces. It contains strong degreasers that can strip away wax, sealants, and even dry out plastics and rubber trim over time.
What Happens When You Use Dish Soap on Your Car
- ❌ Strips protective wax and sealants
- ❌ Can accelerate paint fading and oxidation
- ❌ Dries out trim, rubber seals, and even plastic components
- ❌ Doesn’t provide lubrication = higher risk of swirl marks
What You Should Use Instead
A proper car wash soap is designed to clean without damaging your finish. The Super Soaper is a high-foaming, pH-neutral soap that lifts dirt safely without stripping protection. It’s safe for ceramic coatings, waxes, and sealants—and works with foam cannons, pump sprayers, or a traditional bucket wash.
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Why pH-Neutral Soap Matters
Dish soap is usually high in alkalinity. Car wash soaps like The Super Soaper are pH-neutral, meaning they’re gentle on your paint and safe for regular use. Plus, they provide the lubrication needed to reduce the risk of micro-scratches and swirl marks while washing.
When It Might Be OK to Use Dish Soap
The only time dish soap might be used is during a paint decontamination process—when you’re intentionally trying to strip old waxes before polishing or applying a ceramic coating. Even then, it’s better to use a purpose-built prep soap or degreaser instead.
So, can you wash your car with dish soap? Technically yes—but it’s not worth the damage. If you care about your car’s finish and want to protect your paint, trim, and coatings, reach for a soap that’s made for the job. The Super Soaper is safe, effective, and built to keep your car looking its best without compromising protection.
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