How to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car (Without Messing It Up)
Have a ceramic coated car? Here’s exactly how to wash it the right way—without stripping your coating or ruining your water beading. Follow this process and your ceramic spray or coating will last MUCH longer.
Why You Need to Wash Ceramic Coated Cars Differently
If you wash a ceramic coated car the wrong way, you can:
- Strip the coating with harsh soaps or degreasers.
- Clog the coating with residues and waxes.
- Cause swirls and scratches that ruin gloss and beading.
That’s why proper wash technique and product choice matters more than ever once your car is ceramic coated.
What to Use → The Right Products for Washing Ceramic Coated Cars
Here’s what I personally use and recommend to protect coatings:
- The Super Soaper → Coating-safe shampoo with no gloss enhancers or waxes → won’t clog beading.
- Orange Wash Microfiber Towel → Ultra-soft contact wash towel → minimizes swirl risk.
- Massive Drying Towel → Safe, high-capacity drying towel → prevents water spots.
How to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car → Step-by-Step
Step 1 → Foam Pre-Soak
Start with a foam pre-soak using The Super Soaper:
- Use a foam cannon or pump sprayer.
- Let the foam dwell for 3–5 minutes → this loosens dirt and reduces contact washing risk.
Step 2 → Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse all foam and loosened dirt off with a pressure washer or hose → don’t skip this!
Step 3 → Contact Wash with Orange Wash Microfiber Towel
Fill a bucket with The Super Soaper solution.
Wash the car using an Orange Wash Microfiber Towel:
- Work top to bottom → rinse towel frequently.
- Use gentle, straight line motions → avoid circular scrubbing.
This helps preserve the coating while removing stubborn dirt.
Step 4 → Rinse Again
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Step 5 → Dry Safely
Use a Massive Drying Towel → gently blot or glide to dry the car → avoid dragging dirt around.
How Often to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car
To keep your ceramic coating performing at its best:
- Wash weekly if possible → keeps contaminants from building up.
- Decontaminate with clay every 3–6 months if needed.
- Top with Tough As Shell every 3–6 months to refresh protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using dish soap or harsh degreasers → strips coatings fast.
- Using “wash & wax” shampoos → clogs coating → ruins beading.
- Using stiff brushes or old towels → causes swirls.
The Bottom Line → Wash Right to Make Your Coating Last
If you follow this simple process → your ceramic coating or spray (like Tough As Shell) will stay performing and looking amazing for the long term.
And you’ll dramatically reduce swirl marks and paint damage over time.
Get Orange Wash Microfiber Towel here →
