Is Touchless Car Washing Safe for Your Paint?
Touchless sounds safe — but what’s really happening to your paint? Here’s what you need to know before you roll into that automatic wash.
How Touchless Car Washes Work
Unlike traditional car washes that use spinning brushes or foam mitts, touchless car washes rely purely on high-pressure water and strong chemicals to break down dirt and grime.
That means no physical contact with the paint — but it also means they use aggressive solutions to get the job done.
Potential Risks of Touchless Washes
- Harsh Chemicals: Can strip wax, sealants, and even affect ceramic coatings over time.
- Water Spots: High-pressure rinse and no drying often leads to baked-on water spots.
- Ineffective Cleaning: Without agitation (like a mitt or foam), some dirt may be left behind.
So... Is It Safe?
It’s definitely safer than a brush-style automatic wash, but it’s not totally risk-free. Long-term use can dull paint, degrade protection layers, and leave behind water spotting issues.
A Safer DIY Option: Pre-Soak & Foam
The safest method? Combine a quality pre-soak with a gentle foam wash using products designed to lift dirt without touching the paint directly.
The Super Soaper is a perfect example. It’s formulated for semi-touchless use — just foam, let dwell, and rinse away the grime without scrubbing.
Buy The Super Soaper on Amazon
Want Full Protection Too?
Pair it with a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell to repel water, prevent spotting, and keep your paint slick for months.
Bottom Line
Touchless car washes aren’t the worst thing you can do — but there’s a better way. Take control of the process with products like The Super Soaper and you’ll get safer, cleaner results every time.
