Do Ceramic Coated Cars Need Soap?
Many car owners think a ceramic coating means they can skip soap altogether — after all, dirt and water slide right off, right? The truth is, ceramic coatings still need regular washing to maintain their performance and hydrophobic behavior. In this guide, we’ll explain why coated cars require soap, what type to use, and how to keep your coating working like new.
Estimated Reading Time: ~9 minutes
Why Ceramic Coated Cars Still Need Washing
A ceramic coating doesn’t make your car immune to dirt — it just prevents contaminants from bonding tightly to the surface. Over time, things like road grime, pollen, water spots, and bird droppings can cling to the coating’s top layer, dulling its shine and weakening its hydrophobic properties.
Washing your coated car with the right soap is what resets the coating’s surface, removes bonded contaminants, and keeps the slick, self-cleaning behavior strong.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Soap
If you only rinse your car with water, you’re leaving behind invisible contaminants that slowly clog the coating’s pores. This leads to water not beading or sheeting like it should, and in time, the coating will seem like it has “failed” — even though it’s just dirty.
Regular maintenance washes with a ceramic-safe soap like The Super Soaper restore that clean surface and help your coating perform as designed.
Soap-Free Myths vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Coated cars don’t need soap.” | False. Soap removes films and residues that block the coating’s hydrophobic surface. |
| “Rinsing alone keeps it clean.” | Rinsing removes loose dirt only — not oils, brake dust, or environmental fallout. |
| “All soaps are safe for coatings.” | No. Harsh or alkaline soaps can strip the coating’s top layer prematurely. |
The Best Soap for Ceramic Coated Cars
When washing a coated car, you need a slick, residue-free, pH-balanced soap that won’t interfere with the coating’s protection. The Super Soaper is engineered for exactly that — it safely removes grime while preserving the coating’s hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties.
Its advanced surfactants lift dirt gently off the surface, minimizing the risk of micro-scratches while keeping the coating performing like day one.
Best Soap for Ceramic Coatings: The Super Soaper
Clean without compromise. The Super Soaper maintains your coating’s water-beading power and slickness with zero residue or streaks.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonHow to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car
- Pre-rinse or foam: Mix 2–4 oz of The Super Soaper per gallon of water. Foam the car or pre-spray to break down dirt.
- Use a soft wash towel: The Orange Wash Microfiber Towel is perfect for safely removing grime without scratching.
- Work top-down: Always start from the roof and move downward to prevent re-contamination.
- Rinse thoroughly: Use filtered or deionized water if possible to reduce spotting.
- Dry carefully: Use the Massive Drying Towel or a blower to prevent water spots.
What to Avoid
- → Avoid heavy degreasers or alkaline soaps — they can strip coatings prematurely.
- → Skip wax-based soaps — they interfere with ceramic surface tension.
- → Avoid touching the car without lubrication — even coatings can scratch if dry-wiped.
- → Don’t overuse maintenance sprays — too much layering can cause streaks.
How to Maintain a Ceramic Coating Long-Term
Even with perfect washing, your ceramic coating will eventually need maintenance. Products like Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray act as a booster that restores slickness and adds extra protection every few months. It’s safe for all coatings and easy to apply — just spray, wipe, and buff.
For maximum longevity, consider topping with The Gloss Boss every 1–2 years. It bonds on top of existing coatings for up to 5 years of reinforced protection, maintaining clarity and water behavior.
Pro Tips for Coated Cars
- → Wash every 2–3 weeks using The Super Soaper.
- → Apply Tough As Shell every 1–2 months for hydrophobic renewal.
- → Avoid washing in direct sunlight to prevent soap streaks.
- → Use a blower for drying to minimize towel contact.
- → Store indoors or under a car cover for UV protection.
Related Reading
- How to Wash PPF Without Lifting Edges
- Washing Satin Finishes Safely
- How to Wash a Matte Car Without Glossing It
- How to Wash Carbon Fiber Hoods
- How to Wash After Polishing or Waxing
- The Best Wash Method for Black Cars
Keep Your Ceramic Coating Performing Like New
The Super Soaper and Tough As Shell work together to clean and maintain your coating without stripping or streaking.
Buy on Jimbo’s Detailing Buy on AmazonFAQs
Do ceramic coated cars really need soap?
Yes. Soap removes invisible contaminants that block hydrophobic performance. Water alone can’t clean bonded grime.
Can I use any car soap on ceramic coatings?
No. Avoid waxy or harsh soaps. Use a coating-safe, pH-balanced soap like The Super Soaper for best results.
How often should I wash a ceramic coated car?
Every 2–3 weeks is ideal. Regular washing keeps contaminants from clogging the coating surface.
Does soap strip ceramic coatings?
Not if you use the right one. The Super Soaper cleans without removing or degrading your coating.
What’s the best product to maintain a ceramic coating?
Tough As Shell is a spray-on booster that refreshes your coating’s slickness and hydrophobic layer instantly.
