Can You Use Dish Soap in a Foam Cannon?
Dish soap cuts grease on plates—so it must clean cars too, right? Not so fast. Here’s why dish soap is a bad idea for foam cannons and your car’s paint.
This is one of the most common questions in car care: “Can I just use dish soap in my foam cannon?” While dish soap foams and removes grime, it’s not designed for automotive surfaces. In fact, it can damage your paint protection, strip waxes and sealants, and leave your finish dry and unprotected. Let’s break down why car wash soaps are the only safe choice.
Why People Use Dish Soap
Dish soap is cheap, readily available, and foams easily. Many DIYers assume it will work just as well on cars as it does on dirty dishes. While it might look similar at first, the chemical makeup is very different.
Why Dish Soap Is Bad for Cars
- ❌ Strips waxes and sealants, leaving paint unprotected
- ❌ Harsh detergents can dry out rubber and plastic trim
- ❌ Not pH-balanced for automotive paint
- ❌ Creates foam, but lacks proper lubrication
Dish Soap vs Car Wash Soap
| Feature | Dish Soap | Car Wash Soap |
|---|---|---|
| pH Balance | Harsh, alkaline | Neutral, safe for paint |
| Lubrication | Low | High – reduces scratches |
| Effect on Protection | Strips waxes & sealants | Preserves or enhances protection |
| Safety on Trim | Can dry or stain plastic/rubber | Safe for all exterior surfaces |
When Dish Soap *Might* Be Used
The only time pros sometimes use dish soap is to strip old wax before applying a fresh protection layer. Even then, dedicated prep soaps are better and safer.
The Right Soap for Foam Cannons
A high-foaming, pH-balanced formula like The Super Soaper is designed specifically for foam cannons. It creates thick foam that clings to paint, loosens dirt, and provides lubrication for safe washing.
Related Products
The Super Soaper
pH-balanced foam soap designed to maximize safety and gloss when washing cars.
Orange Wash Microfiber
Soft, high-pile wash towel that pairs perfectly with foamed soap for scratch-free cleaning.
Massive Drying Towel
Oversized microfiber towel that absorbs water fast without leaving streaks.
Q&A: Dish Soap in Foam Cannons
Can I use dish soap in my foam cannon?
You can, but you shouldn’t. It strips protection and isn’t safe for long-term use.
Why is car soap better than dish soap?
Car soaps are pH-balanced and lubricated, designed to clean without harming protection or trim.
Will dish soap damage paint?
Not instantly, but repeated use dries out surfaces and leaves paint unprotected.
Is dish soap ever okay to use on cars?
Only as a one-time wax-stripper before applying new protection. Even then, dedicated prep soaps are safer.
Related Reading
Final Thoughts
Dish soap might seem like a cheap hack, but it does more harm than good. Protect your car by using a proper car soap like The Super Soaper, dry with a Massive Drying Towel, and finish with Tough As Shell (Amazon link) or The Gloss Boss for lasting protection.
