Can You Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Dish soap might seem like an easy substitute for car wash soap—but using it can do more harm than good. Here’s what most people don’t realize.
Why People Use Dish Soap on Cars
It’s in the kitchen. It cuts grease. And it foams up well. That’s why many DIYers reach for dish soap when washing their car. But just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it’s safe for your paint or protection.
What Dish Soap Really Does to Your Car
- Strips wax and sealants: Dish soap is formulated to cut through oils and coatings—exactly what your wax or ceramic spray is.
- Dries out rubber and plastics: Over time, it can damage trim, rubber seals, and plastic parts.
- Leaves residue: It’s not pH balanced for paint, so it can leave streaks and film behind.
Clear Coat Isn’t Invincible
Your car’s clear coat is thin. Repeated use of harsh soaps like dish detergent accelerates degradation. You might not notice after one wash—but over time, it adds up in faded gloss, water spots, and paint oxidation.
What You Should Use Instead
A dedicated car wash soap like The Super Soaper is designed for your vehicle’s surfaces. It’s pH balanced, ceramic-safe, and offers excellent lubricity for scratch-free washing.
When Dish Soap Is (Sometimes) Okay
If you’re intentionally stripping wax or prepping a surface for polishing or ceramic coating, dish soap can be used—but even then, there are better alternatives like degreasers or prep washes.
Use the Right Soap for the Job
Protect your paint, coatings, and trim with The Super Soaper—a true car wash soap designed to clean safely without stripping protection.
