There’s nothing like a clean car. However, a key part of the cleaning process hinges on the type of car soap you use. If you are ready to wash your car but have run out of the proper soap product, no need to worry. There are several car wash soap alternatives out there that you can find in your own home.
Continue reading to learn more about the best car wash soap substitutes for washing and the soaps you should avoid at all costs.
Why Using the Right Car Soap Matters
It’s a common misconception that soapy water will give your car a clean quality. However, using certain types, such as dish soap, will have the exact opposite effect. What may get you plenty of bubbles and suds to wash the grime can begin tearing away at your car’s beautiful exterior.
Car Soap vs. Household Detergents
The major difference between car soap and your household detergents is the chemical content inside. Car soaps are formulated specifically to use less abrasion on vehicles' exteriors. In contrast, detergents like dish soap contain chemicals that begin breaking down the car’s finish and even strip away wax when applied enough.
It should be noted that certain detergents are considered non-abrasive, like select dish soaps. These are considered more suitable for cars, as their chemicals are less likely to harm car exteriors. While these are safer to use, they should never be used as the first alternative to car soap.
Protecting Paint and Wax with the Right Products
If you are cautious in protecting your car’s wax and paint, then you should be using the right products available. This means ditching household detergents and opting for car soap and a wash mitt, if possible.
While it may seem easier to grab a towel or sponge for washing, it can actually do more harm than good. These cleaning tools are great for many uses, but not for your car. This is due to the material being too rough for the car exterior, and some of them will drag around dirt and grime rather than pick it up.
What You Can Use If You Don’t Have Car Soap
We’ve put a lot of focus on using car soap for your next car wash. Realistically, not every car owner will have the appropriate car soap readily available.
Whatever you do, don’t wash your car without soap. There are plenty of DIY alternatives to car soap that can be used, some just being simple household items.
Here is the breakdown of the common solutions:
Dish Soap: Yes or No?
While dish soap does an excellent job cleaning last night’s pasta dinner, cleaning off your car is not what it was made for.
Your typical dish soap contains harsh chemicals that are mixed to create a potent cleaner for your dishes. The effectiveness of the substances, when used on a car, will break down the exterior’s paint and wax coating. So, if you're considering alternatives to car soap, dish soap is not the best option.
Shampoo or Body Wash
Shampoo can be used on your car if you’re in a pinch. Unlike dish soap, shampoo and body wash are typically free of abrasive detergents and are a pH-neutral cleaner. This means, unless applied repeatedly, these cleaners won’t strip away the car’s paint or wax.
There is a downside, however, which is that shampoo or body wash lacks the lubricating agents that car soap contains. To effectively and safely clean your car, you’ll need to mix the cleaner with a large amount of water and be very gentle when washing.
Vinegar and Water for Windows
If you are in a pinch and just need to clear out your car’s dirty windows, using a few items from your kitchen will do the trick. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create an effective window cleaner.
Vinegar has a higher acidity level, which helps to break down the grime and debris on the car’s exterior. While effective, vinegar can cause streaking to occur if used by itself; however, with water, you have a mixture that spreads evenly and can be swiftly rinsed.
Baking Soda Paste for Stains
Baking soda is an excellent alternative cleaner for those irritating, stubborn stains on your car's interior. Here is the step-by-step process:
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Mix baking soda and a small amount of water or vinegar to create a paste.
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Place the paste onto the stain and let it sit for a couple of minutes or longer.
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Once enough time has passed, gently clean the paste off with a soft brush, going in circular motions.
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Let the area sit to dry completely.
What to Avoid When Washing Your Car
Now that you have learned about the best alternatives to car soap, you might be ready to get cleaning. Before you go crazy, there are certain things to look out for and avoid when you wash your car.
This includes:
Abrasive or Acidic Cleaners
As noted before, specific tools and cleaners should be avoided when washing your car.
Steer away from abrasive and acidic cleaners as the chemicals contained will clear away the dirt and grime on your car, at the expense of your car’s protective coatings and paint. Abrasive cleaners can cause unsightly scratches, while acidic cleaners can begin eating away at any metal and cause discoloration on the paint.
Dish Soaps That Strip Wax
Just to reiterate, while dish soap works wonders for cleaning dirty plates, the same cannot be said for your car’s paint and wax.
The chemicals used in these products are not intended for use on sensitive surfaces, such as car exteriors. Consequently, the harshness of the mixture will eliminate any debris but also harm the paint and protective coatings.
How to Wash a Car Without Car Soap (Step-by-Step)
So you have the right soap alternatives and tools to wash your car. Now, how do you do it properly? It’s pretty simple:
Start With a Rinse to Remove Surface Dirt
Before applying your alternative cleaner, thoroughly rinse your vehicle with a hose. This will remove any loose dirt, grime, and debris from the car's exterior.
Use Soft Tools Like Microfiber Mitts
When cleaning the car, always use a soft material tool, such as microfiber towels or mitts. The soft material of these prevents the risk of scratching your vehicle during the cleaning. When used, these will grab onto dirt and debris without spreading them around.
Begin washing the tires and work your way around. Section off areas starting higher up, as this allows the dirty water to drop into places you haven't cleaned yet.
The final step is properly drying off your vehicle. Take microfiber towels or the Absorber towel from CleanTools and gently wipe down all the washed surfaces. Dry thoroughly to eliminate any remaining moisture, as even the slightest spots can lead to rusting.
Making the Most of What You Have
When it comes time to clean your car, the absence of car soap is not the end of the world. With some safe alternatives and the right tools, you can achieve a quality clean without having to run to the store. Whether you’re in a pinch or trying to be cost-effective, these DIY solutions can keep your car looking its best.
What pairs well with these car wash soap substitutes? The Absorber by CleanTools.
This towel is crafted with the same porous structure as sponges, providing super absorbency without the risk of scratching associated with real sponges. With a quick use of these towels, drying off your freshly washed car is finished at lightning speed, meaning less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying the ride.
Get the Absorber by CleanTools and enjoy simple, fast, and stress-free drying functionality for years to come.