This is quite a weird question or idea to think of, but let that sink in for a minute. You actually can wash your car with soap you used to wash your dishes. How bad that will look or damage the paint of your car and some plastic parts is a different matter. While dish soap can remove dirt and grime, it may not be the best choice for your car’s long-term health.
How Dish Soap Works on Cars
Dish soap (like Dawn, Palmolive, or Fairy) is made with strong chemicals to cut through grease, food residue, and oils on dishes. Its powerful degreasing properties make it very effective at removing away contaminants from the surface of your car. While it will clean the surface but will damage the top layer of the paint what is usually called clear coat.
When should you Consider Using Dish Soap
Once in a while you can use dish soap to hand wash your car. There are certain benefits of using the dish wash soap
- Strong cleaning power – Removes tough dirt, bugs, and road grime.
- Readily available – Most households already have dish soap.
- Cost-effective – Cheaper than specialized car wash soap.
Although there are few positives when it comes to dish soap but the cons far outweigh the pros specifically if you look at it the damage done to the paint in the long-term.
The Risks of Washing Your Car with Dish Soap
Dish soap might seem like an easy choice, but it can actually damage your car’s paint and strip away protective coatings.
Strips Wax and Sealants
Car wax and ceramic coatings help shield your paint from things like UV rays, oxidation, and everyday grime. But dish soap is made to cut through grease, so it also breaks down those protective layers. If you use it often, it can gradually strip away the wax or coating, leaving your paint exposed and unprotected.
Dries Out Rubber and Trim
Dish soap can be harsh on:
- Rubber seals (around windows and doors)
- Vinyl trim
- Plastic bumpers
Repeated exposure may cause these materials to dry out, crack, or fade.
Can Damage Paint Over Time
Car paint is more delicate than you might think. Dish soap’s high pH (usually around 9-10, while car shampoos are pH-neutral 6-7) can:
Leave streaks or water spots
Remove protective clear coat
Cause oxidation and fading
When Is It Okay to Use Dish Soap on a Car?
If you’re preparing to wax your car, dish soap can help strip old wax and contaminants for better adhesion. However, this should only be done occasionally, not as part of routine cleaning.
If your car has stubborn grease, tar, or adhesive residue, a diluted dish soap solution can help break it down before rinsing. Follow up with a proper car wash shampoo afterward.
if you’re in a pinch and have no car shampoo, a small amount of mild dish soap mixed with water can work—just don’t make it a habit.
Better Alternatives to Dish Soap for Washing Your Car
pH-Neutral Car Wash Shampoo
For regular wash of your car at home below are best options for your daily drive.
- Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash
- Chemical Guys Mr. Pink
- Optimum Car Wash
Best Practices for Washing Your Car
Can u wash car with dish soap at home yes it is possible, below are a few tips that you must know when washing your car with dish soap or any other car wash shampoo
Use the Two-Bucket Method
One bucket to prepare the soapy water. Second bucket to rinse the cleaning cloths and miit.
Use a Microfiber Wash Mitt or Sponge
Use a microfiber wash mitt or sponge to gently clean your car without scratching the paint. Unlike regular sponges or rags, microfiber traps dirt and lifts it away from the surface, reducing the risk of swirl marks and scratches.
Wash in the Shade
Specially during the summer or on sunny days it is important to wash your car in the shade. Hot weather make it dry quickly while applying soap and makes it difficult to wash after applying soap. Once you have washed it, the car dry’s quickly leaving stains all over the car.
Dry with Microfiber Cloth and Wax Regularly
Microfiber cloth helps to prevent the car from developing water spots and streaks. Microfiber cloth is also very easy on the clear coat of the paint. Once dried next step is to apply wax on your car for long-lasting paint and a jaw dropping shine.
Read our in depth guide on how to apply wax to your car at home once you are done with washing.
