Yes. Nonabrasive dish soaps are safe to use when washing a car. Soap maker Dawn even recommends using its dishwashing soap to remove grease and grime from exterior car surfaces. Although dishwashing soap is acceptable under certain circumstances, it should never be the first choice for a well-maintained car. Dish soap is so effective at its job that it will remove more than just stubborn contamination. It will remove any previously applied car wax or paint sealant and leave the paint unprotected.
Despite what others say, some dish soaps are nonabrasive. Some manufacturers, like Palmolive, say on their websites that their soaps contain no harsh abrasives. Suppose you find yourself in a pinch needing to remove stubborn grime from a car’s paint and don’t have car shampoo available or want to strip off any previously applied paint protection products before adding a new layer. In those cases, dish soap is a perfectly safe soap substitute.
PRO TIP: Washing a car with dish soap — something I have done — is a persistent topic that has stirred up its fair share of controversy across the internet. There are many unconventional uses for household products and DIY car cleaning hacks that safely and effectively clean your car. Just be sure not to confuse dish soap with dish detergent because the formulas are very different, and the latter often comes in a powdered formula that dissolves in hot water. For the most part, a car wash uses cold water, and there is a risk that undissolved ingredients from a detergent could scratch the paint.
Keeping dirt and grime off your automobile is a fundamental part of routine maintenance. And remember, keeping your vehicle clean and in great condition helps to retain your car’s value.
What Is a Good Substitute for Car Wash Soap?
The best car cleaning kits will include quality car wash soap that is formulated for vehicle finishes. Nonabrasive dish soap can work in a pinch. Baby soap and pet shampoo are other alternatives. Both of these are gentler than liquid dish soap, and they will not remove any wax or paint protection from the car’s finish. Use a ratio of one ounce of baby or pet shampoo per gallon of water. Always use a double-bucket method when washing your car, with one bucket for rinsing the mitt after cleaning each panel and the other bucket containing clean, soapy water.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
