Can i use detergent to wash my car

If you are a little bit strategic, you can clean your car without any hassle or heartache. Now we are going to provide some tips that will help you get the job done smoothly. First of all, you have to choose the right soap. If you have bought a car recently, you may ask the classic question: Can I use laundry detergent to wash my car. We have already clarified that laundry detergent is not good for your car.

Dish soap can cut through grease and clean your dishes instantly. If you have dropped your detailing rag, drying cloth or wash mitt, frankly you can not do anything about it. So try to forget it. When washing your car, do not use something that has touched the ground. Make sure nothing touches the ground. But it is not always possible. It is good to have an extra mitt or some extra towels. In between every dip, you must rinse your mitt carefully.

To do so, you must have enough supply of clean water. Use two buckets so that you do not run out of water too often. You will not accidentally scratch the paint if you have enough supply of water. Can I use laundry detergent to wash my car if I do not have other options? Car owners often ask the question. You do not need to use laundry detergent because there are better alternatives. But choosing the right cleaner is not enough. You must know how to use the product.

Just dive into action and follow the directions carefully. Chances are that you will be able to wash your car without hassles. Car Care. Contents hide. Related Posts. More Stories. Get more car maintenance and repair tips from Consumer Reports. Don't wash your car when the body is hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for awhile. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.

Don't move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. And don't continue using a sponge that's dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out. The sponge can pick up dirt particles that can scratch the paint.

Do rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area completely before moving on to the next one.

This ensures that you have plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start at the top, and then work your way around the car. Use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom.

This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water. Do work the car-wash solution into a lather with plenty of suds that provide lots of lubrication on the paint surface.

And rinse the sponge often. Using a separate bucket to rinse the sponge keeps dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water. Don't let the car air dry, and don't expect a drive around the block to do an effective job.

Either will leave watermarks caused by minerals in hard water. In addition, don't use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint. Do use a chamois natural or synthetic or soft terry towels. Statements, views and opinions included in an independent provider's material are strictly those of the author s.

These views may not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of The Encompass Blog, the Encompass family of companies or its agents, officers or employees. Popular Searches. Skip to main content Toggle navigation. Agent Login. Here are some expert car washing tips to keep in mind: Always rinse the car carefully with clean water before applying car soap. This will wash away any grime or dirt particles that could otherwise scratch the paint. Start at the top and let the water flow over the entire vehicle.

Use separate sponges for the wheels, tires and the rest of the car's body. You'll find that the tires and wheels have more dirt on them, and you don't want to spread the dirt across the vehicle's body. Never move the sponge around in circles. It can result in swirl marks that are actually light scratches on the surface. The correct way to wash your vehicle is to move the sponge along the length of the body panels and hood. Work the car soap into a lather so the suds provide sufficient lubrication on the vehicle's surface.

Use a separate bucket of water to rinse the sponge. Encompass Insurance offers protection for the things that matter most. The general information contained in The Encompass Blog is provided as a courtesy, and is for informational and entertainment purposes only.