Your car needs more than bubbles
Sunlight dishwashing liquid is made to help lift food grease from dishes. Car-wash shampoo is formulated for cleaning vehicle surfaces. Although both can create plenty of suds, they are not interchangeable products.
What is the difference?
Car-wash shampoo
- Designed for vehicle paint and exterior surfaces when used as directed.
- Many formulas are made to clean while helping preserve wax or sealant protection.
- Provides cleaning lubrication that helps a wash mitt glide over the surface.
- Should be diluted exactly as stated on the product label.
Sunlight dishwashing liquid
- Designed primarily to remove grease and food residue from dishes.
- May strip or weaken wax and other paint-protection products, especially with repeated use.
- Is not formulated specifically for automotive paint, trim, rubber seals or protective coatings.
The bottom line: avoid using household dishwashing liquid as your regular car-wash product. South Africa’s Retail Motor Industry Organisation and automotive-care guidance recommend using products intended for vehicle paintwork. The exact effect depends on the dishwashing formula, dilution, existing paint protection and how often it is used.
How to wash your car more safely
- Park in the shade and make sure the bodywork is cool.
- Rinse away loose dust and grit before touching the paint.
- Use a car-wash shampoo suitable for your vehicle and follow its dilution instructions.
- Use a clean, soft automotive wash mitt; rinse it regularly.
- Wash from the top down, rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean microfiber towel.
- Use separate cleaning tools for wheels and painted body panels.
Already used dishwashing liquid?
Don’t panic. A single wash does not automatically mean your paint has been damaged. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly, dry it gently and check whether its wax or sealant protection needs to be renewed. If your vehicle has a specialist coating, follow the coating manufacturer’s care instructions.
Car-care tip from CarpetCleanix
Choose cleaning products for the surface you are cleaning. A product that works well on kitchen dishes is not necessarily the right choice for your car’s paint. For routine washing, choose a car shampoo labelled as suitable for automotive finishes.
Have a car-care question or a cleaning tip you’d like us to cover? Get in touch with CarpetCleanix through our website.
Further reading
Editorial note: This article offers general car-care information. Always read product labels and follow your vehicle, paint-protection and cleaning-product manufacturers’ instructions.
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