In the realm of car detailing, there are various different types of washes - and it can get a bit confusing. There are differences from a pH perspective (pH neutral, acidic, alkaline), and differences in terms of what they do (foaming wash, decontaminating wash, wash & wax, pre-wash, maintenance wash). But not to worry, we will simplify it all down, and help you find the perfect car wash liquid that suits you. Most washes are slightly alkaline, or Ph neutral. These washes simply tackle dirt, grime & road film to a high level, and are the perfect choice when looking to maintain your car. Those select few washes that are acidic, try to do more than just wash dirt & grime, they also try and remove any minerals and contamination from the car - and is best used periodically, or as a decontamination wash. When it comes to selecting what type of car soap, it really comes down to what you want to do. Happy with the wax, coating or sealant you’ve got on the car? Then just use a pH neutral, or slightly alkaline wash. Want to wash & protect your car at the same time? Then look more for wash & wax style products. Or are you looking to just get as much dirt & grime off the car, and you aren’t fussed if it’s not ideal for maintaining any protection? Then look for decontamination style washes, or more powerful washes. We have a wide range of different washes here at Waxit, and if you aren’t exactly sure what you are looking for, just get in contact with us here and we can help you out!
Dishwashing liquid is can actually be quite harsh when it comes to a chemical perspective, which doesn’t make it ideal to use when trying to maintain your favourite wax, sealant or coating. But perhaps what is most important, is that these formulations haven’t been enriched with lubricants that help ensure that your washing mitt or sponge glide effortlessly over the surface - reducing the chance of you marring the paintwork. These products were made for dishes, where maintaining your desired finish isn’t a top priority, but if it’s high on your list then we definitely recommend using a dedicated car wash shampoo for your vehicle.
Due to the fact that ceramic coatings are engineered to be tough, pretty much any wash can be used on them. However, because coated cars usually don’t get as dirty as non-coated vehicles, and when they are dirty, dirt & grime doesn’t stick to the paint as well - we recommend using a basic pH neutral, or slightly alkaline wash such as Nv SNOW or Carpro Reset. You don’t want to use a wash & wax style product, as it may mask the performance of your ceramic coating, and is best if you simply maintain the coating with a pure car wash soap.
Very similar to maintaining ceramic coatings, paint protection films are tough. Not only do they stop physical defects such as rock chips, scratches & swirls - but they have a strong level of chemical resistance. But, there is no reason to use harsh car wash products on them if it’s not needed, so we still recommend using basic pH neutral, or slightly alkaline washes to maintain your film - and use stronger, acidic washes for periodic maintenance every few months to help remove built up contamination.
When looking at the car wash process, it is widely regarding in the detailing world that The Two Bucket Car Wash Method is the way to go. There are variations to this technique, some people add a third bucket for washing wheels, but ultimately the Two Bucket Car Wash Method works as follows. You begin by dunking the wash mitt into the first bucket filled with your car wash liquid and then proceed to wash the first panel of the car. time. After you wash a panel of the car, you then rinse your wash mitt in the second bucket filled with plain water, running the mitt along the surface of any grit guards to release the dirt you’ve accumulated on the wash mitt. Then after squeezing out the remaining water from the mitt, once again dunk it back into your first bucket filled with your car wash detergent, and proceed to wash the next panel of the car. To learn more about the two bucket wash method, browse our detailing guide here and you can also check out our range of wash buckets & grit guards here.
As stated above, the main thing you’ve got to understand when selecting your car wash soap is what exactly you are trying to do. Are you just looking at maintaining your protection on the car? Or are you wanting to perform a pre-wash? Or want to make things easier with a wash & protect all in one? We’ve got a variety of washes to suit you, and if you are struggling at all in selecting a car wash liquid, just get in touch with us and we can help!
Our car washing essentials range also includes car wash kits, foam guns, snow foam wash, wheel cleaning products, wash bucket kits, wash & wax products, waterless car wash, and car blowers and dryers.
