May 20, 2025
Many vehicle owners turn to dish soap as a quick, budget-friendly alternative to car wash products. While this may seem convenient, dish washing liquid is designed to cut through grease and food residue, making it too harsh for your car’s delicate paint and protective coatings. Using it can strip away essential wax layers, leaving the surface exposed to fading and damage.
To keep your car looking its best, it’s important to choose cleaning methods that are gentle yet effective. Professional car cleaning solutions are specially formulated to protect your vehicle’s finish while delivering a lasting shine. At Espresso Car Wash, our washing and detailing services use these vehicle-safe products to ensure a thorough clean without the risks of harsh chemicals.
Read on to learn why dish soap isn’t the ideal choice for car care — and discover better alternatives to help preserve your vehicle’s appearance and longevity.
Dish soap is a powerful cleaning product designed for household use, particularly in the kitchen. While effective for washing dishes, its formulation may not be suitable for vehicle surfaces, for a number of reasons.
● Designed for heavy-duty cleaning – Dish soap contains strong detergents meant to break down stubborn grease and food residues, making it highly effective for kitchenware but potentially too harsh for automotive finishes.
● High degreasing power—Dish soap's grease–cutting properties can strip away protective wax coatings on your car, leaving the paint exposed to environmental damage.
● Not pH-balanced for vehicles – Unlike dedicated car shampoos, dish soap is not designed to protect the delicate balance of both car paint and the clear coat layer, which safeguards the paint from damage and maintains its glossy finish.
● Residue build up – Some dish soaps leave behind a residue that can dull your car’s shine and make it harder to rinse off completely.
While dish washing liquid might seem like an easy solution for washing your car, its harsh ingredients can have unexpected consequences for your vehicle’s exterior. These may include:
● Strips protective wax layers – Dish soap is highly effective at cutting through grease, but it also removes the protective wax coatings on your car. This leaves the paint exposed to UV rays, moisture, and pollutants, accelerating fading and oxidation.
● Dulls the paint finish – Regular use of dish soap can strip away essential oils in automotive paint, leading to a dull, lacklustre appearance that diminishes your car’s shine.
● Damages rubber and plastic components – The harsh detergents in dish soap may degrade rubber seals, plastic trims, and other non-metal components, causing them to dry out, crack, or become brittle over time.
● Increases risk of corrosion – Without a protective wax barrier, your car’s paint is more susceptible to contaminants, which can lead to premature rust and corrosion.
To keep your vehicle in top condition, it's important to use products specifically designed for car care. pH-balanced car shampoos, protective waxes, and interior cleaners are formulated to remove dirt without compromising your car’s finish.
Specialised tools like microfibre cloths and dedicated glass cleaners further ensure a spotless, streak-free shine while safeguarding your vehicle’s paint, trim, and upholstery.
pH-balanced car wash soaps
Unlike dish soap, pH-balanced car wash soaps are formulated to gently lift dirt and grime without stripping away wax or damaging the paint. These soaps maintain the integrity of your car’s protective coatings, ensuring a streak-free finish while preserving the shine and longevity of the exterior.
Benefits of proper products
Using high-quality car cleaning products helps maintain your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal while protecting its surfaces from premature wear. Proper shampoos, waxes, and interior cleaners preserve paint, trim, and upholstery, preventing fading, cracking, and deterioration. Choosing the right products not only keeps your car looking great but also helps safeguard its exterior and interior for years to come.
Using a dedicated car shampoo helps prevent fading, paint damage, and wear, making it the safest option for regular washing.
To achieve a thorough and safe clean, it’s important to follow the right washing methods:
● Pre-rinse the vehicle – Begin by rinsing your car with water to remove loose dirt and debris, reducing the risk of scratches.
● Use the two-bucket method – One bucket should hold clean, soapy water, while the other is for rinsing your wash mitt. This prevents dirt from being transferred back onto the car, minimising swirl marks.
● Wash in sections – Work on one section at a time, starting from the top and moving downward to avoid spreading dirt.
● Dry with a microfibre towel – Use a soft microfibre towel to dry the vehicle, preventing water spots and streaks for a spotless finish.
If you’re short on time for regular car washes, let our experts take care of it by booking a professional car wash at your local Espresso Car Wash.
Choosing a professional car wash offers a more thorough and safer clean than DIY methods. Unlike dish soap, which can strip away vital wax layers, professional cleaning ensures lasting protection and a pristine finish.
● Preserves coatings, keeping wax and sealants intact
● Enhances appearance by delivering a deeper shine
● Uses safe products that protect paint and interiors
● Saves time with an efficient service
● Prevents damage and reduces fading and rust
Espresso Hand Car Wash & Detailing is a trusted provider of professional car cleaning services in New Zealand, specialising in expert washing and detailing treatments that protect and enhance your vehicle’s appearance. Our team uses high-quality, vehicle-safe products and techniques to deliver a thorough clean without the risks of household cleaners like dish soap.
For a spotless finish and long-lasting protection, book online or visit your nearest Espresso Car Wash branch.
