Dish soap may seem harmless, but using it on your car can cause long-term damage. Here’s why it’s not recommended and what to use instead.
Dish soap is designed to remove grease and food — not protect car paint. While it can make your car look clean at first, dish soap is much harsher than proper car wash products.
Using it occasionally in emergencies may not cause instant damage, but repeated use can strip protection and leave your paint vulnerable.
Dish soap removes oils — including the protective wax or sealant on your car. Over time, this can lead to:
Car wash soaps are formulated to clean safely while preserving protection. Dish soap is not.
For safe and effective cleaning, use products designed for cars:
These products clean dirt without stripping the paint’s protective layers.
Dish soap might clean your car, but it also removes the protection that keeps your paint looking good. Using the right products helps your car stay glossy, protected, and damage-free.
📍 If you’re in New York, RetroClean Detailing uses professional-grade products to clean and protect your car safely — right at your driveway.
