You’ve just run out of car wash soap and you’re in a pinch. You think to yourself, “Can I just use shampoo to wash my car?” You may have even seen someone do it before. It seems like it would work in a pinch, right?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using shampoo to wash your car. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to get the best results if you do decide to use shampoo.
So, can you wash your car with shampoo? Read on to find out!
Can I Wash My Car with Shampoo?
You can use just about any kind of soap to wash your car. Shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, hand soap, etc. will all work in a pinch. However, there are some things to keep in mind if you do decide to use shampoo.
Shampoo is designed to clean your hair and scalp, not your car’s paint. As such, it can be too harsh for your car’s paint and may strip away the wax. Shampoo also doesn’t have any lubricants or polymers that help protect your car’s paint from scratches.
That said, shampoo can be used in a pinch if you’re out of car wash soap and you don’t have any other options. Just be sure to use a gentle shampoo and rinse it off well.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Your Car with Shampoo
If you do decide to use shampoo to wash your car, there are a few things you should do (and avoid doing) to get the best results:
Do: Use a gentle shampoo. Baby shampoo is a good option.
Shampoo can be harsh on your car’s paint, so it’s important to use a gentle shampoo. Baby shampoo is a good option because it’s designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.
Do: Rinse the shampoo off well.
Shampoo has a lot of additives such as detergents, conditioners, and fragrances. If left on your car’s paint, these additives can cause streaking and water spots. I found that washing smaller sections and rinsing thoroughly helped to avoid this.
Do: Follow up with a good wax or sealant.
Since shampoo can strip away your car’s wax, it’s important to follow up with a good wax or sealant. This will help to protect your paint and keep it looking shiny and new.
Don’t: Use too much shampoo.
A little bit of shampoo goes a long way. You don’t need to use a lot of shampoo to get your car clean. In fact, using too much shampoo can actually be counterproductive because it can leave a film on your car’s paint.
Don’t: Wash your car in direct sunlight.
Washing your car in direct sunlight can cause the soap to dry on your car’s paint and lead to water spots. It’s best to wash your car in the
Don’t: Use a sponge or washcloth to scrub your car.
Just because shampoo is gentle doesn’t mean you can scrub your car with it. Using a sponge or washcloth to scrub your car will actually scratch the paint. Instead, use a soft cloth or a hose with a nozzle attachment to rinse the shampoo off.
Conclusion
So, can you wash your car with shampoo? Yes, but it’s not the best option. Shampoo can be too harsh for your car’s paint and it doesn’t have any lubricants or polymers that help protect your paint from scratches.
If you do use shampoo, be sure to use a gentle shampoo and rinse it off immediately. It’s also a good idea to wax your car after washing it with shampoo. This will help protect the paint.