This is why not to use a sponge and dish soap to wash your car
We've all been there. We have a dirty car that we want to clean. So, we bust out the mop bucket, dish soap, and a sponge or old shirt. At the time, we thought it was very satisfying watching the large amount of suds rocket up from the bucket. We also thought that our old shirt or sponge did an good job at cleaning our car. Little did we know, a sponge and dish soap are extremely harsh on your cars paint and can cause lots of swirl marks to appear.
Using dish soap and an old shirt/sponge to wash your car is not recommended because it can cause damage to the paint and finish of your vehicle. Here are a few reasons why:
Harsh chemicals: Dish soap is formulated to remove grease, food, and other tough stains from dishes. It contains harsh chemicals that can strip away wax and protective coatings from your car's paint, leaving it exposed to the elements and more susceptible to damage.
Too strong: Dish soap is designed to be very effective at removing dirt and grime, but it's too strong for use on car paint. It can be abrasive and cause damage to the paint, leaving unsightly scratches and marks.
Residue: Dish soap can leave a residue on your car's surface that can be difficult to remove. This residue can attract dirt and grime, leaving your car looking dirty even after you've washed it.
Abrasive: Shirts, especially those made of cotton or other rough materials, can be abrasive and can scratch the surface of your car. Scratches can be unsightly and can lead to rust and other types of damage.
Dirt and debris: A shirt may not effectively remove all the dirt and debris from your car, as it can trap particles in the fibers of the fabric. This can lead to scratches and other damage as you rub the dirt and debris against the car's paint.
Lacks lubrication: A shirt lacks lubrication, which is necessary to protect the car's paint. When washing a car, you need to use plenty of water and soap to create a lubricating layer that helps prevent scratches and damage.
For these reasons, it's best to use a Automotive soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt to clean your car. Automotive soap and microfiber mitts are designed to be gentle on your car's paint while effectively removing dirt and grime. It's also important to rinse your wash mitt or sponge frequently to avoid trapping dirt and debris that can scratch your car's surface.
