Sure, we have all been guilty of neglecting our cars every now and then. We might have forgotten to pencil in an appointment with our favorite detailer in town. We might have missed engaging some DIY cleaning for a couple of weeks already. Or perhaps we were simply too lazy to clean out the trash in the trunk, dashboard, and door wells. We haven’t shaken out the mats and carpets in ages, and those are now dusty, dirty, and moldy. But the gravest sin you can commit against your car is using the wrong type of cleaning products. Like using dishwashing detergent for car cleaning.
The Mistakes We Make
Instead of picking out soft, non-abrasive microfiber towels for scrubbing your car finish or opting for a chamois cloth for buffing and polishing your headlights, you might have gotten a stiff brush instead. Or, instead of getting effective, yet eco-friendly cleansers, you chose to go with a liquid dishwasher detergent for car cleaning purposes. All wrong.
You might not realize that incorrect decisions like these will eventually mar the beauty of your car in the long run. The effects of a stiff brush or a harsh chemical cleanser may not be readily apparent. However, frequent use will definitely leave its mark on the car finish.
Quality Car Cleaning Products Matter
Your car is made up of tough materials which withstand everyday wear and tear as well as general neglect. Car finishes are especially sturdy, and rightly so. They have to weather the elements and stay strong enough to survive minor bumps, scrapes, and gouges. Just a small amount of the right car shampoo will eliminate caked-on dirt, mud, dust, and scrum. It will also restore your car’s bright appearance in no time at all.
Never Use Dishwashing Detergent for Car Cleaning Purposes
Using liquid dishwashing detergent for car cleaning on a regular basis is never a good idea. It will strip away the wax, polish, and protectants that you have applied the last time your car was detailed properly.
However, some people choose to stick with liquid detergent for a variety of reasons. For one, they don’t bother to run to the auto supply shop to buy car soap. Or they need to skimp on the car care expenses. Still yet, they want to try out a new cleaning product.
If you are one of those people and still use dishwashing detergent for car cleaning, you need to stop right away. It contains ingredients that might leave behind unsightly marks when your car finally dries. In turn, this requires you to wipe down the car again before applying paint sealant. Furthermore, liquid dishwashing detergent will take time to act on the crud that’s sticking onto your car, because it is not meant to work on such tough dirt.
Use Car Wash Soap Instead
Remember, only car soap can provide quality cleaning results without harming the finish of your car. Additionally, it will prevent the accumulation of swirl marks and streaks. Also, car wash soap is especially formulated to get rid of all the surface dirt from your car finish with minimal effort. Any brand should do as long as it fits your budget and needs.
So, next time you’re tempted to replace your car soap with dishwashig detergent for car cleaning, better think twice of the long-term effects of switching. Better yet, try auto steam cleaning to keep both your car finish and the environment safe. Find your DetailXPerts location and schedule your appointment today!
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