Car Wash Soap Alternative: How to Wash Your Car Without Car Shampoo?

I love my car and keeping it clean is a top priority! For years, I’ve been relying on car shampoo to help me wash it. But we all have to admit that we need a good alternative when we are out of it or simply we want to give our cars a break. So, what are car wash soap alternatives, and how to use them?

Amazingly, you can find a wide range of options as car soap around your house or just at the convenience store nearby.

Why Use a Car Wash Soap Alternative?

While car washes are great for cleaning the car, it is quite disruptive to the environment on your car’s finish, and of course, it costs some money. Most of us prefer to wash our cars at home rather than paying someone else to do that for us. And you can! All you need is some time, a bucket, and a sponge.

So, instead of using harsh chemicals that can harm your car, why not try using a DIY car wash soap alternative? With these great solutions, you will never have to pay for a spotless vehicle again.

Cleaning your car with conventional soaps will remove dirt and grime but it can also strip away the wax and sealants that protect your car. Remember that not all car wash soaps are made the same. You need to choose a soap that is gentle enough to avoid causing scratches, swirls, and water spots on your paint.

The best way to wash the car at home without shampoo is to use something mild and simple like dish soap, laundry detergent or even shampoos for babies or pets will do the trick.

Best Car Wash Soap Alternatives

#1 Most Common: Dish Soap

This alternative is very simple: dish soap is an effective cleaning product that cleans and degreases, leaving your car clean and shiny. It does not contain any waxes, so it’s great for making your car shine without worrying about scratches.

That’s why dish soap is the first alternative option for many car owners. It does a great job at fighting greases and it’s always there in your kitchen.

To make a homemade car wash soap alternative using dish soap, follow these instructions:

Ingredients and Measurements:

• Dish Soap: 1/4 cup
• Water: 1 gallon

Mixing and Application Process:

• Take a clean bucket or container and pour 1 gallon of water into it.
• Add 1/4 cup of dish soap to the water.
• Stir the mixture gently until the dish soap is well mixed with the water.
• You can use a whisk or a spoon to mix the ingredients together.
• The dish soap and water solution is now ready for use.

Benefits of using dish soap as a car wash alternative:

• Dish soap is an effective degreaser and can help remove stubborn dirt, grime, and grease from your car’s exterior.
• It is readily available in most households, making it a convenient option for a homemade car wash soap alternative.
• Dish soap can be used on various car surfaces, including the exterior, tires, and wheels.

Precautions:

• It is important to choose a mild dish soap that does not contain harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can potentially damage the car’s paintwork or clear coat.
• Avoid using dish soap that has added moisturizers, as they can leave a residue on the car’s surface.
• Use the solution in moderation and avoid excessive scrubbing, as it can strip off any existing wax or protective coatings on the car’s exterior.
• Rinse your car thoroughly after washing to ensure all soap residue is removed. Be careful when using dish soap as it may strip the wax of the paint if left on too long.

Check out this exciting experiment: car soap vs. dish soap with a 2-week observation!

#2 Laundry Detergent

Another great alternative is laundry detergent. It is a reliable product for an affordable price. Look for one that has “no fade” on the label to avoid damaging your car’s paint.

This is a good alternative but you shouldn’t use it too often as it contains strong chemicals that are not friendly to your car.

Using laundry detergent as a homemade car wash soap alternative is possible, but there are some important considerations. Here’s how you can make and use it:

Ingredients and Measurements:

• Laundry Detergent: 1/4 cup
• Water: 1 gallon

Mixing and Application Process:

• Take a clean bucket or container and pour 1 gallon of water into it.
• Add 1/4 cup of laundry detergent to the water.  Also, you can add some shampoo with the detergent to give your car an even deeper clean.
• Stir the mixture gently to ensure the detergent is well mixed with the water.
• You can use a whisk or a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• The laundry detergent and water solution are now ready to be used.

Benefits of using laundry detergent as a car wash alternative:

• Laundry detergent is designed to remove dirt and stains from fabrics, making it effective for cleaning dirt and grime from your car’s exterior.
• It can help break down and remove grease and oil stains.
• Laundry detergents often contain enzymes that aid in stain removal, which can be helpful for removing certain types of stains on your car.

Precautions:

• Use a mild laundry detergent without any added bleach or strong chemicals, as these can damage the car’s paintwork or clear coat.
• Avoid using laundry detergent with fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on the car’s surface.
• Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your car before applying it to the entire vehicle to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse effects.
• Rinse your car thoroughly after washing to remove any detergent residue.

It’s worth noting that while laundry detergent can be used as an alternative in a pinch, it may not have the same specialized formulas as car wash soaps.

Read More: Best Car Wash Soap – Keep Your Car Looking Like New

#3 Shampoo

Using shampoo is not for everyone, but some people swear by it. Some people dilute it with water since it is very potent.  Shampoos are great at giving you a deeper clean, but they’re also excellent for removing oxidation stains on your car’s finish.

Choose a gentle baby shampoo or a milder shampoo if you have any concerns. Using shampoo as a homemade car wash soap alternative is a common option. Here’s how you can make and use it:

Ingredients and Measurements:

• Shampoo: 1/4 cup
• Water: 1 gallon

Mixing and Application Process:

• Take a clean bucket or container and pour 1 gallon of water into it.
• Add 1/4 cup of shampoo to the water.
• Stir the mixture gently to ensure the shampoo is well mixed with the water.
• You can use a whisk or a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Benefits of using shampoo as a car soap alternative:

• Shampoo is designed to clean and remove dirt and oils from hair, and it can work similarly on your car’s exterior.
• It is generally gentle and pH-balanced, which helps minimize the risk of damage to your car’s paintwork or clear coat.
• Shampoo often contains conditioning agents that can leave a slight shine on your car’s surface.

Precautions:

• Opt for a mild shampoo without harsh chemicals or additives that could harm your car’s paint or finish.
• Avoid using shampoos with added moisturizers or heavy fragrances, as they may leave a residue on the car’s surface.
• Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your car before applying it to the entire vehicle to ensure compatibility.
• Rinse your car thoroughly after washing to remove any shampoo residue.

While using shampoo as a car wash soap alternative can be effective, keep in mind that it may not have the same specialized properties as dedicated car wash soaps.

#4 Hand Soap

Hand soap is an oil-cutting agent whereas dish soap is for cleaning greasy dirt. This means it can cut through the film of oil on your car’s surface so you don’t have to use as much of an abrasive product.

The good thing about hand soap is that it gives your vehicle a great scent but can’t remove dirt as effectively as dish soap.

Using hand soap as a homemade car wash soap alternative is possible, although it’s important to consider the following factors:

Ingredients and Measurements:

• Hand Soap: 1/4 cup
• Water: 1 gallon

Mixing and Application Process:

• Take a clean bucket or container and pour 1 gallon of water into it.
• Add 1/4 cup of hand soap to the water.
• Stir the mixture gently to ensure the hand soap is well mixed with the water.
• The hand soap and water solution is now ready for use.

Benefits of using hand soap as a car wash soap alternative:

• Hand soap is designed to remove dirt, oils, and bacteria from the skin, and it can also effectively clean your car’s exterior.
• It is generally mild and gentle, which reduces the risk of damaging your car’s paintwork or clear coat.
• Hand soaps often contain moisturizing agents that can leave your car’s surface feeling softer.

Precautions:

• Opt for a mild and fragrance-free hand soap without any abrasive or heavy chemicals that could harm your car’s paint or finish.
• Avoid using hand soaps with added moisturizers or lotions, as they may leave a residue on the car’s surface.
• Rinse your car thoroughly after washing to remove any soap residue.

#5 Apple Cider Vinegar: A Natural Soap for Car Wash

Apple cider vinegar is a natural product with many cleaning benefits. You can use a diluted mix of water and apple cider vinegar to give your car a great shine without the side effects of harsh chemicals.  It is light and just needs water to work, so ask yourself why not?  This is a great alternative especially if you have sensitive skin or your car’s paint is brand new.

Using apple cider vinegar as a homemade car wash soap alternative is an option, although it’s important to understand the process and considerations involved:

Ingredients and Measurements:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 cup
• Water: 1 gallon

Mixing and Application Process:

• Take a clean bucket or container and pour 1 gallon of water into it.
• Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to the water.
• Stir the mixture gently to ensure the vinegar is well mixed with the water.

Benefits of using apple cider vinegar as a car shampoo alternative:

• Apple cider vinegar can act as a natural cleaner and degreaser, helping to remove dirt, grime, and some stains from your car’s exterior.
• It can help dissolve and remove water spots, bug splatters, and other common residues.
• Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties, which can be beneficial for cleaning certain areas of your car’s interior as well.

Read More: Will Vinegar Damage Car Paint?

Precautions:

• While apple cider vinegar is generally safe to use, it’s important to note that it is acidic. Using a diluted solution is essential to minimize any potential harm to your car’s paint or finish.
• Avoid using apple cider vinegar on delicate surfaces or materials such as chrome, aluminum, or glass, as it may cause damage or leave streaks.
• Rinse your car thoroughly after washing to remove any vinegar residue.

Apple cider vinegar can be an effective and natural alternative for cleaning your car. However, it’s essential to use it with caution, ensuring proper dilution and testing before widespread use.

#6 Baking Soda

Baking soda possesses alkaline properties as it has a higher pH level than a neutral solution. Moreover, baking soda cannot function independently and requires the presence of water at the very least in order to be effective.

To make a homemade car wash soap alternative using baking soda and water, follow these instructions:

Ingredients and Measurements:

• Baking Soda: 1/4 cup
• Water: 1 gallon

Mixing and Application Process:

• Take a clean bucket or container and pour 1 gallon of water into it.
• Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly until the baking soda is completely dissolved.

Benefits of using baking soda as a car shampoo alternative:

• Baking soda is a gentle and natural cleanser that can help remove dirt, grime, and some stains from your car’s exterior.
• It is a non-abrasive option that is less likely to damage the paintwork or clear coat compared to some commercial car wash soaps.
• Baking soda can also help neutralize odors, making it useful for cleaning your car’s interior.

Precautions:

• Avoid using baking soda on delicate surfaces or materials such as chrome, aluminum, or glass, as it may cause scratching or leave a residue.
• Be cautious when using baking soda on heavily soiled areas or stains requiring stronger cleaning agents, as the baking soda solution may not be as effective.
• Remember to rinse your car thoroughly after washing it with the baking soda and water solution to ensure that no residue is left behind.

This homemade alternative can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for regular car washes, but for more stubborn dirt or specific cleaning needs, you may still want to consider specialized car cleaning products.

What You Should Avoid Using as Car Wash Soap Alternatives

There are many other cleaning products around the house that you should NOT use at all. Here are some of them:

# Harsh Cleaning Products

Regular household cleaners may have a very strong smell, but they can damage your car’s finish. Avoid using them because they can strip the wax and other protective layers off your car paint.

# Household Cleaners

Some household cleaners like bleach or all-purpose cleaners can damage your car’s paint or strip the wax off the car. Also, they are harmful to your health.

Find out: Most Common Household Products to Clean Car Exterior

Tips When Using Car Wash Soap Alternatives

1. Wash your car under the shade

Cleaning products dry very quickly so if you wash your car under direct sunlight, they will leave residues on the car surface.

2. Pay attention when washing your car

Don’t let your hands touch the paint. Instead, use a sponge or wash mitt to apply the soapy solution to the car’s surface and rinse it off after wiping it with a clean cloth or towel.

3. Dry your car gently

If you are using a mixture, you need to use a cloth or towel that doesn’t leave any residue on the car. You should just wipe the car off with the applicator, wipe it dry with a clean towel, and hang it to dry.

4. Apply wax or sealant

After you have cleaned your car, apply a special product to protect it from getting dirty next time. You can use wax or sealant for this purpose.

Check out This Video for Common Car Wash Mistakes You Must Avoid!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular soap or detergent to wash my car?

It is not recommended to use regular soap or detergent to wash your car as they may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the car’s paint and finish.

Are homemade car wash soap alternatives safe for all car surfaces?

Homemade car wash soap alternatives may not be safe for all car surfaces as their ingredients can vary and may not be specifically formulated for automotive use. It’s best to use products designed for car washing.

Will using alternative car wash soaps affect the car’s paint job?

Using alternative car wash soaps may affect the car’s paint job if they contain abrasive substances or harsh chemicals. It’s important to choose products that are gentle and specifically formulated for automotive use.

Can natural alternatives clean as effectively as traditional car wash soap?

Natural alternatives can clean effectively as traditional car wash soap, depending on the specific product and its ingredients. Some natural options can provide satisfactory results while being environmentally friendly.

Can I use waterless car wash products on a heavily soiled car?

Waterless car wash products may struggle to effectively clean a heavily soiled car as they are primarily designed for light dirt and dust. For heavy soiling, it’s advisable to use traditional car washing methods.

Are waterless car wash products eco-friendly?

Waterless car wash products are generally considered more eco-friendly than traditional car washes as they require less water usage and can be formulated with biodegradable ingredients. However, it’s important to choose eco-friendly products to minimize environmental impact.

Find out: How to Use Optimum No Rinse All Dilutions and Uses

Can waterless car wash products replace traditional car washes completely?

While waterless car wash products offer convenience and water conservation benefits, they may not completely replace traditional car washes, especially for deep cleaning and thorough maintenance.

Can I use car wash wax as an alternative to car wash soap?

Car wash wax is not a direct alternative to car wash soap as it is primarily used to provide a protective layer and enhance the shine of the car’s paint. Car wash soap is specifically formulated for cleaning purposes and should be used prior to applying wax.

Conclusion: What to Use Instead of Car Wash Soap

The best car wash soap option is your hand or dish detergent. It is incredibly cheap, and it does an amazing job at cleaning your car without damaging the surface of it. Dishes are great, but they can damage the paint if you aren’t careful.  Use only natural cleaning products on your car to avoid damaging it.

Also, make sure you use wax or sealant after washing with dish detergent to protect the paint from getting dirty again.

Further Reading:

• How to Clean Your Car With Home Ingredients
• How to Wash Your Car Without Water