What kind of soap can I use to wash car and not strip the clear coat finish?
Dish soap or laundry detergent is typically too harsh. It will remove wax and eventually damage clear coat. You can typically get a gallon of car wash soap for only a few dollars if you shop around or wait for a sale. It is worth the expense. A gallon should last like forever. Some tips for hand car washing. Do not wash a car in direct sunlight. Use one of those big fluffy mitts…and rinse it often. Follow the direction on the amount of soap to add…more is not better. Wash the car in sections and then rinse…you do not want the soap to dry on the car. Do not let the car dry in direct sunlight…dry it with a thick terry towel or a water blade.
