Why You Shouldn’t Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car

At first glance, dish soap seems like a handy, budget-friendly option for cleaning your car. After all, it cuts grease and leaves dishes sparkling, so what’s the harm? As it turns out — plenty.

1. Dish Soap Is Too Harsh for Your Car’s Finish

Dish soaps like Dawn or Palmolive are designed to break down food grease, baked-on grime, and oils — including the protective wax and sealants on your car. Every time you wash your vehicle with dish soap, you’re stripping away that layer of protection, leaving your paint exposed to UV rays, moisture, and pollutants that accelerate fading and oxidation.

2. It Can Dry Out Rubber and Plastic Trim

Dish soap isn’t just tough on wax — it’s also harsh on rubber seals, plastic trim, and vinyl surfaces. Over time, this can lead to cracking, discoloration, or brittleness, especially on vehicles exposed to the sun.

3. It Doesn’t Rinse Off as Easily

Unlike automotive shampoos, dish soaps often leave behind residue if not rinsed thoroughly — and even a light film can dull your paint’s shine and attract more dirt in the long run.

4. It’s Not pH Balanced

Professional car soaps are pH-balanced to clean effectively without damaging your vehicle’s surfaces. Dish soap is more alkaline and can disrupt the balance of ceramic coatings, sealants, and even paint over time.

What Should You Use Instead?

Use a soap specifically formulated for vehicles. These products lift dirt safely while preserving wax or ceramic protection. Better yet, pair it with a microfiber mitt and the two-bucket method for a swirl-free finish.

Final Thought:
Your car is an investment — treat it with care. Using the right products not only protects your paint and finish but also keeps your vehicle looking newer, longer. At EinShine, we only use professional-grade, pH-balanced products designed to clean and protect.