Car wash soap

What is everyone using for car wash soap? I am about out of Meguiars deep crystal car wash and was looking for something better. I was looking at Chemical Guys Honeydew soap. Does anyone have any experience with that product or can recommend something else?

 

Rain, haha

 

I use whatever these cats say I use...

 

I've tried most of the ones you see at the big box stores and auto part stores. Hands down, the Meguires Gold Class Soap is the best of the bunch. It's the one that is gold/orange in color. It foams up really well, it's inexpensive, and it leaves the paint feeling really nice. It's not oily or greasy- but it's like it leaves the paint moisturized or conditioned. And it also allows for easy drying. Even over on autogeek- a lot of professional detailers use/suggest it.

I don't like the soaps that contain "wax" because I feel like if it leaves something behind, that might interfere with bonding of whatever sealer I'm applying. Plus, I always use a spray wax after washing anyway.

That said, I do like trying different products. I'll probably pick up a bottle of the Duragloss soap (red) next time I see it. Not worth it to me to pay shipping (plus, I got about a gallon jug of the Gold Class for about 10 bucks not long ago).

 

I use the Turtle Wax brand "Zip Wax". It is cheap, concentrated and leaves a very light film of wax. Simple Green cleaner also works great, but I only use this if I plan to wax my truck immediately afterward.

I have tried just about all of them in the past (Zymol, Blue Coral, Meguirs etc...). They are all about the same except for the price, that's why I use Zip Wax.

 

So you just dilute the simple green and use it as a car wash soap? Does it dry out rubber window trim and plastics like dish soap does?

 

Simple green is a fairly mild solvent, especially when diluted. I have never had any issues with it drying out rubber or plastic components. I only use about 4 cap-fulls in 3 gallons of water. It seems to work better than any of the car wash soaps on bug splatter and road grime.

 

Simple Green, laundry detergents etc etc will strip wax. If you care, or bother to wax.

If you do wax, use a car soap.

As mentioned above, Maguire's Gold Class is a good choice at a fairly budget price. There is no reason to use some high dollar boutique soap, unless you have a garage queen show vehicle.

 

^^This^^

Also been using the same stuff for years. Works well and I see no reason to switch.

 

I'm an OCDetailer and used to use some pretty expensive car shampoos. My previous auto message board had quite a few car detailing people on it and many of them were using Turtle Wax Ice car wash. I tried it and was hooked. Inexpensive, created just the right amount of suds, leaves the finish very clean and even slippery.

 

See post #76 regarding wax stripping:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/meguires-ulw-and-tw-ice-spray-wax.388938/page-4

Of course, every time you wash your vehicle with anything (soap/cloths), there is potential to remove some of the wax/sealer. But it looks like the often mentioned "dish soap wax removal method" is not actually removing last step products. These synthetic/polymer products nowdays are really tough.

With that said-- I agree, detergents are really hard on rubber/plastics. Stick to car wash soaps.

 

Maguire's Gold Class has always worked well for me when I do a hose and bucket wash.

 

Duragloss Car Wash Concentrate

$11 Duragloss 901 Red Car Wash Concentrate - 16 oz.

http://www.amazon.com/Duragloss-901-Red-Wash-Concentrate/dp/B002W15BVS

 

Can you comment on how this compares to the Megs Gold Class?

 

I bought this to start.
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Gilmour_Foamaster_Car_Wash_Foam_Kit_p/hol_f_1.htm
Works great , the cars and SUV at my mom's come out great. I don't wash the truck that often but it comes out shiny when I do.

 

Lost of answers to many questions.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-ask-a-detailer-thread.8957/

 

I haven't used Gold Class in years so it's hard to compare the two now. From memory I think Duragloss suds better & has better lubricity. This is just my opinion though. I had no issues with Gold Class shampoo. I decided to try Duragloss several years back & haven't seen a reason to change back.

 

I like using chemical guys citrus wash and gloss. It's super concentrated so one ounce mixes with 5 gallons of water. Buy a gallon and it'll last your a couple of years.

 

I read good things about CG Citrus soap. Would it be good for an everyday soap or just to use it to strip of wax?

 

Yes, it can be used as a weekly wash if you follow the directions, which is one ounce to five gallons of water. If you want to purposely strip wax, dilute one ounce to one gallon of water.