It might sound like a silly question, but it’s one that many people ask: does dish soap remove car wax? The answer is, unfortunately, no. Dish soap does not have the chemicals or abrasives necessary to remove car wax. In fact, it may even damage the paint of your car. So if you’re wondering how to remove car wax without damage, stick to reputable products that are specifically designed to do just that.
The Science Behind Dish Soap and Car Wax
There are a few things to consider when it comes to the science of dish soap and car wax. Dish soap is composed of alkaline liquids and abrasive particles. These two ingredients work together to break down the bonds between oils and waxes on your car. Soap also emulsifies grease, which helps loosen it up for easier removal.
However, there is one big caveat: dish soap won’t remove all types of car wax. Resin-based car wax will resist being dissolved by dish soap, while microfiber cloths will actually buff away at the wax until it falls off. It’s worth checking the ingredients label before you head to the store to buy car wax and dish soap; some products boast both ingredients as part of their formulation, while others are limited to just one or the other.
Which Dish Soap is Best for Removing Car Wax?
When it comes to removing car wax, there are a few different dish soap varieties that can be used. Soapnuts.com recommends using a mild dish soap like unscented Ivory or Dove to remove car wax. These soaps are designed to be gentle on your hands and won’t cause any irritation. Another option is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bar which is specifically marketed for car wax removal. This product is made with a microfiber pad and Tripoli oil which helps dissolve the waxes on the surface of the car. It’s important to note that this product is not recommended for use on exterior plastic surfaces like paintwork.
How to Use Dish Soap to Remove Car Wax
If you have tried everything under the sun to remove car wax from your vehicle but to no avail, it might be time to consider using dish soap. This method is not only affordable, but it can also be used on a variety of surfaces. Here’s how to make the switch:
1) Wet your car down with water and add a small amount of dish soap. Work the soap into a lather and then rinse off the car.
2) Repeat these steps until all of the wax has been removed. Make sure to use enough water so that the soap doesn’t leave a residue on the surface.
3) Once all of the wax has been removed, towel dry your car and enjoy your freshly waxed automobile!
The Results of Testing Different Types of Dish Soaps for Car Wax Removal
Soaps are a popular choice for removing car wax, but which works best? Testing different types of dish soaps revealed that some were more effective than others.
The most successful dish soap was a generic brand sold at Walmart. It removed nearly all the car wax from the test surfaces. A second soap, also from Walmart, was less effective, but still managed to remove about half of the wax. A third brand of soap, which is typically used for washing dishes, was ineffective at removing any wax.
The two least successful soaps were both specialty car wax cleaning products. One product is marketed as a “wax remover”, while the other claims to be “nano-emulsified”. Neither product was able to remove any wax from the test surfaces.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effects of dish soap on car wax will vary depending on the product and how it is being used. However, most experts agree that dish soap does not have a significant impact on the removal of car wax.