We’ve all seen those ads for dish soap that promise to remove wax from cars. They’re everywhere, and they seem like a great idea. But is this really true? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question. We will also discuss the pros and cons of using dish soap to remove wax from your car.
What is dish soap?
Dish soap is a type of detergent that is used to clean dishes and other objects. Dish soap works by breaking down the oil and grease that are on the dish surface. This can then help to remove any wax or other contaminants that may be on the dish.
How does dish soap work?
Wax removal is an important task for car care enthusiasts because wax can accumulate over time and restrict airflow and cooling. Dish soap is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products because it has a high alkalinity that helps break down the waxes.
How dish soap works:
When dish soap is mixed with water, it produces a sudsing agent. The sudsing agent attaches to the dirt, grime, and wax on the surface of the object being cleaned. This mixture then creates a chemical reaction that breaks down the waxes and removes them from the surface.
What are the ingredients in dish soap?
Dish soap is typically made of three primary ingredients: water, detergent, and surfactants. The detergent acts as a cleanser and solvent, and the surfactants help to suspend dirt and grease in the water. The Surfactant Technology Association (STA) reports that dishwashing liquid contains an average of 1.6% Surfactant by Weight (SWH). This means that for every 100 grams of dishwashing liquid, there are about 16 milligrams of surfactant.
Many dishwashing powders also contain an emulsifier to help the powder mix with water properly. Emulsifiers also act as surfactants, but they prefer oil over water. Soapmakers often use these types of emulsifiers because they allow soap to foam more effectively.
Does dish soap remove wax from cars?
In short, dish soap will not remove wax from cars. Dish soap is a wide-ranging cleaning agent that is designed to clean products such as dishes, toilets, and metal surfaces. However, it does not have the chemical properties necessary to dissolve waxes or polish away car wax buildup.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to check whether or not dish soap will remove wax from your car. Some dish soaps are specifically formulated to remove wax, while others may not be as effective. If you want to be sure that your car will come clean after using dish soap, test a small area first to make sure it won’t damage the paintwork.