What's the best car wash soap?
Need help finding the best car wash soap? Learn which formulas work best for foam cannons, hand washing, and ceramic-coated or waxed vehicles, plus tips on proper dilution and technique.
The best car wash soap + the best microfiber
Your soap is only half the equation. These car wash mitts and sponges trap dirt, glide smoothly, and help prevent swirls. Shop the best car wash mitts and sponges for a safer finish.
How To Properly Wash Your Car
Whether you're new to car care or just looking to level up your technique, this five-step process makes it easy to get perfect results every time. Learn how to wash your car with our complete guide.
THICK, CLINGING FOAM
Dense foam encapsulates dirt and grime for a safer, scratch-free wash.
pH NEUTRAL
Safe on paint, coatings, waxes, and sealants. Wash with confidence.
SMELLS SO GOOD
The cherry scent isn't an accident, it's a reminder that details matter.
Car wash soap does one job — lift dirt safely so your wash mitt doesn't drag it across the paint — but the right formula depends on how you wash and what's protecting your paint.
How to choose the best car wash soap
- Maintenance shampoo for regular hand washes: slick, sudsy and gentle on existing wax, sealant or coating. Try P&S Pearl Auto Shampoo, Gtechniq GWash, Koch-Chemie Autoshampoo or Optimum Car Wash.
- Ceramic (SiO2) shampoo that adds gloss and water beading as you wash: Koch-Chemie Ceramic Effect Shampoo or Gtechniq W3 Ceramic GWash.
- Snow foam / pre-wash to loosen grime with a foam cannon before you touch the paint: Koch-Chemie Gentle Snow Foam and Active Foam, P&S Frostbite, Gtechniq W4 Citrus Foam.
- Decon wash to strip old wax and road film before polishing or coating: Armour Detail Decon Soap or Optimum Touchless Decon Wash.
- Rinseless and waterless washes for washing without a hose: Optimum Hyper Foam No Rinse and Waterless Wash & Shine.
Pair any soap with a plush wash mitt and a dedicated drying towel for a scratch-free finish.
