Does it really matter what kind of soap I use?

[togwt]

Quote: Does it really matter what kind of soap I use?



~One mans opinion / observation~



As long as it’s a good quality car wash that provides a pH-balanced blend of active biodegradable ingredients, to provide lubrication to prevent scratching, to lift and encapsulate dirt, road grime and oils. With conditioners to maintain the shine without stripping the paint of essential oils (the way detergents do) and dispersing them in the rinsing process, warm water (not hot) will improve the cleaning abilities of wash concentrates.



And I was around when automakers (RR, AM, BMW, Bentley et al) recommended only using plain water to wash automobiles. Airborne pollution was not a fraction of what it is now, the chemicals we add to the water supply were no in existence then and the newer car wash concentrates now encapsulate dirt not just force it from the paint film surface.



Most of the washes that have been sited here are good quality, i.e. Iz Perls, Groit’s, Megs NXT, Zanio Z7, etc.

As for cleaning a paint film surface to re-wax I go with P21S Total Auto Wash or PrepSol.



~ Hope this helps ~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*

 

[Ben Carufel]

Thanks for all the interesting replies guys. I might order a bottle of Sonax for my car, but I think I'll continue to use the much more (about 1/14th the price) cost effective Turtle Wax/Costco soap for customers cars.

 

[thinksnow]

Ben, I just received the Sonax last night and therefore used the Sonax last night. You will be amazed at how little you use. Part of me thinks that Sonax might be cheaper--you use 10mL per 10L of water--less than 5mL per gallon. BTW, this is the greatest shampoo on the planet. My FD was almost ineffective!!