Why is Car Wash Soap and Shampoo Important?
You don’t necessarily have to own a car wash to use a car wash soap and shampoo. It is a useful product that helps you keep every inch of your car spick and span. Nothing will uplift your mood like a clean car that doesn’t have a single speck of dust, and a car wash soap and shampoo will help you achieve this perfectly.
Most people use dishwashing soap or laundry detergent, but those contain substances that can actually damage your car’s paint or make it look dull after repeated washes. On the other hand, car wash soap and shampoo is specially formulated for cars and contains ingredients that won’t damage your car’s interior or exterior. Therefore, no matter how long you use it, you won’t complain about the car's finish looking duller than before. Rather, you will be able to protect the paint of your car for a longer period of time.
So, as you can see, a dedicated car wash soap and shampoo works wonders for your car and keeps it clean in a way that other types of detergent or shampoos can’t. Therefore, having it in your car care kit is highly essential.
History of Car Wash Soap and Shampoo
Car wash soaps and shampoos date back to the 1960s, and notable companies like Johnson & Johnson and Turtle Wax were the ones who entered the market with their products for the first time. These products were mainly targeted at service stations for washing their customers’ cars, and they quickly became popular among household consumers as well.
In the early 1970s, auto parts stores also started putting car wash soaps and shampoos on their shelves, as consumers were using them to keep their cars looking in tip-top shape. Soon after, these products started coming with new and improved formulae that were more gentle on the cars’ paintwork. Since then, car wash soaps and shampoos have been commonly used by people all over the world. These days, you can even hire a mobile fleet washing to come clean your car or truck exactly where you are.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Car Wash Soap and Shampoo
Whenever you are faced with choosing between different brands of car wash soaps and shampoos, choosing the option that suits you can be a tad difficult. There are certain factors that you must consider before you pick one option, and these factors not only help you choose the right product but also pick a more affordable option.
pH Level
Since car wash soaps and shampoos are made up of chemicals, they will have a certain pH level, which tells you whether they are more acidic or alkaline. You need to consider this factor before choosing the best soap and shampoo, as a product with a pH value lower than 7 can be harmful to your car. Acidic soaps and shampoos can corrode the paint job of your car, which is why you should consider options that are neutral or alkaline in nature.
Concentration
The concentration of the car wash soap and shampoo refers to how much you should mix them into the water to form a solution that can be used to wash your car properly. A product with a higher concentration means that a smaller amount of shampoo will have to be added to a large amount of water, and this would also mean that you can use the product for a longer time. Therefore, it is wiser to choose a product with a higher concentration so that you don’t have to buy it more frequently.
Foam
The foaming quality of a car wash soap and shampoo is another key factor that you can consider while choosing the best product for your car. Having a product that produces thicker foam will help in removing dirt and dust particles on its own, so you don’t have to work too hard on scrubbing the surface of your car.
Scent
Nowadays, most car wash soaps and shampoos have chemicals mixed in them, and these chemicals have a very strong smell that can be quite off-putting for you. However, you can also find scented solutions and products, which won’t cause you to have a headache every time you wash your car. You can opt for those options, especially if you can’t stand strong smells at all.
Water Spots
One of the biggest problems consumers face with car wash soaps and shampoos is that there are water spots left on the car’s exterior when they are done, which makes your car look as if it hasn’t been washed properly. Some soaps and shampoos are also known to leave water streaks on the car, which make it look dirty. Thankfully, you can find solutions that are guaranteed to not leave any streaks or spots on your car.
Lubricity
Although this is a term less heard, lubricity is an important factor when you are choosing a car wash soap and shampoo for your car. Lubricity refers to how slippery the solution is, and the higher the lubricity, the better it will be for your car. The reason for this is that the solution would be easier to spread all over the car and wash off with water, thus leaving no water spots or streaks on the surface of your car.
Price
Last but not least, the price of the car wash soap and shampoo that you consider buying also plays a major role in your choice, as you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money simply to keep your car clean. Generally, you can find car wash soaps and shampoos in the price range of $10 to $50, but some of the high-quality, professional options may also go up to $150 to $200.
Another thing you should consider, along with the pricing, is the amount of car wash soap or shampoo you are getting in the container. It is always better to buy a larger quantity since it can be more economical and will also last longer.
FAQs
Q. How long does car wash soap and shampoo last?
A. Most car wash soaps and shampoos have an expiry date of 18 to 24 months after they have been opened, but your car wash solution likely won’t even last that long, no matter what its quantity is.
Q. Will car wash soap and shampoo clean bird droppings properly?
A. Bird droppings are acidic and can damage the car’s paint if not cleaned properly and quickly. If you choose a neutral product, it will be able to clean out the stain completely.
Q. How often should car wash soap and shampoo be used to wash the car?
A. According to experts, you shouldn’t wash your car more than once every two weeks. But if you live in a dusty area, you may choose to wash it once every week.