When they say “a clean car is a happy car”, it means way more than you think. You see, having a clean car and washing it with the right kind of automotive cleaning products will have additional benefits far beyond appearance, including prolonging the life of the vehicle itself.
On the other hand, using low-quality soap (or even the improper kind of soap or dish soap) can be just as detrimental to its paint and appearance as not cleaning it at all. It can even accelerate the process of aging and damage your car’s paint job.
To help you get your hands (or wash mitt) on the best car wash soap or car shampoo for your ride, we’ve been busy testing and reviewing some of the top products on the market. Below, we deliver the results and provide further info to help you choose.
Our Top Recommendations for the Best Car Wash Soaps
- Meguiar’s G7101FFP Gold Class
- A powerful shampoo and conditioner that lets you save time with a one-step cleaning process.
- Chemical Guys CWS_101 Maxi-Suds II Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo
- A highly concentrated cleaner with pH-balanced ingredients to protect sealant and wax coatings.
- Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo
- Brings all the benefits of a quality, pH-neutral formula and includes a mix of advanced polymers and cleaners to make washing both safe and effective.
- Optimum (NR2010Q) No Rinse Wash & Shine
- Ideal if you live in an area with frequent water restrictions or simply want to do your bit for the environment by using less of the stuff.
- Griot’s Garage 10866 Car Wash (Brilliant Finish)
- Made with top-grade ingredients that deliver a high-gloss, streak-free appearance.
- Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax
- Quick and easy to use, and does a great job of washing and waxing at the same time.
- Turtle Wax T-472R ICE Car Wash
- A safe and gentle concentrated solution that adds a layer of synthetic polymers for extra protection.
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Best Car Wash Soap Reviews: Our Top Recommendations
- 1.1 Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash
- 1.2 Chemical Guys Maxi-Suds II Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo
- 1.3 Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo – pH Neutral Soap Formula
- 1.4 Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
- 1.5 Griot’s Garage Car Wash (Brilliant Finish)
- 1.6 Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax
- 1.7 Turtle Wax T-472R ICE Car Wash
- 2 Why Should I Buy Car Wash Soap?
- 3 What Factors Should I Consider When Looking For Car Wash Soap?
- 3.1 What Method Are You Going To Use?
- 3.2 How Often Are You Going To Be Cleaning Your Car?
- 3.3 What Do You Use It For?
- 3.4 Are You An Eco-Conscious Person?
- 3.5 Does The Color Of Your Car Matter?
- 3.6 How Concentrated Is The Soap?
- 3.7 Does The Soap Leave Water Marks And Residue?
- 3.8 Is The Soap’s pH Level Acidic, Basic, or Neutral?
- 4 What Are the Different Types of Car Wash Soap I Can Buy?
- 5 Wrapping It Up
Best Car Wash Soap Reviews: Our Top Recommendations
In the following section, we’ll take a more detailed look at what we believe to be some of the best car wash soaps out there.
Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash
One of the most popular products on the market, the Gold Class Wash Shampoo & Conditioner from Meguiar’s is an amazing choice. Using this product, there’s a good chance your car’s radiant color and shine will be restored to its former glory.
This product will clean and condition the paintwork in one easy step. It gently washes off all road grime and dirt, without leaving it unprotected. Its pH-balanced formula will leave a glossy finish and keep your wax coating in place, unlike harsher car shampoos or detergents on the market which can strip the paint of wax and polish.
This rich foam of the shampoo and conditioner makes it ideal to use in a foam cannon or snow cannon, at a ratio mix of 5:1. It will deliver a deep clean, much better than many other products designed for these machines which often only pre-wash your vehicle.
Of course, Meguiar’s is just as effective with traditional hand washing. Simply add one ounce, or four capfuls, of the solution to a gallon of water – and you’ll be good to go.
Using the two-bucket method, where you use one bucket with the solution and the second bucket for plain water, is recommended by the manufacturer as best practice.
Besides, this foamy soap smells really good! Also, given the size, this product is likely to last you for regular washes over the course of several months.
If you’re more interested in a wash and wax combo, check out Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax here: Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 1-gallon container.
- One-step cleaning process with shampoo and conditioner combined.
- Fights away dirt and stubborn grime with foam.
- Can be used in a foam cannon or snow cannon.
- Advanced formula won’t strip wax protection layer.
- High-grade conditioners will leave your vehicle with a brilliant shine.
What We Like
- Two-in-one product cleans and conditions in one step.
- Compatible for use with a foam cannon or snow cannon.
- Concentrated product, one purchase will last a long time.
- Comprised of pH-balanced, non-detergent, and non-toxic materials,
- It’s safe and biodegradable.
- Removes tar with a lot less scrubbing and more ease than comparable brands.
- Smells very pleasant.
- Generous size will last a long time.
What We Don’t Like
- Can leave a bit of a haze if not rinsed off well.
- Leaves wax coating in place, but doesn’t add to the protection.
Summary
A product from a well-known and popular brand, this is one that you can’t go wrong with. Also, the 1-gallon capacity will provide dozens of washes to come, so you won’t have to worry about stocking up regularly if that’s not your thing.
All in all, this product is easy to use, smells great, works well, and leaves your vehicle gleaming. A real contender for the best car shampoo out there.
Chemical Guys Maxi-Suds II Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo
With a quality, pH-balanced washing formula that easily removes dirt and debris, the Maxi Suds II from the Chemical Guys will keep your vehicle looking sleek.
Its concentrated ingredients include enriching foaming action agents to help remove some of the heaviest dirt a car could be dealt. A particular great ingredient included in the formula is a water softener, added to minimize water spots and streaking after rinsing.
All you need to make up a solution is as little as 1 ounce of the concentrated soap in a gallon of cool water, or use 1 to 3 ounces in a foam cannon, which will yield plenty of slick and thick suds for great cleaning power.
Clean your ride with Chemical Guys Maxi Suds II at any time in just about any weather you could imagine, even in direct sunlight, for a spot-free finish. Now, who wouldn’t appreciate that?! However, if you’re doing this on a hot sunny day, remember to rinse the suds off quickly once you’re done washing, before they dry on the paint.
This shampoo produces a generous amount of suds which will prevent scratching and leave your vehicle looking all clean, shiny, and spot-free. It works well on the whole of your vehicle, not just the paint job. Using this product, all car surfaces (metal, glass, rubber or vinyl) will be spotlessly clean.
Of all the Chemical Guys products, we were hedging whether to recommend this product or the popular Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds. All in all, however, we reckon this product offers better value. Still, if you’d like to compare the two, check out Mr. Pink here: Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Super Suds.
Manufacturers Specs and Features List
- 1-gallon container.
- Cherry scented.
- Other sizes and scents are available.
- pH-balanced ingredients to protect sealant and wax coatings.
- Powerful but gentle on paintwork.
- Highly concentrated and rich in foaming agents.
- Compatible for use with a foam cannon or foam gun.
What We Like
- Added water softeners make for a spot-free wash.
- Can be used on a bright sunny day.
- Only requires 1 ounce of soap in a gallon of water or 3 ounces in a foam gun.
- The 1-gallon size is likely to last most consumers a very long time.
- Can be used with a soap gun or foam cannon.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t contain a conditioner or wax.
- Unnecessary use of color in the product.
- Some users would prefer an unscented option.
Summary
A quality and natural option, this 1-gallon product from Chemical Guys is a pretty good choice. With a versatile formula suitable for just about any cleaning method you prefer, it gently cleans away even the toughest dirt that comes its way. Also, the product smells great in any of the four scents it’s offered in, and is a genuinely spot-free car wash (not all that claim to be really are!).
Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo – pH Neutral Soap Formula
Safe for use on all vehicle surfaces, protecting paint, rubber, and even the plastic of your car, this option from Adam’s Polishes is a top-grade option. Adam’s car wash shampoo has all the benefits of a quality, pH-neutral formula, including a mix of advanced polymers and cleaners to make washing both safe and effective.
Just like our other favorite soaps on this list, you’ll notice a lot of suds and a rich foam while using this product. The shampoo’s thick lather is described as “snow-like” when used in a foam gun, and the ingredients will remove the dirt while lubricating your car’s surface.
We particularly appreciate that the quality formula is gentle enough not to dry out any plastic components, as well as safe enough to use on other materials such as rubber, vinyl, and glass.
It cleans thoroughly without overdoing it, meaning it won’t remove the wax coating on your paintwork.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 16-ounce bottle.
- Available in 1-gallon or 5-gallon sizes.
- Effective on all exterior materials.
- Concentrated formula produces a lot of suds.
- Reduces the chance of swirls and water spots.
- pH-neutral and gentle on all surfaces.
- Wild berry fragrance.
- Made in the USA.
- Customer satisfaction guarantee.
What We Like
- Doesn’t dry out or harm the car’s plastic, rubber, or other materials.
- The thick, balanced formula washes pretty well.
- Little chance of any damage to regular paint coat.
- Won’t scratch or leave water spots.
- Candy-like scent makes the washing experience pleasant.
What We Don’t Like
- Less lubricity than comparable products, meaning that the post-wash “gleam” isn’t all it could be.
Summary
A popular choice with consumers, Adam’s will produce thick, luscious foam to keep your ride clean. This smaller capacity bottle is easier to store and use, although larger sizes are available if you prefer. It’s safe and suitable for regular washes, and with a satisfaction guarantee, there’s no reason not to buy!
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
If you live in an area where water restrictions are regularly in place, this product could very well be the savior you’ve been looking for. In extreme situations, regular car washing is sometimes even prohibited, but you might still be able to use the Optimum No Rinse in these circumstances.
Using this product requires much less water than a normal wash – just one bucket for the entire process. This soap will clean your vehicle and protect the paintwork, while also protecting the environment at the same time.
The ingredients include polymers that prevent abrasion during washing by bonding to the paintwork, giving better lubrication and protection than a conventional wash. After you’re done cleaning, you’ll be left with a gleaming finish.
The manufacturer recommends adding 1 ounce of formula to a 2-gallon bucket of water. Immerse a towel into the solution (they advise using microfiber towels), and then wash the vehicle one area at a time.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 32-ounce bottle (other sizes available).
- Suitable for most vehicle
- Economical
- Includes powerful polymers that clean dirt without damaging paint.
- No need to be washed off with a hose.
- Doesn’t create a mess when washed off.
What We Like
- Environmentally friendly.
- No need for rinsing or hosing down after washing.
- Versatile enough to be used on many types of vehicles.
- Leaves little to no residue.
- You can even use it to clean interiors.
- If there’s any grime in your cloth, the lubricating feature protects your car paint.
What We Don’t Like
- Won’t remove ingrained mud or other debris on your vehicle.
- Need to work on a small area at a time.
Summary
A popular option among dealers and collectors, the Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine is a great option for regular cleaning, particularly if your vehicle is stored in a garage or showroom.
Your ride is protected from scratching during the wash, thanks to the lubricating polymers in the product. The end result is pretty impressive – one where your paintwork is left completely clean and shining.
You can also use this for some impressive work on the interior, and not just for cleaning the outside. It’s ideal for those living in sunny climates, especially those who experience droughts and water usage restrictions.
Griot’s Garage Car Wash (Brilliant Finish)
Another great product, the Griot’s Garage Brilliant Finish will give you that ultimate car shine you’re craving. It has premium lubricating properties to wash thoroughly, but safely.
The pH-balanced formula gently removes the grime, leaving behind a glossy shine with no streaks. It doesn’t remove sealants or waxes in the process, unlike when you compare them to some of the other average, lower-grade products on the market.
If we were to sum this product up in one sentence, we would say it lives up to its name, containing special brighteners that really do leave a brilliant finish.
As it uses only 1 ounce of formula per gallon of water, this purchase should keep your vehicle in top condition for several months on end before you have to purchase another. Brilliant Finish can also be used with a foam gun or cannon.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 64-ounce container.
- Concentrated formula.
- Brightening formula results in a high-gloss, streak-free appearance.
- Plenty of foam and suds.
- pH-balanced formula with top-grade ingredients
- Safe to use.
- Manufactured in the USA.
What We Like
- Only requires 1 ounce per gallon of water.
- Makes your car shiny and the color appear more radiant and bright.
- Glossy finish preserves the wax and base coats of paintwork.
- Can be used with a foam gun.
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t produce as many suds as other products when used in a foam gun.
- Works better when using a traditional bucket method.
- More effective when used regularly.
Summary
A market favorite, the Brilliant Finish from Griot’s Garage erupts rich suds to keep yours glossy and streak-free. The name says it all, really – it leaves a brilliant finish on your paintwork. Just a small measure is enough for a complete wash.
Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax
California Gold Car Wash & Wax has been specifically created for high-quality paint care. This product includes carnauba wax, which is a rich, deep wax that’s also known as Brazil wax or ceara wax.
For an easy, quick way to keep your vehicle looking like you just drove it out of the showroom, use this wash and wax product between regular waxes. It will shine and protect your paint, and boost the existing wax to restore that “just waxed” finish.
It makes plenty of suds, which help cut through all the grime. The pH-balanced formula will ensure your paintwork is protected while washing and left spot-free and sparkling clean after the suds are rinsed off. As the formula is eco-friendly and biodegradable, you’re also doing your bit for the environment when you buy this product.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 64 ounces.
- Carnauba wax ingredient for a 2-in-1 wash and wax.
- Creates a lot of suds.
- High-quality ingredients protect your paint.
- pH balanced formula.
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
- Spot-free finish.
What We Like
- Ensures a protected wax coating at all times.
- Washes and waxes at the same time.
- Made with biodegradable and pH-balanced ingredients.
- Leaves no spots on car’s finish.
- Formula allows for a quick wash and rinse.
- Gently removes grime while protecting wax and paint surfaces.
What We Don’t Like
- Paintwork needs to be buffed after rinsing to avoid streaking.
Summary
This is another great option for car owners who want to keep their regular car’s paintwork and shine protected, as it safely washes off dirt and grime. It’s really sudsy, but rinses off easily. Adding carnauba wax to the wash ensures continuous protection for precious paintwork as well.
Turtle Wax T-472R ICE Car Wash
This wash and wax product is suitable for all vehicles and lives up to its claim of leaving your vehicle with a superior shine.
The unique ICE Smart Shield Technology uses layers of synthetic polymers to create an invisible barrier on your paintwork and provide excellent protection from the elements.
As you wash your vehicle, the lubricants and surfactants get to work, with the rich foam loosening and capturing the dirt from the paintwork. The pH-balanced formula helps to neutralize and remove environmental contaminants from the surface as well.
With the inclusion of carnauba wax and gloss-enhancing agents, this product is sure to leave your vehicle gleaming and looking as if it’s just been waxed. The wax creates a surface that causes water to bead off quickly to reduce streaking. It also helps protect against potential surface scratches.
Manufacturers Specs and Feature List
- 48-ounce bottle.
- ICE Smart Shield Technology.
- Safe and gentle, even for the most sensitive paint finish.
- Creates a luscious foam that removes stubborn dirt.
- Gloss-enhancing ingredients help achieve a super-shiny look.
- pH-balanced formula.
What We Like
- The formula results in a “mirror finish”.
- User-friendly and easy to apply.
- Contains carnauba wax.
- Both wash and wax together at once.
- Leaves a strong, weatherproof finish.
- Suitable for use with different types of vehicles, including motorcycles.
What We Don’t Like
- You might find some streaking if you don’t rinse off the soap quickly or buff dry.
Summary
This product is both thick and concentrated, leaving a great shine on cars or motorcycles. Using the Turtle Wax ICE Smart Shield Technology, it adds a layer of synthetic polymers for that extra protection.
Why Should I Buy Car Wash Soap?
Here are the main benefits buying and using the correct product can bring:
Better Looking Vehicle
Using the best wash soap for your vehicle will make it shine brighter than it would ever have, had you used improper cleaning methods, cheap soap, or even the wrong kind of soap without knowing any better.
Revitalize And Protect Paint
Just like using lotion for your own skin, the right car wash soap can actually revitalize and strengthen its paint. Many soaps add a layer of wax film, car paint sealant, or protectant to prevent dirt clinging to your vehicle and erosion from the environment. Some products also add ultraviolet protection to protect the paint’s color in the process.
Remove Dirt And Grime That Clings On
Dirt and dust aren’t the only things that cling to your vehicle. There are all kinds of chemicals, other debris, and road oils that you also have to worry about from everyday use.
These chemicals and oils are often corrosive, and using the right kind of soap will remove most of this buildup. If you don’t deal with this properly, it can eat away at the paint and frame with time.
Improve Your Vehicle’s Resale Value
A good mechanic or car salesman knows exactly what they’re looking at when it comes to just about any vehicle. If it’s dirty, it may be a sign to them that you don’t care about it. A well-maintained, vibrant-looking, clean vehicle will always fetch much more on a sale or trade than one that looks unkempt.
What Factors Should I Consider When Looking For Car Wash Soap?
Because finding the best car wash soap can be quite subjective based on your specific needs, you must consider a few things in order to find what’s right for you.
What Method Are You Going To Use?
Not everybody has their own house with their own driveway in which to clean their vehicle. There are several types of waterless car wash available, and these are great options if you just don’t have the space or the tools to perform a regular “soap and water” wash.
If you do have a driveway and some space to put to use, though, a bucket wash is probably your preferred method.
You can use a foam sprayer, or a pressure washer for cars, to spray if you have the space and means to have such equipment. Much like the best waterless car washes, there are soaps that are optimized to work best with foam equipment beyond a sponge and bucket.
How Often Are You Going To Be Cleaning Your Car?
Living in a harsh climate may necessitate cleaning your car more often than usual. That may mean it might be smarter for you to buy a more concentrated soap to save money. It will probably also necessitate a soap with great foaming ability to cut through road salt and brine.
Car soaps with fewer chemical ingredients and a balanced pH level are more suitable than their concentrated counterparts if you wash your car regularly. “Softer” soaps have fewer chemical compounds than concentrated soaps and won’t eat away at paint should you use too much at a time.
What Do You Use It For?
If you drive on a daily basis, you will perhaps require a budget, do-it-all soap, rather than one that gives a high wax finish. A professional show car, on the other hand, will need to be washed with a higher-quality soap containing wax for that extra-shiny look.
Are You An Eco-Conscious Person?
The EPA has cracked down on using damaging, unsafe chemicals in these products. We’re not saying that every single soap available nowadays is completely biodegradable or environmentally friendly, but many are.
Your soap will be running down the driveway and into the sewer or lawn. If you do want to be environmentally responsible, there are plenty of options available with which this won’t harm wildlife or water sources.
Does The Color Of Your Car Matter?
It is usually harder to clean a dark-colored vehicle and keep it clean than a lighter-colored one. Car cleaning products for black vehicles are fairly common, but may also be more expensive. Many companies have specific soap formulas for specific colors. More commonly, though, they will just be separated into soap for bright-colored or dark-colored vehicles.
How Concentrated Is The Soap?
The more highly concentrated a formula, the less of it you will need to get your vehicle clean. This could save you money, trips to the store, and space in your garage, and give you the ability to boost your cleaning power by using a little more product when needed.
Does The Soap Leave Water Marks And Residue?
Some of these car wash products, especially water-free soaps, are designed to leave no streaking. You can also find regular products that use softer chemicals and won’t leave unwanted residue behind. Soaps that use a lubricating polymer or include a carnauba waxing component tend to help water bead, roll off the vehicle, and are great for a streak-free clean.
Is The Soap’s pH Level Acidic, Basic, or Neutral?
The pH level measures how acidic or basic your car’s soap will be. Ideally, the soap will maintain a neutral pH, close to that of water.
A soap with a neutral pH won’t harm your car’s paint or strip wax from a previous cleaning. Acidic or basic soaps like dish soap aren’t necessarily bad, as they can have some serious cleaning benefits, but you will need to be careful to properly use them as instructed.
What Are the Different Types of Car Wash Soap I Can Buy?
Not all soaps will do the same job. They are all designed a little differently to tackle slightly different problems, which is why you should choose wisely depending on your needs.
Basic Car Wash Soap
This is what probably comes to mind straight away whenever you think about washing your vehicle. Its purpose is very basic: cut through dirt and grease that accumulates on a vehicle’s exterior. These soaps are generally a little cheaper because they don’t have extra additives to perform additional functions.
Car Wash And Wax Soaps
These soaps try to do the job of two different car detailing/car care products. They achieve the same end goal that a basic soap will do, but they also contain polymers and waxes to leave a shiny finish on your paint.
A dedicated post-wash wax – such as the ones in our guide to the best wax for black cars – will almost always make your ride look better, but wash and wax soaps are a great alternative. Wash and wax cleaners are best if you don’t want to buy two separate detailing products or spend time applying the extra wax finish after washing.
With wash and wax soaps, you do lose some of the foaming power of traditional soaps due to the additional wax additives, and they tend to be a little more expensive.
Conditioners
Conditioners are cleaners that also enhance the exterior color of your vehicle. Similarly to toothpaste, they will help brighten your vehicle’s colors and keep them that way for longer than just soap alone.
Like the wash and wax products, the added components in a conditioner may not give you as good a clean as a general soap, but the end result and color-enhancing formula will keep your car’s paint job healthier.
No-Water Car Washers (aka “Waterless Washes”)
These products have improved over the past years to become a viable alternative to an actual water and bucket wash. They are also very convenient and require little setup or preparation.
The strength that these cleaners have is their overall ability to leave no streaking by way of necessity. The drawbacks include higher price points and the inability to provide as good a clean as other soaps.
Wrapping It Up
No matter where you live or how you use your vehicle, it will need to be washed every once in a while. Because cars cost so much, it’s always a good idea to give them the best treatment possible to make your money go the extra mile.
Washing yours won’t keep its engine running flawlessly, but it will keep the vehicle looking great, keep the paint in good condition, and even prevent premature rusting.
The best car wash soap will always be the one that works best for you. There are so many different options on the market for you to choose from, it may be a difficult task just to start looking for one that fits your needs. But, now that you know the options and what to look for, finding the right option for you and your vehicle won’t be as difficult!
