Best Car Wash Soap

The Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo is our best car wash soap as it cleans up tough dirt, contaminant and road grime with its foam. It also has an advanced formula that cleans up your car without worrying about the wax protection coming off and it is relatively easy to use car wash soap. It is one-step maintenance for your car paint with its cleaning power and is a great conditioner for paint to give off a radiant finish for your car or vehicle.

Top Pick: Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo

Our step-up pick is the Rain-X 800002250-6PK Original Glass Treatment and it gives your glass the ability to repel rain as it is applied for exterior glass. It is generally very easy to apply and can improve the driving visibility while raining or during storm or similar bad weather. This car wash soap has been greatly tested on a major university and yielded awesome results as it greatly enhanced the visibility during driving in bad weather and increased the response time in driving in the said conditions. It also helps in removing various contaminants faster such as bugs, mud, salt and even ice.

The budget pick is the 303 Aerospace Protectant 16 oz. and it takes good care of any interior part of the car such as fiberglass, rubber, sailcloth, vinyl, plastics and others. It does not require buffing when applied to fiberglass that is faded to restore the original gloss and color and it is ideal for applying every 45 to 60 days of being exposed using a periodical spray and wiping off method. The car wash soap spray does not attract debris and dust and does not wash off.

A Little Background

Car washing is something most people tend to get lazy at doing on their own, and then later on, resolving to a car center. Some will even play a joke on your undusted window and write “clean me” with their fingers. Trust us, we’ve seen people do that a lot of times, especially on high pollution and high-traffic places in various cities in the world.
Nonetheless, for those who truly care about their car and how it looks from the inside and outside, getting the best car wash soap will definitely deliver the best of their car not just on its visual appeal but also on its health and quality. A super duper clean car will reduce the risk of parts failing due to corrosion and such.
Washing your car exterior and interior is very important and not just something you can put off for next year. You are using your car – at the very least, clean it up to make it more presentable and to avoid contaminants from getting inside your car’s metal parts. Instead of spending dollars on a car wash, you can also do it yourself at home, especially if you are a big car enthusiast who also wants to make car washing a fun activity for you and your family or friends.

How We Picked

When it comes to choosing the best car wash soap for your own business or just for personal use, we came down to the following criteria to help us out:
What is the price of the car wash soap? Most car wash soaps are very cheap depending on the type and the amount. It also depends on how much you need.
Is the car wash soap used for interior or exterior? Some car wash soaps are used for exteriors such as foam cleaners and waxing formulas but some are specifically for fabrics such as convertible tops or car upholstery.
What do the customer reviews say about the car wash soap? Know if the pros and cons of the car wash soap are just right.
Which surfaces does the car wash soap work best on? For instance, know if the car wash soap will work on plastics or fabrics or any other part of the car.
Which parts of the car does the car wash soap work best on? Do know first if the car wash soap is applicable for tire cleaning, body cleaning or interior cleaning.
Can the car wash soap work on other similar materials? For instance, some car wash soaps will also work for upholstery, patio equipment or even cleaning the interior and exterior of boats.

Our Pick

Top Pick: Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo
Our best car wash soap is the Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo which is great one-step maintenance for your car paint with its cleaning power. In terms of its content, it has an advanced formula that cleans up your car without worrying about the wax protection coming off. This is a great conditioner for paint to give off a radiant finish for your car or vehicle as it cleans up tough dirt, contaminant and road grime with its foam.
Being relatively easy to use car wash soap, it contains 128 oz and it is also available in a smaller 64 oz bottle. This is a car wash soap that doubles as a shampoo and as a conditioner at the same time.
The Meguiar’s Shampoo has a pH balanced car wash soap formula that is non detergent and in addition to that, it does not strip away paint and aims to reveal clarity and color due to the shampoo formula. It truly helps remove grime off the paint without grinding the paint.
When you intend to buy this car wash soap, do know that it uses a 2 bucket method for maximum quality results. Furthermore, it prevents all types of contaminants that are loose and it is compatible with most pressure washers. It is truly ideal for using in the initial wash then following up with a cleanser.
With the Meguiar’s Gold Class, you can get up to 64 car washes out of one bottle if you follow the 1 oz in 1 gallon of water formula per car wash. This car wash soap is really ideal for any MTH foamer as it has a very soft and non-abrasive touch in its formula.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The only complaints about the Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo is that some units have small leaks but they can be returned, also some customers claim to have spotting on their vehicle after it dries but this might just be because of the handling and the method of car wash.

Step-up Pick

Rain-X 800002250-6PK Original Glass Treatment
For those with foggy driving experience, our step-up pick, the Rain-X 800002250-6PK Original Glass Treatment is very easy to apply and can improve the driving visibility while raining or during storm or similar bad weather. It gives your glass the ability to repel rain as it is applied for exterior glass.
Having been greatly tested on a major university and yielded awesome results as it greatly enhanced the visibility during driving in bad weather and increased the response time in driving in the said conditions, it also helps in removing various contaminants faster such as bugs, mud, salt and even ice.
The Rain-X Glass Treatment contains 16 fl. oz in each of the pack of 6. In its effectiveness, it gives overall safety and comfort while driving due to the fact that it keeps all weather debris away during rain. In addition, it is also available in 3 pack and regular 16 oz and it is also high quality and made in the USA.
Using the Rain-X Original Treatment for glass reduces blurring in your exterior windows. With its formula, you can easily wipe onto any exterior that is clean and dry using a circular and firm motion. When using this car wash soap, use a small dry cloth that is folded. It is okay to use for weather conditions with a temperature of 40 degrees or above.
Note that reapplying is recommended to make sure coverage is uniform and complete and do know that haze may appear when drying but that is normal. All you need to do is to just remove the haze with a dry cloth when it dries. All in all, keep your driving safe with this car wash soap. The Rain-X Treatment can also be used on shower glass, glass doors and all other types of glass and it greatly reduces the instances of fogging.

Budget Pick

303 Aerospace Protectant 16 oz.
The 303 Aerospace Protectant 16 oz. is our budget pick and it does not require buffing when applied to fiberglass that is faded to restore the original gloss and color. It greatly takes good care of any interior part of the car such as fiberglass, rubber, sailcloth, vinyl, plastics and others.
This car wash soap spray does not attract debris and dust and does not wash off and it is super ideal for applying every 45 to 60 days of being exposed using a periodical spray and wiping off method. One bottle contains 16 oz. In addition, it gives off a liquid sunscreen finish after applied and does not have an oily or greasy feel so you can no longer worry about it slipping away.
With this car wash soap, it gives a showroom quality finish for any car or car interior and it is also ideal for use in boats on marine vinyl. It is also available in other sizes such as 32 fl oz, 10 fl oz, 128 fl oz and many others.
The car wash soap weighs 1.2 lbs and only shipped ground. In addition to that, common vinyl graphics on most cars can also be finished with this 303 Aerospace car wash soap.

Best Foam Car Wash Soap

Chemical Guys CWS-110C04 Car Wash Soap
For your foam car washing pleasure, the Chemical Guys CWS-110C04 Car Wash Soap is your best bet. It comes in a case of 4 and it is also available in case of 1 or case of 12 or at 16 oz. This car wash soap is the ideal cleaner for car exterior and surface as it is a double purpose as a car wash soap and cleanser.
The Chemical Guys Soap has a honeydew snow foam formula and it uses an advanced technology in foaming. For most of the reviewers, this is the best car wash soap for 2-bucket wash as well as foam cannon wash or touchless wash and it is also great for maintenance wash.
Using this CWS-110C04 Car Wash Soap makes it easy to remove dirt, build-up and grime. It is also okay to use with sealants and waxes and it can clean rinse leaving no residue behind. As for its composition, it has a thicker and slicker formula compared to its old formula and it has a pH neutral formula that goes easy on any wax coating.
As for flexibility, it is suitable for all types of painted surfaces without jarring the paint and leaving marks. True to its ease of use, you can have a scratch-free wash due to its easy rinse formula. This car wash soap has been developed from hyper surfactants and super polymers to be able to take down dirt and similar debris. In addition, it also protects against contamination, water spot forming as well as UV rays.
Also worth noting is that it has a gloss enhancer and a high foaming action. Furthermore, it can also work in foam guns so you can have fun while cleaning your car. The CWS-110C04 Soap does not damage any nearby plants or flowers and it is truly ideal car wash soap for prewash soak.

Ideal Detailer Car Wash Soap

Meguiar’s G14422 Ultimate Quik Detailer 22oz.
The Meguiar’s G14422 Ultimate Quik Detailer 22oz. is priced economically and is a great detailer. It gives off a sleek and dark finish when applied and it uses the technology of hydrophobic polymer. Among its features, it takes away finger prints and dust.
One bottle of this car wash soap contains 22 oz. It is able to add protection to your vehicle with its high surface tension formula and it is safe and okay to use on almost any car surface as it can enhance protection of the wax.
It adds further protection after applying a sealant or wax and it goes in between washing and waxing. With the Meguiar’s Quik Detailer, it keeps water sliding off to give your car surface a beautiful finish and make it easier to clean up and it can also be used on the plastic moldings of any car.
In addition to that, it can also be used for white cars and improve the gloss and shine and it may also be used like a clay lubricant. As a car wash soap, it also acts as a cleaning agent to remove stains and gives protection to the car’s paint and coat.

Best Deep Cleaning Car Wash Soap

Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner
The Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Foam Cleaner is truly economical and generally works on carpets, vinyl and fabric. One bottle of the car wash soap contains 22 oz and weighs 1.37 lbs. With this formula, there is no more need for scrubbing due to its intense foaming action to float up dirt away.
Do yourself a favor with this multipurpose car wash soap for deep cleaning. The Tuff Stuff Cleaner helps to restore the true color of the car or auto and it is a great for use in both land vehicles and boats.
Also adding to that, it is great for cleaning up chrome, floor mats, upholstery and other vinyl or fabrics. Furthermore, the cleaner is ideal for other things other than being car wash soap such as painted wood, metal, porcelain, window fans, and wall coverings, screens, painted walls, ceramic tiles, fomica, certain appliances and bathroom fixtures.
When you order, it includes 2-butoxyethanol as well as surfactants, sodium metasilicate and fragrants. Words of advice – do not expose above 120 degrees F and do not incinerate the container after use and always wear gloves when using. The Foam Cleaner also works on leather and upholstery.

Car Wash Soap for Tire Cleaning

Meguiar’s G12024 Hot Shine Tire Spray
The Meguiar’s G12024 Hot Shine Tire Spray is another hot deal with a very low price. This car wash soap has been designed for tires to give them a high gloss shine and it also has a water resistant formula. The formula gives off a long lasting shine all in all.
It is truly ideal to keep the tire from premature aging, preventing cracks and browning and keep it in shape for a long time. The form of application is through trigger spray.
As for the ingredients, it has been made with water resistant polymers and it also protects your tires from fading. With the Meguiar’s Hot Shine Spray, you need only apply with spraying because wiping will take out the shine. And for your convenience, it does not leave brown spots on your tire.

Ideal Car Wash Soap for Car Fabric

303 (30607) Fabric Guard 128 fl.oz.
The 303 (30607) Fabric Guard 128 fl oz makes your fabric more water repellant due to its formula. A very ideal car wash soap for car fabric and interior cleaning, it greatly increases resistance to stain and it works on a lot of synthetic and natural fibers and very safe to use.
One bottle contains 128 fl oz or 1 gallon (3.79 liters) and it protects against mildew and mold. It keeps the color of your car fabric as it cleans. It is also available in other sizes such as 2 fl oz, 16 fl oz, 32 fl oz and pack of 6.
As car wash soap, this is professional grade car wash soap with water repellency technology which is also ideal for boats, trucks and cars. It is made in the USA and can also be used on patio pillows and cushions as well as umbrellas and drapes to protect them against the harmful elements. The formula dries up in 6 to 12 hours.
All covers you clean with this car wash soap are blemish-free. It is ideal for fabric awnings, convertible tops with fabric material and RV covers and it is best used with a surface cleaner. The 303 Fabric Guard makes all fabrics breathable and fresh as well as gives a soft and colorful texture to them. In addition, it also works on suede and canvas as well as outdoor upholstery.

Complete Car Wash Soap Kit

Meguiar’s G55032 Complete Car Care Kit
The Meguiar’s G55032 Complete Car Care Kit is a great starter kit for car wash. It comes complete with a shampoo and conditioner, cleanser and finish, liquid wax, interior detailer cleaner, mist and wiping detailer, tire gel, scratch and blemish remover and other signature cleaning materials.
As for its contents, the wax helps to make the paint shinier and create clearer reflections and the shampoo and conditioner is able to foam away road grime and tough debris and dirt.
As for its detailer, the interior detailer gives a revitalized finish onto your interior car surface. The other accessories that the kit includes are: a microfiber wash mitt, a foam applicator pad, a microfiber towel and 2 clay bars at 50 grams with a clamshell container.
The liquid wax protects against UV rays and fine swirls and gives a showroom quality and the detailer can work as quickly as 15 minutes. The included claying kit helps to remove contaminants on any vehicle. In addition, the PlastX contains MDAT or microscopic diminishing abrasive technology to remove all kinds of scratches and oxidations.
Overall, the Meguiar’s Car Care Kit ideal car wash soap kit for those who want to do their own detailed washing or want to start a car wash business.

Best Color Restoration Car Wash Soap

Rust-Oleum RRCAL Wipe Formula ReCOLOR Kit
The Rust-Oleum RRCAL Wipe Formula ReCOLOR Kit is ideal car wash soap for restoring colors. It is able to restore color as if it was newly purchased and in addition, it gives protection against UV rays and other harmful liquids.
This formula can cover up to 100 square feet of material and fast-acting as it can only dry within 1 hour and it works for restoring all kinds of material such as plastic, stone, metal, rubber among others. It is ideal for car exterior restoration of faded paint and color and also eliminates oxidation, sun exposure, water exposure and fading using its nano-polymer formula which penetrates deep within the material you apply it on.
All in all, it gives a beautiful shine to any surface that has faded away with its color. One bottle contains 2 oz and it eliminates the need to repaint anything. Furthermore, it also protects against corrosion and weathering and does not require sanding or taping.
Other than cars, if you work on windows, you can even leave the shutters on when using the car wash soap. The Rust-Oleum ReCOLOR Kit contains 3 microfiber application cloths, a pair of nitrile gloves, a detail brush and a microfiber applicator sponge and has a clear color.

The Competition

Car wash soaps that did not get included in our list of the best soaps and cleaning materials out there did not receive good reputations on review sites and nothing is worth mentioning for their product. However, all kinds of car wash soaps and cleaning materials suit various types of vehicles and not just one type of car or vehicle.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How important are car washes?
A: They keep your car healthy and running well. In general, washing ensures all elements of the car are working properly. Removing dirt and grimes keep your car paint rust-free in the long run and also, using wax also helps to clean up a car’s exterior and it also protects it from UV rays that are harmful to your car paint.

Q: Any tips on waxing your car?
A: According to Silko Honda , here are some reminders. Do not use dish soap and always use specialized car wash soap in cleaning your car so as not to damage its wax or paint. In addition, do know if your vehicle still has a wax on so you can just wash with the hose instead without using soap. It is highly recommended that you use microfiber rags when doing car waxing.

Q: What are some of the common misunderstandings among car wash soaps and car washing in general?
A: According to this article from Clean My Space , car washing and car cleaning are not the same – car cleaning focuses more on detailing and cleaning inside your car’s interior while car washing is more on the exterior part of the car.
In addition to that, shiny cars do not necessarily mean a clean car as some of them can still have dirt on, which can be removed with a clay bar, so do not get fooled.
Another common misunderstanding is using common household detergent. Do not use dishwashing detergent or soap for your car because they are too abrasive and can speed up oxidation onto your car. Remember to only use car wash soaps that are made for cars and car paint.
In case of surface maintenance, swirl marks can be removed with a paint cleaner that is non-abrasive and not with waxing, as contrary to what people believe. In fact, some serious swirl marks will have to be cleaned by a professional instead. Using t-shirts, flannel and diapers for cleaning your car isn’t recommended because they can cause more micro-scratches. Remember that you should only resolve to using microfiber towels because they have better ways of picking up dirt and not chipping off the paint to give it a more delicate and longer-lasting finish.
Always keep in mind – do not wash your car right after it has been used – wait for a while and clean it up in the shade. Some people think it is okay to wash the car whenever and wherever but this is not the real case here. This is because the heat can quickly dry up your car and retain spots.
Finally, when it comes to drying up your car, always use a clean chamois instead of letting it air dry so as not to get contaminants from the air. Chamois can be bought practically everywhere but always buy a highly-absorbent one rather than a cheap but not longer-lasting one.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, the Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo is our best car wash soap which has been highly praised for its effective cleaning formula that will keep your car in tip top shape and visually appealing.