When you have owned a car with a ceramic coat, let me tell you a bitter truth: The ceramic coated cars aren’t bulletproof and the ceramic coating will scratch while you clean it, special when you don’t have any idea about how to wash and care the car the right way from day one. If you handle with care, the ceramic coatings won’t fade and last for 3 long years.
The majority of the car owners hunt high and low for the best car wash soap for ceramic coated cars. But the marketplace is full of multiple types of washing items, so it’s a tuff call to pick the best one. Each provider claims to be the best in town.
To help you out this blog post features the best car soap for ceramic coating that you should include in your detailing arsenal.
Before jumping into the best car wash soap let’s take a look at:
- What is a Ceramic Coating?
- What are the benefits of ceramic coating?
- What types of car wash soaps are available in the marketplace?
- How to choose the best soap for ceramic coated cars?
Let’s jump into this detailed guide.
What is a Ceramic Coating?
A ceramic coating is a liquid solution that a car owner applies to the exterior of the newly owned car to protect the vehicle’s factory paint from damage. A ceramic coating constructs a bond with the vehicle’s factory-made paint and that gives life to an additional layer of protection so that your car’s paint does not get affected by dust, chemical stains, etching, the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, and counting.
What are the benefits of ceramic coating?
Once you have applied a ceramic coating in your car, you will not need to do the same for at least 3 years and longer times. Here are the 3 benefits of ceramic coating.
Protect from harmful UV Rays – When you part your vehicle outside during office hours, then the harmful UV rays will add fuel in oxidizing and your paint will fade over time. But the good news is when you have applied a ceramic coating, it will add an extra layer of protection and thus prevent fading to a degree.
Durability – Thanks to the ceramic coating, it adds an extra protection layer, that in turn, removes all the dirt, and muds that can affect the car’s paint during a wash.
Easy to Clean – Since the ceramic coating makes your car highly repellant in nature, a simple swipe won’t let the water-based dirt and grime stick to the car’s surface. After a proper wash, you won’t find any traces of dirt or grime and eventually find your vehicle like a new one.
5 Types of Car Wash Soaps/Shampoos
When you are on a fishing expedition for a car wash shampoo, you will find multiple options to choose from that are designed for specific goals. Let’s take a look what are the popular options out there.
Wax Stripping Shampoos – The pH level of the shampoos varies between 9 and 10 that will clean out dirt, wax, sealant, from the vehicle surface.
Wash and Wax Formulations – It is tagged as a 2-in-1 solution that not only removes dirt and debris but also brings a small layer of wax into existence.
The Iron Removal/Wheel Cleaning Soaps – To remove brake dust and ferrous materials, its pH level is low which makes it acidic in nature.
Super Foaming Car Shampoos – Thanks to added lubrication, it reduces the chances of scratching while cleaning the vehicle to a degree. Plus, this type of shampoos lifts dirt and contaminants from the car’s surface since this shampoo promotes high-suds formula.
The Car Shampoos for Vinyl and PPF – This type of shampoo is designed for wiping out the vinyl or paint protection foil. To meet its purpose, it promotes pH neutral formula and accommodates wax, or sealant that will go to bat for vinyl from the harmful UV rays.
How to choose the best soap for ceramic coated cars
If you find yourself at sea when it’s time to figure out which soap you should apply on the car that will retain its glossy and pristine look, then let’s take a look at what features you should account for before purchasing a car wash shampoo.
Volume – If you own a Sedan or SUV and look for an affordable option then you should buy concentrated shampoo that needs to be diluted by adding a large amount of water. For instance, Meguiars Gold Class, or 303 products car wash needs to be diluted with clear water at the ratio of 1:5. On the contrary, if you bring waterless shampoos in your cleaning arsenal, it will cost a hefty sum in the long run since they exhaust faster.
The pH of the soap – To make your car’s coating long-lasting, apply shampoo with a neutral pH tag since it won’t leave scratches or swirl marks on the ceramic coating which prevents the destructive effects of harmful UV rays and your vehicle will shine like a new one.
Include a car wash shampoo that accommodates SiO2 – If your vehicle has paintwork then choose a car wash shampoo that contains SiO2 as it creates a protective layer on the paintwork. The majority of the car owners find that it makes a big difference to the hydrophobicity of the paintwork.
No Wax – Where a lion’s share of car wash shampoos adds carnauba wax for years solely for providing lubrication that will reduce scratching to a degree on non-coated delicate surfaces. When you apply ceramic coating in your car, the chances are higher that the wax can leave a minor layer of residual that attracts dirt, dust and in the worst scenario you will witness water spots.
High Suds – Apply a car wash shampoo that is capable of producing high suds that lend a helping hand in removing dirt and debris without scratching the delicate surface of the car.
Don’t include harsh ingredients – Always mind what chemicals are added to the car wash shampoo. Don’t buy any random car wash shampoo without knowing its ingredients list. It’s as clear as the sky is blue that harsh ingredients play havoc with ceramic coating. If you have found the ingredient list as clear as mud, seek the advice of a professional.
Price – Not all car wash shampoos have identical formula and technology, and that’s why you will find multiple price tags. As per your needs, choose the right car wash shampoo that you won’t mind paying for.
7 Best car wash soap for ceramic coated cars
No matter what vehicle you have in your garage, be it a Sedan, SUV, or Truck. When you use the right kind of car wash shampoo then it’s highly likely that the shampoo won’t affect the ceramic coating and lift the dirt, debris, with no exception and assist in retaining its pristine look so that your car shines like a new one.
Let’s deep dive into the best car wash soap for ceramic coated cars.
Meguiars G7164 Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo
When you are on a fishing expedition for the best shampoo for ceramic coated cars, then it’s hard to resist buying Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner. This car wash shampoo is designed for car-crazy people who expect the best plausible result where the car owners won’t witness that the shampoo is strapped into the car’s wax. This premium pH-balanced, non-detergent car wash soap gently removes the dirt, road grime, and contaminants without playing havoc with delicate car surfaces and their paints. And it’s highly likely that your car will shine like a new one once finished.
As per Meguiar’s recommendation, you are advised to follow the ‘Two Bucket’ method to put a stop to swirls into the car’s paint. Fill one bucket with the car wash shampoo and mix at the ratio of 5:1 when you add this car wash soap with a foam cannon. Fill the second bucket filled with clean water. Before starting washing the car, divide the car into small sections, for instance, the doors, bonnet, rear part, etc. Now, start cleaning the car with the soap mix. For a spot-free finish, apply a premium microfiber towel or 100% cotton terry towel and rinse the vehicle with clean water ASAP to avoid witnessing water spots on the car.
Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
When you are looking for environment-friendly car soap for ceramic coated cars that will deliver a streak-free, lint-free finish then Optimum No Rinse Wash is probably suited to you the best plausible way. No matter what type of vehicle you want to clean be it cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, or wood boats, Optimum No Rinse is marked safe. On top of that, you won’t find any residues left after a wash.
Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine make lower the water usage to a degree when compared to a conventional car wash. Optimum promotes an advanced car wash system that allows a user to wash the entire car with just a single bucket of water which is a daydream before Optimum No Rinse comes into existence. The magical formula promotes substantive polymers that bond with the car’s paint to protect the paint from abrasiveness and clear the dirt, smudges, grime with no exception and leave a lint-free, streak-free finish.
Above all, this pH-neutral car washing shampoo saves ample time for washing and won’t demand much effort. As a good rule of thumb, mix only 1 ounce of optimum car washing shampoo in two gallons of water for a spot-free finish. No matter what the weather is. Be it summer, or winter you can wash your car inside the garage to retain the vehicle’s pristine look. Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine comes with three different weights to select from – 8 Ounces, 32 Ounces, and 1 Gallon.
Chemical Guys CWS20764 Extreme Bodywash & Wax Foaming Car Wash Soap
When your travelling route covers the city, highway, or dirt roads, and you clean the vehicle once a weekend then you should apply the Extreme Bodywash & Wax Foaming Car Wash Soap. It will give you peace of mind since it gently removes dirt, grime, brake dust, grease, etc. without affecting the delicate paints or paintwork on the car no matter what is the color of the vehicle. With Chemical Guys, you can gently clean off the dirt, grime, and debris without any traces of swirls and scratches so that your vehicle shines just like when you bought the car at the showroom without spending hours each week.
Chemical Guys successfully pull away any dirt or debris from the car and add a protection layer that keeps the wax or sealant coat strong and retains your vehicle’s shiny look. Chemical Guys does this magic by utilizing the Color Brightening Technology where it accommodates two different waxes that result in bright shine alike a brand new car sitting in the showroom. Chemical Guys won’t make the paint of the vehicle shiny, but it takes away the elements that are responsible for fade and discolor over time under the wing.
Simply put, Chemical Guys Extreme Bodywash & Wax will lend a helping hand in keeping the car free of dirt, swirls, or scratches. Chemical Guys comes in three different weights to select from – 16 Ounces, 0.5 Gallon, and 1 Gallon.
Lithium Double Tap Car Wash Shampoo
When you apply regular soaps to clean your vehicle then it may dry out surfaces. On the flip side, when you bring the Lithium Double Tap into the equation then it lubricates, moisturizes, and hydrates the delicate surface at the neutral pH level besides cleaning the dirt and grime. Lithium Double Tap accommodates essential oils and eucalyptus and mixes required items that make your vehicle’s paint or surfaces healthy. You will experience unmatched performance when compared to other cleaning soaps and expect a streak-free shine after every wash. The best feature of this car wash soap is that it comes with a great smelling resulting in a happy cleaning experience.
Lithium has developed this car wash soap primarily to put a stop to water spots, micro-scratches, and lift dirt and grime from the surface. By applying the 2 bucket method, you’re free to use the product again and again. It cleans the dirt and residues and helps to shine. Above all, if you aren’t satisfied with this item and it isn’t the best in your lifetime, then the company assures that it will refund your dollar amount without asking any question since it offers an unconditional lifetime warranty.
303 Products Car Wash
When you are hunting high and low for a US-made best car shampoo for ceramic coating that will take your vehicle’s shine to a new level then you should bring the 303 Ultra Concentrated Car Wash into the equation to get a clean, streak-free finish. When you are serious about the paintwork of the vehicle then you can use this product. Its high foaming formula ensures that your paintwork won’t get scratched while cleaning the dirt and contaminants. Thanks to its high lubricity and pH-neutral formula, it won’t strip coatings and prevent scratches on your vehicle’s delicate paintworks so that you can wash your car with it over and over again.
What makes the 303 out of the ordinary from the other car wash items is the bubble gum scent. Alike Meguiars G7164 Gold Class Car wash shampoo, it is mixed with the foam and the water in the ratio of 1:5. Mix the 303 Ultra Concentrated with clean water accordingly. Now place your vehicle in a place that is out of direct sunlight, and wait for the cooling of the surface of the car. Now, wash, rinse, and bring a microfiber towel to dry the surface to witness a streak-free, lint-free, smudge-free finish.
Turtle Wax 53411 Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wash
Turtle Wax is the best soap for ceramic coating that won’t scratch artworks on the delicate surface and will leave behind a brilliant glossy shine and promote a chemical resistant protection that lasts for a prolonged period. It is one of the best affordable car wash soaps. The item accommodates super hydrophobic and SiO2 polymers that lend a helping hand in cobbling up the durable barrier no matter what vehicle you own, be it a coated or uncoated one. This, in turn, supports water beading and sheeting and saves a lot of time since the vehicle dries fast.
Before adding the soap into gallon water, shake the Turtle Wax well. Now divide the vehicle into small sections and rinse with water so that the soil, dirt gets removed from the surface. Now add 3 ounces of Turtle Wax in 1 gallon of water, and start washing each section one by one. This mix successfully repels water and contaminants that adds an extra layer of protection. Finally, dry the vehicle with another microfiber towel to witness the best cleaning experience you have ever had. It’s worth mentioning that this solution features a sweet fruity fragrance.
Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo
Where the majority of the car wash shampoo manufacturers advise the car owners that they should clean the vehicle away from sunlight, Adam’s car wash shampoo is an exception. This shampoo has developed a start-of-the-art chemical technology that allows you to wash your car under direct sunlight without affecting the coat. No matter what is the surface of the vehicle is made of, be it rubber, vinyl, windows, or plastics, this car wash shampoo is safe and gentle enough that won’t affect delicate surfaces.
Adam’s car wash soap will effectively and safely lubricate the vehicle’s paint and eliminate dirt, grime, etc. from the car surface at the same time. Though the car cleaner can remove the brake dust and tire grease, from the vehicle’s wheels and tires, it’s the best idea to apply a dedicated wheel and tire cleaner. This car shampoo won’t strip the waxes, sealants, or ceramic coating, even when you use it in sunlight.
Simply put, when you are cleaning your vehicle once a week, then this amazing Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo will give the desired results no matter whether you are cleaning the vehicle’s delicate surfaces or the tires. Adam’s Car Wash Shampoo comes in three different weights to select from – 16 Fluid Ounces, 1 Gallon, and 5 Gallon.
Final Thoughts
When you apply any of the above-mentioned car wash shampoos to your car, your car will likely shine like a new one after each wash. One preventive measure you should take is that don’t apply any harsh shampoo or strippers on the ceramic coating since they play havoc with it and they can affect the protective layer or paintwork.
- Read also: Best Microfiber Towels for Auto Detailing
- Read also: Best Car Floor Mat Cleaner
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ceramic coating worth it?
In one word Yes. The ceramic coating is a one-stop solution that will keep all the worries at bay since the ceramic coating will protect your vehicle from harmful UV rays and ensure that your paint won’t fade over time.
Can I wash my car with dish soap?
It’s not a good idea to remove the dirt or contaminants by using dish soap to wash car. It’s highly likely that dish soap may affect the protective wax or ceramic coating since they aren’t pH neutral.
Can I use laundry detergent to wash my car?
The clear-cut answer is a big No. Don’t apply any laundry detergent since it takes in degreasers and other harmful chemicals that can play a supportive role in crushing the car’s protective layer over time.
Can I use hair shampoo to wash my car?
Technically you can put any shampoo in the payroll including hair shampoo when it comes to cleaning your ceramic coated cars. However, keep in mind that don’t give the shampoo a green light to stay on the car paint for an extended period of time, because the shampoo plays havoc with the car’s paint.
Why use ph-neutral car shampoo?
The pH-neutral formula ensures that the soap/shampoo will clear the dirt or debris from the surface without stripping your vehicle’s wax or scratch during the wash and play a supportive role with a ceramic coating so that it lasts longer.
What is the best ph-neutral car shampoo for ceramic coating?
Well, it’s a tuff call to pick the best one. All the car wash items that are mentioned above are the best car wash shampoos that we have found as the best ones.
Hope this article has helped you to find the best car wash soap for ceramic coated cars when you have applied ceramic coat a few days earlier.
Have I missed any best car wash soap for ceramic coating? Make a comment so that I can add it to the list of the best car wash soap safe for ceramic coating.
When you have found this post helpful, then share this post with your friends or colleagues so that they can find the best soap for ceramic coating.