You’ve probably washed your car plenty of times in the past - but have you really stopped to think about best practices for using car wash soap?
Sure, you can get by simply dumping a bit of soap in a bucket, sudsing it up, and washing your car without much thought. However, the best results come from a more sophisticated approach. That’s what we’re here to show you today.
Learn how to use car shampoo the right way below, from understanding dilution rates to the two-bucket method the average at-home detailer has never tried. We’ll also help you choose the ideal car shampoo for the job, right here at Jennychem.
After all, the car wash soap you use to clean your car impacts not just the end result but the longevity of your vehicle’s paintwork. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good.
Browse our collection of car cleaning products and set yourself up for success with all the other essentials you need for a comprehensive car washing experience as well. In the meantime, let’s get right into how to use car wash soap below.
How to Use Car Shampoo
It sounds so simple - fill up a bucket with soap and water, pre-rinse your car, scrub away, then rinse and dry. Do you really need to take the time to learn how to use car shampoo?
Only if you’re interested in bringing out the full potential of your car’s shine and maximising the benefit you get from every ounce of car wash soap. There are some often-overlooked nuances associated with washing a car correctly, we’ll cover those below.
Step one in learning how to use car wash soap is choosing the right formulation for the job. After all, not all formulations are created equal! So, let’s start there.
Choosing the Right Shampoo for the Job
The wrong car shampoo can leave behind dull paint, streaks, or more serious damage over time. While the best shampoo for your vehicle depends on your washing routine, paintwork condition, and whether you’ve applied wax or ceramic coatings, there are some things you’ll want to prioritise no matter what.
For instance, pH-neutral car wash soaps are a non-negotiable. These are gentle on waxes and sealants, lifting dirt without stripping protection. There are also unique formulations containing car shampoo and wax in one formulation to save time and bring out an immaculate shine.
But for commercial or high-volume car wash settings, a low-foam formulation may be necessary to avoid overwhelming automated systems. Regardless, you need a formula with good lubrication for slickness between your mitt and the paint. This helps you avoid swirl marks.
You don’t need to play the guessing game about which car wash soap is best for your specific needs. Here at Jennychem we have a reliable, safe, and effective formulation for any need:
- Wash and Wax Shampoo: A dual-purpose shampoo that cleans and adds a protective, glossy layer. Perfect for in-between waxes.
- Snow Foam Shampoo:
- Cherry Bomb Shampoo: A thick, high-foaming formula with a cherry scent that delivers a streak-free, glossy finish. Great for regular hand washing.
- Low Foam Shampoo: Designed for use in Venturi and commercial brush wash systems where foam control is crucial.
- High Foam Shampoo: pH-neutral and ideal for preserving waxes or ceramic coatings. Produces thick foam for excellent lubrication.
Each formula is tested and trusted by detailers, valeters, and everyday drivers alike. You can always get in touch for a personalised recommendation about which formulation is right for your car washing regimen, too.
Gathering the Other Essentials
Car shampoo is just one part of the job - albeit the most important. What else do you need to clean your car effectively and safely? Some more essentials include:
- Two car washing buckets: One for your shampoo solution, one for rinsing your wash mitt. Grit guards at the bottom of each bucket are highly recommended to trap dirt.
- Car cleaning mitt: Microfibre or lambswool mitts offer better glide and less risk of marring than sponges.
- Pressure washer or hose: For pre-rinse and final rinse. A pressure washer helps loosen more dirt in less time.
- Foam lance: Optional, but ideal if you’re using snow foam for a pre-wash.
- Microfibre car drying towel: Helps avoid water spots. Use a large, plush towel and avoid dragging it across the surface.
- Detailing brush and tyre cleaner: Clean the wheels first to avoid splashing dirt back onto clean panels.
Again, all of these are right here at Jennychem waiting to elevate your car cleaning process. You can stock up on the essential car interior cleaners while you’re at it! In the meantime, let’s get into how to use car shampoo.
How Much Car Shampoo to Use Per Wash
One of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is how much car shampoo to use per wash. Too little isn’t going to get the job done, while too much is just plain wasteful. There’s a sweet spot in the middle, and understanding proper dilution is key.
Most shampoos are fairly concentrated. But you should always defer to the instructions on the specific car wash soap you’ve chosen to use for your detailing process.
For instance, our Cherry Bomb shampoo has a dilution ratio of 50ml shampoo in a 20 litre bucket of water. Meanwhile, our High-Foam formulation calls for 1 part shampoo with 30 parts water (or 1:5 for really heavy soiling).
Don’t fall for the old trap of thinking more foam means better cleaning.
Pre-Rinsing Your Car
Never skip the pre-rinse. This step removes loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface before any contact is made so you don’t have an abrasive effect on your paintwork. Use a hose with good pressure or, ideally, a pressure washer to rinse the car from top to bottom.
Take note of where dirt builds up, be it lower panels, wheel arches, behind mirrors, and around badges. This is important so you know where to finish cleaning. You always want to save the most soiled areas for last to avoid tracking dirt across areas that are already somewhat clean.
Start With Snow Foam
Our snow foam is a great first step before using car wash soap. It’s applied using a foam cannon or lance and you let it sit on the surface for a period of time to work its magic, softening bonded contaminants so it’s much easier to remove them without aggressive scrubbing.
Snow foam is optional, of course - you came here to learn how to use car wash soap, after all. But we consider this fairly essential for really soiled vehicles. We have a detailed guide on how to use snow foam with pressure washer, though it’s pretty simple.
Cover the entire car, starting from the bottom and working upwards (this helps build foam thickness). Let it dwell for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Do not let it dry on the surface. If you haven’t already, get the best car snow foam at Jennychem.
Wash Using the Two-Bucket Method
Now let’s get into how to use car shampoo. We swear by the two-bucket method. One bucket contains your shampoo solution, and the other is clean water for rinsing your mitt between passes so you aren’t reintroducing dirt to your wash solution and dragging it across the paint.
Dip your mitt into the shampoo bucket, wash one panel (or half a panel), then rinse the mitt thoroughly in the clean water bucket before reloading it with shampoo. You won’t have to worry (as much) about swirl marks and micro-scratches.
Use Gentle, Overlapping Motions
Wash the car from top to bottom since the upper sections are typically cleaner than lower panels. Use straight, overlapping passes - circular motions can create swirl patterns.
Apply light pressure. Remember, the car wash shampoo is doing the heavy lifting, not you! You can revisit stubborn spots with a second pass instead of scrubbing aggressively. Keep your mitt clean, rinse it often, and don’t let it drag across dry or partially rinsed sections.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse from top to bottom using a hose or pressure washer after you’ve covered every section of your vehicle. Make sure to remove all shampoo residue as leftover soap can cause streaking or water spots, especially in warm weather.
Rinse thoroughly around trims, mirrors, grilles, and emblems. Suds love to hire in these nooks and crannies. You’ll notice the water sheet off the surface for easier drying when you use the right car wash soap - like ours here at Jennychem.
Dry With a Microfibre Towel
At this point you might think the hard work is done - the most important step is understanding how to dry car after washing, though. Mistakes here mean all your hard work is for nothing, as you’ll end up with water spots, swirl marks, or worse, microscratches.
Speed is everything in drying your car, especially when it’s warm or you’re in direct sunlight. Water drying into the paint will make it look like you didn’t even wash your car.
A quality car drying towel or chamois can help prevent this. Jennychem has you covered either way with the best car drying towel or a car chamois. We prefer good ol’ microfibre towels, though, as they’re more absorbent and gentle than chamois or typical bath towels.
Start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down, using either light patting or long, sweeping motions. Don’t apply pressure, let the towel do the work just like with your car wash soap/sponge combo. Switch to a second towel if yours becomes waterlogged.
Finish Up With a Wax
Just like with snow foam, this step is also optional. But if you haven’t waxed your car in a while this is a great way to add a valuable protective layer that keeps paintwork shining longer. You can choose between:
- Spray waxes, which are quick and easy to apply while the car is still slightly damp.
- Paste or liquid waxes, which offer longer-lasting protection but require a bit more effort.
We have some great car wax products in store for you here at Jennychem. We recommend waxing every third or fourth wash. Speaking of frequency, how often should you use car wash soap?
How Often Should You Use Car Shampoo?
Your wash frequency depends on how and where you drive, but as a general rule, every 1-2 weeks is plenty for daily drivers. Weekend cars or those kept in a garage may only need to be washed once every 3-4 weeks, though.
But you should wash your car anytime you embark on a long journey or notice bird droppings or tree sap on your car. These things can cause your vehicle’s paint.
Just make sure to always use a proper pH-balanced shampoo, follow safe washing practices, and reapply protection as needed. So, now that you know how to use car shampoo, take the next step and stock up at Jennychem!
Parting Thoughts on How to Use Car Wash Soap
That does it for our detailed guide on how to use car wash soap. It sounds simple, but a proper wash routine prevents swirl marks, preserves coatings, and makes every detail job last longer. From dilution to drying, every step matters - you’ll notice the difference when you follow our tips!
But whether you’re looking for the ideal car wash soap formulation or the best car polish on market, remember that Jennychem is your one-stop shop. Take the guesswork out of car care with our expert-approved shampoos and tools today.
You’ve probably washed your car plenty of times in the past - but have you really stopped to think about best practices for using car wash soap?
Sure, you can get by simply dumping a bit of soap in a bucket, sudsing it up, and washing your car without much thought. However, the best results come from a more sophisticated approach. That’s what we’re here to show you today.
Learn how to use car shampoo the right way below, from understanding dilution rates to the two-bucket method the average at-home detailer has never tried. We’ll also help you choose the ideal car shampoo for the job, right here at Jennychem.
After all, the car wash soap you use to clean your car impacts not just the end result but the longevity of your vehicle’s paintwork. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good.
Browse our collection of car cleaning products and set yourself up for success with all the other essentials you need for a comprehensive car washing experience as well. In the meantime, let’s get right into how to use car wash soap below.
How to Use Car Shampoo
It sounds so simple - fill up a bucket with soap and water, pre-rinse your car, scrub away, then rinse and dry. Do you really need to take the time to learn how to use car shampoo?
Only if you’re interested in bringing out the full potential of your car’s shine and maximising the benefit you get from every ounce of car wash soap. There are some often-overlooked nuances associated with washing a car correctly, we’ll cover those below.
Step one in learning how to use car wash soap is choosing the right formulation for the job. After all, not all formulations are created equal! So, let’s start there.
Choosing the Right Shampoo for the Job
The wrong car shampoo can leave behind dull paint, streaks, or more serious damage over time. While the best shampoo for your vehicle depends on your washing routine, paintwork condition, and whether you’ve applied wax or ceramic coatings, there are some things you’ll want to prioritise no matter what.
For instance, pH-neutral car wash soaps are a non-negotiable. These are gentle on waxes and sealants, lifting dirt without stripping protection. There are also unique formulations containing car shampoo and wax in one formulation to save time and bring out an immaculate shine.
But for commercial or high-volume car wash settings, a low-foam formulation may be necessary to avoid overwhelming automated systems. Regardless, you need a formula with good lubrication for slickness between your mitt and the paint. This helps you avoid swirl marks.
You don’t need to play the guessing game about which car wash soap is best for your specific needs. Here at Jennychem we have a reliable, safe, and effective formulation for any need:
- Wash and Wax Shampoo: A dual-purpose shampoo that cleans and adds a protective, glossy layer. Perfect for in-between waxes.
- Snow Foam Shampoo:
- Cherry Bomb Shampoo: A thick, high-foaming formula with a cherry scent that delivers a streak-free, glossy finish. Great for regular hand washing.
- Low Foam Shampoo: Designed for use in Venturi and commercial brush wash systems where foam control is crucial.
- High Foam Shampoo: pH-neutral and ideal for preserving waxes or ceramic coatings. Produces thick foam for excellent lubrication.
Each formula is tested and trusted by detailers, valeters, and everyday drivers alike. You can always get in touch for a personalised recommendation about which formulation is right for your car washing regimen, too.
Gathering the Other Essentials
Car shampoo is just one part of the job - albeit the most important. What else do you need to clean your car effectively and safely? Some more essentials include:
- Two car washing buckets: One for your shampoo solution, one for rinsing your wash mitt. Grit guards at the bottom of each bucket are highly recommended to trap dirt.
- Car cleaning mitt: Microfibre or lambswool mitts offer better glide and less risk of marring than sponges.
- Pressure washer or hose: For pre-rinse and final rinse. A pressure washer helps loosen more dirt in less time.
- Foam lance: Optional, but ideal if you’re using snow foam for a pre-wash.
- Microfibre car drying towel: Helps avoid water spots. Use a large, plush towel and avoid dragging it across the surface.
- Detailing brush and tyre cleaner: Clean the wheels first to avoid splashing dirt back onto clean panels.
Again, all of these are right here at Jennychem waiting to elevate your car cleaning process. You can stock up on the essential car interior cleaners while you’re at it! In the meantime, let’s get into how to use car shampoo.
How Much Car Shampoo to Use Per Wash
One of the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is how much car shampoo to use per wash. Too little isn’t going to get the job done, while too much is just plain wasteful. There’s a sweet spot in the middle, and understanding proper dilution is key.
Most shampoos are fairly concentrated. But you should always defer to the instructions on the specific car wash soap you’ve chosen to use for your detailing process.
For instance, our Cherry Bomb shampoo has a dilution ratio of 50ml shampoo in a 20 litre bucket of water. Meanwhile, our High-Foam formulation calls for 1 part shampoo with 30 parts water (or 1:5 for really heavy soiling).
Don’t fall for the old trap of thinking more foam means better cleaning.
Pre-Rinsing Your Car
Never skip the pre-rinse. This step removes loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface before any contact is made so you don’t have an abrasive effect on your paintwork. Use a hose with good pressure or, ideally, a pressure washer to rinse the car from top to bottom.
Take note of where dirt builds up, be it lower panels, wheel arches, behind mirrors, and around badges. This is important so you know where to finish cleaning. You always want to save the most soiled areas for last to avoid tracking dirt across areas that are already somewhat clean.
Start With Snow Foam
Our snow foam is a great first step before using car wash soap. It’s applied using a foam cannon or lance and you let it sit on the surface for a period of time to work its magic, softening bonded contaminants so it’s much easier to remove them without aggressive scrubbing.
Snow foam is optional, of course - you came here to learn how to use car wash soap, after all. But we consider this fairly essential for really soiled vehicles. We have a detailed guide on how to use snow foam with pressure washer, though it’s pretty simple.
Cover the entire car, starting from the bottom and working upwards (this helps build foam thickness). Let it dwell for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Do not let it dry on the surface. If you haven’t already, get the best car snow foam at Jennychem.
Wash Using the Two-Bucket Method
Now let’s get into how to use car shampoo. We swear by the two-bucket method. One bucket contains your shampoo solution, and the other is clean water for rinsing your mitt between passes so you aren’t reintroducing dirt to your wash solution and dragging it across the paint.
Dip your mitt into the shampoo bucket, wash one panel (or half a panel), then rinse the mitt thoroughly in the clean water bucket before reloading it with shampoo. You won’t have to worry (as much) about swirl marks and micro-scratches.
Use Gentle, Overlapping Motions
Wash the car from top to bottom since the upper sections are typically cleaner than lower panels. Use straight, overlapping passes - circular motions can create swirl patterns.
Apply light pressure. Remember, the car wash shampoo is doing the heavy lifting, not you! You can revisit stubborn spots with a second pass instead of scrubbing aggressively. Keep your mitt clean, rinse it often, and don’t let it drag across dry or partially rinsed sections.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse from top to bottom using a hose or pressure washer after you’ve covered every section of your vehicle. Make sure to remove all shampoo residue as leftover soap can cause streaking or water spots, especially in warm weather.
Rinse thoroughly around trims, mirrors, grilles, and emblems. Suds love to hire in these nooks and crannies. You’ll notice the water sheet off the surface for easier drying when you use the right car wash soap - like ours here at Jennychem.
Dry With a Microfibre Towel
At this point you might think the hard work is done - the most important step is understanding how to dry car after washing, though. Mistakes here mean all your hard work is for nothing, as you’ll end up with water spots, swirl marks, or worse, microscratches.
Speed is everything in drying your car, especially when it’s warm or you’re in direct sunlight. Water drying into the paint will make it look like you didn’t even wash your car.
A quality car drying towel or chamois can help prevent this. Jennychem has you covered either way with the best car drying towel or a car chamois. We prefer good ol’ microfibre towels, though, as they’re more absorbent and gentle than chamois or typical bath towels.
Start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down, using either light patting or long, sweeping motions. Don’t apply pressure, let the towel do the work just like with your car wash soap/sponge combo. Switch to a second towel if yours becomes waterlogged.
Finish Up With a Wax
Just like with snow foam, this step is also optional. But if you haven’t waxed your car in a while this is a great way to add a valuable protective layer that keeps paintwork shining longer. You can choose between:
- Spray waxes, which are quick and easy to apply while the car is still slightly damp.
- Paste or liquid waxes, which offer longer-lasting protection but require a bit more effort.
We have some great car wax products in store for you here at Jennychem. We recommend waxing every third or fourth wash. Speaking of frequency, how often should you use car wash soap?
How Often Should You Use Car Shampoo?
Your wash frequency depends on how and where you drive, but as a general rule, every 1-2 weeks is plenty for daily drivers. Weekend cars or those kept in a garage may only need to be washed once every 3-4 weeks, though.
But you should wash your car anytime you embark on a long journey or notice bird droppings or tree sap on your car. These things can cause your vehicle’s paint.
Just make sure to always use a proper pH-balanced shampoo, follow safe washing practices, and reapply protection as needed. So, now that you know how to use car shampoo, take the next step and stock up at Jennychem!
Parting Thoughts on How to Use Car Wash Soap
That does it for our detailed guide on how to use car wash soap. It sounds simple, but a proper wash routine prevents swirl marks, preserves coatings, and makes every detail job last longer. From dilution to drying, every step matters - you’ll notice the difference when you follow our tips!
But whether you’re looking for the ideal car wash soap formulation or the best car polish on market, remember that Jennychem is your one-stop shop. Take the guesswork out of car care with our expert-approved shampoos and tools today.