Keeping your car clean can be hard work. Whether you own a Subaru or a Chevrolet, mud, dust, and smog can turn your beloved pride-and-joy into a grimy mess that has lost its brilliant shine. The secret to car-cleaning success is to use the best car wash soap. In just a few minutes, your car will be super clean and sport a brilliant shine.
The 10 Best Car Wash Soaps
- Chemical Guys CWS-110-16 16-ounce Snow Foam Car Wash Soap
- Chemical Guys CWS-402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap (Our Top Pick)
- Adam’s Polishes Car Wash Foam Kit
- Armor 24-ounce All Car Wash Formula
- Turtle Wax T-79 Zip Wax 64-ounce Car Wash and Wax
- No.7 Car and Truck Wash Powder
- Meguiar’s 1-gallon Gold Class Car Wash
- Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit
- Mothers 32-ounce California Gold Car Wash
- Duragloss 64-ounce Car Wash Concentrate
Our Top Pick for the Best Car Wash Soap
Our top pick for the best car wash soap is the Chemical Guys CWS-402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap.
This epic car soap is a favorite with car owners and professional detailers all over the world. Mr. Pink Super Suds works like magic and will transform your dirty and dull vehicle into a traffic show-stopper.
Not only does Mr. Pink help to glide your wash mitt effortlessly over a surface, but it also powers through tough dirt, protects wax and paint, and brings to life your car’s original shine.
Check the price on AmazonSmart Motorists use the Right Car Wash Soap
Car wash soap is an absolute necessity for any car owner. We all want our cars to be in tip-top condition which is why we take care of the engine, change the cabin filter regularly, and treat the interior with a leather conditioner. However, what do you use to clean the outside of your car?
Some people use common household detergents or take their car to a professional cleaning service. Cleaning your car with a harsh detergent can damage the car’s wax and paint and a professional cleaning service can be expensive.
Smart motorists use a cleaning shampoo that is specifically designed for vehicles. Once you use a car wash soap, your car will look amazing and you will save money.
How to Choose the Best Car Wash Soap
General Car Wash Soap
A general car wash soap like the Chemical Guys Mr. Pink CWS-402 Super Suds is designed for regular cleaning sessions. This type of soap is tough on dirt but protects the wax. It also gives your car a nice shine. For a more intensive treatment consider a wash and wax car wash soap.
Wash and Wax
Wash and wax car wash soaps like Turtle Wax, cleans, protects, and adds a thick coat of wax. Although this product is not the same as getting a full coat of wax, it will protect your car until you can book it in a professional full wax job.
Liquid Concentrate Versus Powder
Car wash soaps come in either a liquid concentrate or a powder. Liquid concentrates are a very popular choice with motoring enthusiasts as these soaps are very economical; a little bit goes a long way.
Another benefit you will gain from using a liquid concentrate is its rich sudsy foam that allows the soap to perform an intensive cleaning action. A liquid concentrate car wash foam also gives you the option of using a foam gun that is attached to a pressure washer.
Car wash powders are a very good choice for light to medium-duty cleaning jobs. You can even use a powder concentrate for a wide range of cleaning jobs around your home like the No.7 Car and Truck Wash Powder. A powder car wash soap may not remove extra tough dirt and is not suitable for a foam cannon.
ph-Balanced Formula
You need to watch out for heavy-duty car wash products that may strip away any existing wax or protective coatings. A pH-balanced formula will not only remove stubborn dirt but is gentle on wax and paint.
Water-free Car Wash Soap Solutions
A water-free car wash soap like the Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit is an excellent choice for cleaning emergencies, especially when you are in a hurry or you have just finished an off-roading adventure.
10 Best Car Wash Soaps – Reviews
1. Chemical Guys CWS-110-16 16-ounce Snow Foam Car Wash Soap
Achieve a superior clean with the Chemical Guys CWS-110-16 16-ounce Snow Foam Car Wash Soap.
This premium car wash soap is extremely effective at cleaning even the dirtiest of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Advanced foaming technology and powerful surfactants create a thick sudsy foam that cuts through dirt, grime, and contaminants.
The pH-neutral lubricating formula is gentle enough to use on all vehicle surfaces including paint, rubber, vinyl, glass, plastic, and gel finishes. It rinses clean for a scratch-free polished shine.
You can use the Snow Foam as a traditional shampoo and dilute it in a bucket or pop it into a foam cannon to maximize foam coverage over a larger vehicle.
Chemical Guys offer the car wash soap in a nice honeydew or watermelon fragrance, a 16-ounce or 64-ounce bottle, and a 128-ounce container.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Works on all types of vehicles – cars, trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles
- Extremely effective at eliminating tough dirt, grime, and environmental contaminants
- Advanced foaming technology
- Creates an intensive thick sudsy foam
- Rinses clean with no residue and leaves a nice shine
- Gentle pH neutral formula is safe on wax
- Safe for all vehicles and surfaces including paint, wax, sealants, rubber, vinyl, glass, plastic, and gel finishes
- Perfect for use in a bucket or foam cannon
- Available in a nice honeydew or watermelon fragrance
- Comes in a 16-ounce, 64-ounce bottle, and 128-ounce container
Cons
- Thick foam can be hard to remove
- Plastic bottles can crack easily
2. Chemical Guys CWS-402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap
The Chemical Guys CWS-402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap is an excellent choice for home use, classic car owners, and professional car detailers.
Using advanced foaming technology, this superior shampoo creates a stream of rich sudsy foaming bubbles that are extremely effective at removing dirt, grime, and contaminants.
The gentle pH-balanced formula is safe to use on all exterior automobile surfaces like paint, clear coat, polished metals, glass, vinyl, rubber, and plastic trim pieces. Slick lubricants help to prevent future swirl marks and scratches and will not damage synthetic sealants or carnauba wax coatings.
You can even use Mr. Pink in direct sunlight as it rinses clean with no residue or water spot and leaves a nice polished shine. Highly versatile, the Super Suds car wash soap can be diluted with water in a bucket, or used with a foam cannon.
Mr. Pink Super Suds is also available in a 4-ounce and 16-ounce bottle and a 128-ounce container.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for all vehicles
- Perfect wash for weekly maintenance
- Excellent for 2 bucket wash or foam gun
- pH neutral for a gentle wash
- Extra slick for a scratch-free washing experience
- Safe for wax and sealant
- Rinses clean with no residue and leaves a polished shine
- Does not leave water spots after washing in direct sunlight
- Available in a 4-ounce and 16-ounce bottle and a 128-ounce container
Cons
- Soap needs to be used with a pressure washer over 1700 PSI
- May require more soap for extra tough dirt
3. Adam’s Polishes Car Wash Foam Kit
Home car washers and professional car detailers will benefit from Adam’s Polishes Car Wash Foam Kit which includes a mega foam soap wash bottle and a foam cannon.
With 10-times the normal concentration of standard soap formulas and an advanced blend of cleaners and polymers, the Mega Foam car wash soap is perfect for your routine washes.
Specifically designed for use with the included foam cannon, Adams Polish produces a huge amount of thick, lubricating foam that removes abrasive dirt particles and other contaminants from the smallest cracks and crevices.
This car wash soap allows you to wash your vehicle in full sunlight, rinses clean, and produces an unbeatable shine! It is gentle enough not to remove wax or sealants or dye your trim plastic components, and prevent swirls and scratches with every wipe.
The 1-liter foam cannon comes with a durable and powerful stainless steel quick-connector, an adjustable spray pattern, and adjustable water regulating nozzle.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Includes a bottle of car wash soap and a foam cannon
- 10-times the normal concentration of standard soap formulas
- Chemically advanced blend of cleaners and polymers are perfect for your routine washes
- Produces a huge amount of thick, lubricating foam
- Removes abrasive dirt particles and other contaminants from the smallest cracks and crevices
- Can be used in full sunlight
- Rinses clean
- Creates an unbeatable shine
- Prevents swirls or scratches
- Gentle enough not to remove wax or sealants
- Will not dye trim or plastic components
- Powerful foam stainless steel quick-connector nozzle
- Adjustable spray pattern
- Adjustable water regulating nozzle
Cons
- Pricey
- Needs to be used with a pressure washer that has a minimum of 1.3 GPM flow and 870 PSI for proper operation
4. Armor 24-ounce All Car Wash Formula
One of the most trusted names in car care products, the Armor 24-ounce All Car Wash Formula will keep your car, truck, or motorcycle in tip-top condition.
The Armor All car wash contains powerful cleaners that lift away stubborn dirt and grime to reveal a gleaming car that you will be proud to show off. Highly economical, a little bit goes a long way. Whatever type of car you own, the gentle formula is safe for all automotive finishes even clear coats.
Unlike dish soap or detergents which may contain harsh surfactants Armor All creates a thick foam that gently cleans without stripping wax. It rinses clean to create a spot-free, streak-free result.
The car wash soap is available in a 1-pack, a 4-pack, and a 6-pack. Amor All offers a 100% money-back guarantee on the car wash soap.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Powerful cleaners lift away stubborn dirt and road grime
- Economical
- Creates a thick foam that gently cleans without stripping wax
- Gentle formula is safe for all automotive finishes even clear coats
- Rinses clean for a spot-free, streak-free polished result
- Available in a 1, 4, and 6-pack
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Can leave spots if used in direct sunlight
5. Turtle Wax T-79 Zip Wax 64-ounce Car Wash and Wax
Get a squeaky clean vehicle in no time with the Turtle Wax T-79 Zip Wax 64-ounce Car Wash and Wax. Using innovative technology, this premium car wash concentrate delivers maximum shine and durable protection in one easy step.
The advanced high-foaming pH-neutral formula creates a thick and rich foaming wash that gently cleans away dirt and road grime off the surface of your vehicle without scratching it.
This soap wash is very easy to use. It has no chemical odor, just a nice fresh fragrance, and it rinses clean. Enriched with carnauba wax, your car will have an enhanced spot-free shine on every surface.
Turtle Wash & Wax is safe for all paint finishes and wax layers and it is environmentally friendly.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Easy to use
- Advanced high-foaming pH neutral formula creates a thick and rich foaming action
- Innovative technology delivers maximum shine and durable protection
- Gently lifts heavy-duty dirt and rinse clean
- Enriched with carnauba wax for an enhanced spot-free shine
- Safe for all paint finishes and wax layers
- Will not scratch surfaces
- No strong chemical odor
- Nice fragrance
- Biodegradable and environmentally-friendly
Cons
- Requires more effort to remove thick dirt and grime
- Some complaints that it leaves streaks on the glass
6. No.7 Car and Truck Wash Powder
An incredibly versatile cleaning solution, the No.7 Car and Truck Wash Powder is a great choice for cleaning your vehicle and other cleaning projects around your home.
The highly concentrated, professional strength formula powers through dirt and grime to reveal your vehicle’s hidden shine. It is safe to use on every surface including a vinyl top, windows, and chrome.
You can even use the car wash powder for cleaning walls, woodwork, windows, floors, and tiles. Although this car wash soap is not designed to be used with a pressure washer foam cannon, it is perfect for handwashing.
Highly economical, a little bit goes a long way. Just one tablespoon in 5-gallons of water will give you a good amount of suds and it rinses clean.
The No.7 Car & Truck Wash is available in an 8-ounce bucket and a case of 4 or 12.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Economical
- Incredibly versatile
- Can be used for cars/trucks and multiple household surfaces
- Highly concentrated and professional strength formula
- Strong enough to float off dirt and grime – without harming the finish or wax surfaces
- Restores the shine
- Safe to use on vinyl tops, windows, and chrome
- Perfect for handwashing
- Good foaming action
- Economical
- Available in an 8-ounce bucket and a case of 4 or 12
Cons
- Not suited for use with a pressure washer foam cannon
- Does not make enough suds for professional washing
- Bucket may not be completely full of powder
7. Meguiar’s 1-gallon Gold Class Car Wash
Treat your car to a professional cleaning experience with the Meguiar’s 1-gallon Gold Class Car Wash.
Utilizing the cleaning power of a shampoo with the gentleness of a conditioner, the Meguiar’s car wash soap will keep your car looking fantastic.
Its advanced pH-balanced formula creates a rich luxurious sudsy foam that gently cleans away tough dirt, road grime, and contaminants without compromising wax protection.
Ultra-rich conditioners reveal the true color of the paint and promote a beautiful streak-free shine. Just remember, a little bit goes a long way. However, if you use too much of the liquid concentrate, the soap may create some water spots.
The Meguiar’s car soap can be used for hand washing or with a foam cannon. It is very easy to use and has a mild scent.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Cleans and conditions
- Advanced pH-balanced formula cleans away dirt, road grime, and contaminants without stripping wax protection
- Ultra-rich conditioners reveal the true color of the paint and promote a beautiful streak-free shine
- Creates a rich luxurious sudsy foam
- Economical
- Handwash and foam canon ready
- Easy to use
- Mild scent
Cons
- Can create spots if you use too much car soap
- May irritate eyes
8. Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit
Originally developed for aircraft, the Aero Cosmetics Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax Kit is a smart 2-in-1 solution for any car, truck, or boat owner.
Wherever you need to wash your car, the Aero car wash soap cleans and protects your vehicle, with or without water, anytime, anywhere. Proudly made in the US, the kit comes with a 1-gallon bottle of Wash Wax ALL, a 16-ounce Wash Wax All spray bottle, and 4 microfiber Aero towels.
Safe to use, the plant-based, biodegradable, alcohol, and ammonia-free formula removes tough dirt without scratching the wax or paint. The spray enhances your car’s natural shine and leaves an anti-static, UV-protective coating on all surfaces.
The car wash soap is safe to use on paint, gel coat, glass, chrome, aluminum, plastic, rubber, leather, and vinyl. Aero Cosmetics offers a 100% money-back guarantee on the car wash and wax kit.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- Made in the US
- High-performance formula
- Two-in-1 wet or waterless car wash soap and wax kit can be used anywhere, anytime
- Plant-based, biodegradable, alcohol and ammonia-free
- Lifts off tough dirt without scratching the wax or paint
- Leaves a non-stick UV protective coating on all surfaces
- Spray on and Wipe Dry
- Kit includes 1-gallon on Wash Wax ALL, a 16 oz spray bottle of Wash Wax ALL, and four microfiber towels
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
- Does not create a rich foam
- Not ideal for a foam cannon
9. Mothers 32-ounce California Gold Car Wash
Give your car a first-class cleaning treatment with the Mothers 32-ounce California Gold Car Wash.
Mothers car wash is designed with a careful balance of powerful cleaning and exacting care, which makes it a must-have cleaning product for car enthusiasts, professional drivers, and car detailers.
It is strong enough to thoroughly wash away stubborn dirt, road dust, bugs, bird droppings, and other airborne contaminants.
California Gold is pH-balanced, super-sudsy, and rinses clean with no water spots. It turns a dull painted surface into a showroom shine while also protecting the wax.
With regular use, the California Gold car wash will provide a long-lasting benefit to your car. You can choose from a 16, 32, and 64-ounce bottle, and a 1-gallon container.
Pros
- High quality
- Great for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for car enthusiasts, professional drivers, and car detailers
- Produces amazingly good results
- Careful balance of powerful cleaning and care to prevent dulling paint
- Gentle balanced pH-formula
- Super-sudsy formula resists water spotting
- Designed to enhance shine without removing wax
- Regular use provides a long-lasting benefit to a vehicle
- Available in a 16, 32, and 64-ounce bottle and a large 1-gallon container
Cons
- You have to use a substantial amount to create a thick foam
- Smaller bottles are really small
- Can create some water spots if used in direct hot sun
10. Duragloss 64-ounce Car Wash Concentrate
The Duragloss 64-ounce Car Wash Concentrate will clean your car just like a professional car cleaning service.
This highly concentrated pH-balanced blend of mild surfactants and cleaners is tough on dirt but gentle on your car’s paint and wax.
Duragloss will enhance the shine of your vehicle every time you wash your car. This car wash makes a nice rich lather and rinses off without leaving any streaks or water spots.
If you are short on time, you will love Duragloss. Its unique formula is very effective at cleaning and dries fast. So once you have finished rinsing the car, you can start driving straight away.
Duragloss can be used with a microfiber cloth and a foam cannon. It is very easy to work with and has a pleasant cherry scent.
Duragloss offers the car wash soap in a 16-ounce and 64-ounce bottle and a 1-gallon container.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Tough on dirt but gentle on wax and paint
- Enhances shine
- Lathers up well
- Does not streak or spot the paint
- Effective cleaning performance
- Unique formula allows for fast drying
- Pleasant cherry scent
- Can be used in foam guns and all professional car wash equipment
- Available in a 16-ounce, 64-ounce bottle, and a 1-gallon container
Cons
- Requires a stronger mix for removing extra tough dirt
Our Top Pick for the Best Car Wash Soap
Our top pick for the best car wash soap is the Chemical Guys CWS-402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap.
This epic car soap is a favorite with car owners and professional detailers all over the world. Mr. Pink Super Suds works like magic and will transform your dirty and dull vehicle into a traffic show-stopper.
Not only does Mr. Pink help to glide your wash mitt effortlessly over a surface, but it also powers through tough dirt, protects wax and paint, and brings to life your car’s original shine.
Check the price on Amazon
