Keeping your car clean feels like a simple task — but using the wrong cleaning supplies can quietly cause long-term damage. If you want your vehicle to look good, feel comfortable, and maintain its value, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to use. In this article, we will explore 6 supplies you should avoid using to clean your car.
1. Dishwashing liquid or detergent
Dish soaps are designed to break down heavy grease and food residue on cookware, which makes them far too aggressive for automotive surfaces. When used on a car, they can strip away protective layers from the paint, gradually leaving the finish looking flat and lifeless. Instead of household dish detergent, opt for a dedicated car shampoo or a cleaner specifically made for vehicle exteriors.
2. Smooth Cloths, Soft Towels, or Old T-Shirts
While they may feel gentle to the touch, smooth cloths, soft towels, or old T-shirts aren’t designed to trap fine dust and dirt particles. Instead of lifting debris away from the surface, they tend to push it around, which can create swirl marks and micro-scratches that become more noticeable over time. A microfiber towel or a textured cleaning cloth is a much safer and more effective option for car cleaning.
3. Household (Ammonia-Based) Glass Cleaners
Many household glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can be too harsh for automotive windows. When used on tinted glass, these strong formulas may cause window tint films to peel, bubble, or fade over time. To protect your car’s glass and tint, it’s best to use a cleaner specifically formulated for automotive use.
4. Brushes with Metal Bristles
Brushes made with metal bristles may seem effective for removing stubborn grime on wheels, but they can easily scratch and damage the wheel surface. Over time, this can affect both the appearance and finish of your wheels. Instead, choose a gentler brush with plastic bristles or a dedicated wheel-cleaning brush designed specifically for automotive use, which can be found at most quality car parts stores.
5. Acidic Stain Removers
Artificial stain removers with a pH level below seven can be too harsh for automotive fabrics. When used on car seats or floor mats, they may cause discoloration or bleaching, leaving permanent marks behind. As a safer alternative, consider a natural cleaning solution—mixing baking soda and water in a 1:4 ratio can effectively help lift stains without damaging the fabric.
6. Cutting Compounds or Polish
Cutting compounds are designed to remove light scratches and restore older, worn paint by removing a thin layer from the surface. While effective in certain situations, they are unnecessary for paintwork that is already in good condition and can lead to excessive wear if overused. In many cases, a quality wax is all that’s needed to protect the paint and maintain a clean, glossy finish.
One clear sign that the wrong cleaning products have been used is a paint defect commonly known as “spider webbing” or spider scratches. This appears as fine, web-like marks in the paintwork and is most noticeable on areas that are washed frequently.
To help preserve your car’s exterior and keep the paint in good condition, it’s best to limit washing to no more than once every two weeks and always use high-quality products specifically designed for automotive cleaning.
