Is Dawn dish soap ok for washing cars?

It is not recommended to use Dawn dish soap or other household dish detergents as regular car wash cleaners. While their degreasing properties can remove grease, the alkaline components will gradually strip away the protective wax layer on the car's paint surface, causing it to lose luster and accelerate aging. If dish detergent must be used in an emergency, dilute it at a 1:15 ratio and rinse thoroughly, though frequent use may lead to paint oxidation or rubber component hardening. Proper washing techniques include: choosing shaded periods for washing, using soft tools with longitudinal strokes, prioritizing wheel cleaning to prevent cross-contamination, and prompt drying to avoid water spots. For long-term maintenance, investing approximately 20 to 50 ringgit in dedicated car wash solution is advised to preserve the vehicle's appearance and prolong the paint's lifespan.