Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Chase Manhattan
Say goodbye to ordinary car washes and hello to the perfect fit for your ceramic-coated vehicle.
In this article, we dive deep into the realm of superior auto care – exploring the best car wash soap for ceramic coating maintenance in 2023.
We’ve tirelessly combed through countless products, scrutinizing their ingredients and effectiveness, to present you with an elite selection ideal for preserving the brilliance and durability of your car’s ceramic coating.
Whether you’re a DIY buff or a professional detailer, you’ll discover unmatched value from our top picks. Buckle up as we navigate the road to extraordinary car care with the best companions in tow!
Keep reading for some necessary information below, or skip right to the review!
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Why Is It Important To Use The Right Car Wash for Ceramic Coatings?
Ceramic coatings provide a robust protective layer to your vehicle’s surface, safeguarding it from harsh elements and wear and tear. However, maintaining this protective shield requires careful selection of cleaning products.
Utilizing the wrong soap can potentially harm the coating, stripping it off its protective qualities and leaving your vehicle vulnerable to damage.
The right car wash soap for ceramic coatings is specifically designed to be gentle on the coating while effectively removing dirt and grime. It’s typically pH-neutral, meaning it won’t react adversely with the coating.
The ideal soap shouldn’t contain any wax, as this can leave a layer of residue on the coating, diminishing its hydrophobic properties.
Read more: Best Clear Coat Protectant
What Makes Ceramic Coating Car Wash Soaps Different From Normal Car Washes?
Unlike conventional car wash soaps, those designed for ceramic coated cars are formulated to preserve and enhance the coating’s performance. They are pH-neutral, ensuring they don’t damage the coating or underlying paint. Moreover, they don’t contain waxes or harsh chemicals that can leave a residue on the coating, potentially diminishing its protective and aesthetic qualities.
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> Best Microfiber Towels for Ceramic Coating
> Best Detail Spray for Ceramic Coated Cars
Ceramic coating car wash soaps often produce a high amount of suds, providing excellent lubrication during the washing process. This helps to prevent scratches that can result from friction between the wash mitt and the vehicle’s surface.
Most Effective
Best Protection
List of The Best Car Wash Soaps for Ceramic Coated Cars
Here are some of the best car wash soaps that are ideal for maintaining ceramic coatings:
- Lithium Double Tap Car Wash
- Adam’s Car Shampoo
- Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash
- Optimum No Rinse
- Turtle Wax Ceramic Wash and Wax
Lithium Double Tap Car Wash
Primary Features
- pH-neutral formula
- Wax-free
- Hydrates paint
- Leaves no residue
Lithium Double Tap Car Wash is a top-tier option for maintaining your ceramic coating. It’s formulated to leave no residue on the coating, ensuring it retains its pristine appearance. Furthermore, it hydrates your paint instead of drying it out, making it a safe choice for your ceramic coating.
Pros
- Safe for ceramic coatings
- Works well under different conditions
Cons
- May require more product for heavily soiled vehicles
Adam’s Car Shampoo
Primary Features
- High foam formula
- Safe for ceramic coatings
- Works well with foam cannons
Adam’s Car Shampoo is another popular choice in the world of car detailing. It’s safe for ceramic coated cars and works excellently with foam cannons. However, it’s on the pricier side.
Pros
- Provides thorough cleaning
- Safe for regular use on ceramic coatings
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash
Primary Features
- pH-neutral formula
- Widely available
- Safe for ceramic coatings
Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash is often recommended by professional detailers after applying a ceramic coating. It meets all the necessary criteria for a ceramic coating car wash soap and is readily available at most big box stores.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Widely recommended by professionals
Cons
- May not work as effectively in hard water areas
Optimum No Rinse
Primary Features
- Wax-free formula
- Safe for use in the sun
- Suitable for coated vehicles
Optimum No Rinse is a personal favorite for many when it comes to washing coated vehicles. It’s a great choice if you need to wash your car in direct sunlight. Just ensure you stick with the blue version, as the green one contains wax.
Pros
- Doesn’t leave streaks
- Works well under various conditions
Cons
- May require a bit more effort to rinse off
Turtle Wax Ceramic Wash and Wax
Primary Features
- Comprehensive cleaning solution
- Coating extending formula
- Protective layer after rinse
Turtle Wax is a long-standing brand in the car-care industry, and therefore they’ve had quite some time to perfect their products. I thought it only appropriate to include them here as this was actually the first ceramic-coating care product I ever used.
Pros
- Dual-action of cleaning and waxing, extends the life of the ceramic coating
Cons
- The waxing effect might not be as strong as a standalone car wax.
Read next: Best Undercarriage Cleaner
Additional Buying Guide
When buying a car wash soap for your ceramic coated car, consider the following factors:
- pH-Neutral: The soap should have a balanced pH level to prevent damage to the coating.
- Wax-Free: The soap should not contain wax, as this can leave a residue on the coating.
- High Suds Producing: Choose a soap that produces a high amount of suds for lubrication during washing, reducing the risk of scratches.
- Cost-Efficient: The soap should offer value for money, providing effective cleaning without requiring a large amount of product.
- Ease of Use: The soap should be easy to apply and rinse off.
Warnings For Maintaining Your Ceramic Coating
It’s crucial to take necessary precautions when maintaining your ceramic coating. Avoid using harsh cleaners or degreasers as they can harm the coating or strip the top coat. Also, avoid car washes with brushes as they can cause scratches on your coated car.
FAQs and Related Questions
Should you wash a ceramic coated car frequently?
Yes, it’s advisable to wash a ceramic coated car regularly, ideally once a week. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt and grime, which can affect the coating’s water beading/sheeting properties.
Are car washes bad for ceramic coatings?
Yes, particularly brush car washes. The brushes can cause scratches on your car’s surface, damaging the ceramic coating. It’s best to hand wash your coated car to ensure its protection.
Is a rinseless wash ok for ceramic coatings?
Yes, rinseless washes can be safe for ceramic coatings, provided they don’t contain wax or harsh chemicals. Optimum No Rinse is a good example of a safe rinseless wash for ceramic coated cars.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining your ceramic coated car is crucial for preserving its protective and aesthetic qualities. Choosing the right car wash soap is a key part of this process. By referring to this guide, you can make an informed decision and ensure your car remains in its best condition.
