Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

[davey g-force]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

Mario, you've been doing this for 40 years?

How old are you? Your profile says you're 45...

[Ghawk]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

This thread is getting a little crazy. Why can't we just wash cars and live happy little lives?
This forum should be a place where everybody can come together to discuss detailing and our different methods and learn tips and tricks from the pros. No need to question what everybody does, or to start degrading other members practices. If you have a suggestion just calmly present that. No need to try and make some one out to be stupid. This is not directed at anyone in particular, but this mentality spreads. I love this forum, and I think everyone here does, so let's keep it a place of community and learning and get off each other's backs and get back to our detailing!

Thanks yall!
As for my weigh in on the subject on hand:
Obviously you shouldn't use dawn or any degreaser as a regular wash solution. However, I have used it to degrease cars, but I usually mix it in with some milder car soap as well. It has worked quite well for me removing old wax and contaminates safely before paint correction. Should only have to do this once or twice in a car's life if maintained properly.

Thanks everybody,
Griffith Hawk

[Detailing by M]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

It's a discussion, nothing getting "out of hand"

Yes I've been detailing cars since I was very young.

Also use what ever you want, use your Tide, Dawn or what ever you have under the sink.
just don't complain when things go wrong. See it all the time.

[jankerson]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

Thanks yall!
As for my weigh in on the subject on hand:
Obviously you shouldn't use dawn or any degreaser as a regular wash solution. However, I have used it to degrease cars, but I usually mix it in with some milder car soap as well. It has worked quite well for me removing old wax and contaminates safely before paint correction. Should only have to do this once or twice in a car's life if maintained properly.

Thanks everybody,
Griffith Hawk

That's what I was saying too as nobody is saying to fill up the foam gun with straight Dawn and go for it or put it in straight in a bucket and cover the whole car with it....

I think moderation is the key here, a few drops in a 5 gallon bucket mixed in with car soap will boast the cleaning power of the car soap. I would hope that would be all we want....

Yeah I can see how it could be an issue if people go crazy and use it straight and strong...

I do like Mikes recommendation of using APC though mixed in with the car soap instead.

As far as Tide goes it really doesn't make much since to use it these days as the Car Soaps are a lot better than they used to be and they end up cheaper too in the long run cost wise.

Back when I used to use it the car soaps just plain sucked and just about anything worked better than what was available back then.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

This thread is getting a little crazy. Why can't we just wash cars and live happy little lives?
This forum should be a place where everybody can come together to discuss detailing and our different methods and learn tips and tricks from the pros. No need to question what everybody does, or to start degrading other members practices. If you have a suggestion just calmly present that. No need to try and make some one out to be stupid. This is not directed at anyone in particular, but this mentality spreads. I love this forum, and I think everyone here does, so let's keep it a place of community and learning and get off each other's backs and get back to our detailing!

Well said! Yes, this thread has become a bit borderline as far as civility goes and we want to make sure it doesn't go any further. Of course, sometimes it's just a bit tricky to really get someone's intentions across with written words so things can easily be taken the wrong way. Now, Mario knows I'm not picking on him here (heck, we've spoken about this very thing in person) but he sometimes comes across online as being a bit more gruff than I know he intends to be. Kudos to jankerson for taking Mario's comments in the spirit intended!

Thanks yall!

As for my weigh in on the subject on hand:
Obviously you shouldn't use dawn or any degreaser as a regular wash solution. However, I have used it to degrease cars, but I usually mix it in with some milder car soap as well. It has worked quite well for me removing old wax and contaminates safely before paint correction. Should only have to do this once or twice in a car's life if maintained properly.

Thanks everybody,
Griffith Hawk

Agreed. We've said it before and we'll say it again - a quality car wash soap, whether traditional in-the-bucket, rinseless or waterless, should always be used for routine maintenance washing of any vehicle. But if you're prepping a nasty car for a full correction, then there is absolutely no harm in using something a bit more aggressive to clean the surface. If your preference is for a bit of detergent to help strip things, fine. If you're an IronX fan, fine. If you prefer to mix some APC in with your snow foam type product and let it dwell on the surface in a thick foam dispensed from a foam cannon, go for it. There is no one correct answer here - find the process that works best for you and use it when appropriate.

[jankerson]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

Well said! Yes, this thread has become a bit borderline as far as civility goes and we want to make sure it doesn't go any further. Of course, sometimes it's just a bit tricky to really get someone's intentions across with written words so things can easily be taken the wrong way. Now, Mario knows I'm not picking on him here (heck, we've spoken about this very thing in person) but he sometimes comes across online as being a bit more gruff than I know he intends to be. Kudos to jankerson for taking Mario's comments in the spirit intended!

Kinda got a chuckle out of it all really thinking back.

One thing that I don't miss is getting all wrapped up and putting on a Respirator and goggles to compound cars.

[Dave6]

Re: Using Dawn or something similar to wash car

One other good use for a Dawn wash is after using bug/tar remover. Most of the ones at the auto parts stores are kerosene with fragrance added, or if you're old school (or pre-historic school, as I am), just buy kerosene and save some $$. I do tar removal before any washing.

That said, kerosene leaves a greasy film that I want to remove before claying or compounding. And the Dawn suds provide enough slip that clay can be used on top of the soapy surface, thereby saving time (and your #34).

[larry0071]

I've used gasoline as tar removal on paint for 20 years. Never had a reason to try anything else. I would follow it up with wax and be done.

I'm new to this enthusiastic amateur detailing hobby, so I'm open to trying out all of the new products on the market as well as being excited over the much improved finish I'm able to get using these more professional products and techniques.