Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

[paests]

Hello! Is it ok to shampoo your car and clay it using the suds as a lubricant?

This would eliminate the need for detailer as a lubricant.

(Of course the car would have been shampooed and rinsed once over first)

Thanks

[Blueline]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

I don't think soap and clay go well together...but if you want to go cheap for lubricant go to Wally Mart and buy their Tune-IT brand, detail spray wax for $2 for claying and use the good Meguiar's stuff for actual detailing.

[C8N]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

Many people do that but the only downfall is that some clays disintergrate and just fall apart.
My suggestion would be to use a clay alternative. It will make claying much easier and faster.

[Murr1525]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

Yeah, some people will wash then clay a panel quickly...

As noted, have seen posts in the past where long term clay storage (like if you clay twice a year, a bar might last a couple years) can be affected. If claying often, doesnt really matter for that either.

[paests]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

Thanks chaps! Will give it a go, if it disintegrates will use detailer then.

[Paul4Runner]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

Do I need to dry the car before I clay bar?

Last week I washed my car, it was late afternoon, the sun angle was low and it was cool >60*F. I used the wet car and a little Detail spray while claying, it seemed to work just fine but I still wonder if it is okay. The water in my town is partially softened so I do not get hard water spots.

[Murr1525]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

If the water isnt drying, you can leave it on.

[Cypresswill]

Using shampoo is ok, just use a small amount though as using too much shampoo will damage the clay bar. The way I used to do it is first rinse off the car and remove all the dirt. Then with the car wet I would get my wash mitt with soap and do one section at a time.

[jarred767]

I am constantly trying and testing different methods for claying in an effort to find a balance between cost, efficiency, and time spent. Claying multiple cars a week definitely allows me to play around with some things. Car shampoo can work, but I agree it can cause clay to break down quicker than desired.

I am now using RFEW as my lube (at a 31:1 ratio) and I only do a very quick dry and leave a little water to dilute RFEW down a little further. RFEW is nice and slick at this dilution and it works really well for me.

Excitement with different methods and do what works best for you. Good luck!

[The Guz]

Re: Car shampoo as clay lubricant?

Another option to consider is a clay alternative like nanoskin. No need to worry about it breaking down with soap and water. Also no worries about dropping it and discarding it. Simply rinse it off and continue. Saves time as well.