Car wash shampoos - remove wax???

[supercharged]

One thing was always bothering me - Do car wash shampoos remove wax/sealant coating? Come to think of it - there is no car wash shampoo brand that will tell you on a label - that yes, it will remove your wax...Matter of fact I even went into either "99cents" store or "1 dollar" bargain store, found some car wash solution there (of course I did not buy it), read the label - and did not find anything about that shampoo removing wax coating.....I have been using a lot of different brands of car wash solution, yes from Turtle wax all the way up to Pinnacle bodywork shampoo... What I came up to is - yes expensive shampoos will not remove you wax coating( or will remove a little, depending on how dirty your paint is prior to washing, and what kind of washing tools you are using)... Cheaper shampoos will remove more coating (at least paint does not feel as sleek and smooth after them)...And yes, those cheap shampoos - will remove your wax coating...My favorites so far are - Pinnacle, Wolfgang, and Poorboys:righton: ....They are the VERY BEST you can get...Even better then Zymol Clear, which is far more expensive...Other good shampoos are DP, Meguiar's #62 and #00...
Gold Class and NXT is a step down from Meguiar's pro line...As of hyper wash - I will just say it's not for use on your own car if you are car crazy!!!
It has a "69cent cheap brand" aftershave smell...
I have not used Optimum, P21S, and 3M...

Just sharing my thoughts with you guys...

 

[JeffW]

IMO the name brand shampoos are mild enough not to remove wax or sealants. I've used a number of different products, mainly from AG and a couple OTC, and it's my impression that none of them harmed my protective layers.

However, shampoos may leave a film after rinsing that ends up making the surface less slick. I used to think that this meant the sealant or wax was removed during the wash. After each wash, regardless of how new or old the sealant is on my car, I do a quick S&W wipe down (sometimes I lightly spray the car with a QD before drying). This results in a slick, film-free surface on which to put the finishing QD or another layer of wax/sealant.

Here is my feedback on which shampoos are more or less likely to leave a film, based on my experience and opinions. I need to note that I am exceptionally careful not to exceed the instructions on the label of soap/water ratio:

Not as likely to leave a film-
WG Autobathe
Blackfire
Optimum (old formula)
PB SS&S
Pinnacle

More likely to leave a film-
4* Wash
Meg's Gold
NXT

Changing the subject somewhat: I've noticed and have posted a couple threads over the last year about Tuff Suds, a component of the WG, Pinnacle and Blackfire shampoos. The web page descriptions give a nice rah-rah writeup about how TS breaksdown and lifts the dirt away, etc. I believe it, plus I've always had a nice amount of rich lather with these products. Unfornately, these are on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but on the other hand, I'm in this mess just to detail my home automobiles, so, I think my next round of stocking up with massive quantaties will be of WG Autobathe (beside, the container will match 90% of the other products in my cabinet, and we all know that's important, eh? ) .

Good day.

 

[Meghan]

.... I think my next round of stocking up with massive quantaties will be of WG Autobathe (beside, the container will match 90% of the other products in my cabinet, and we all know that's important, eh? ) .

Good day.

I love to see that you like to color coordinate your detailing cabinet!
icture:

 

[JeffW]

icture:

OK, OK, OK....gheesh, so demanding.

 

[INMY01TA]

I've usually used the Blue Coral stuff from the parts store. No good?

 

[JeffW]

I've usually used the Blue Coral stuff from the parts store. No good?

It's good if you like the results, not good if you don't like the results. Much of this is very, very subjective. I've haven't tried it yet, so I can't give my opinion.

Edited: I'd suggest the next time you order products get a bottle of one of the name brands and see if you can tell a difference, and if so, do you like the difference(s). Smell, texture, suds'ng, price, etc. all go into one's determination of a good wash product. Do the same with some of the OTC stuff, blah, blah, blah, and before you know it, you'll be a connoisseur of fine auto shampoos.

 

[toolfanatic]

While the soap may or may not remove some product. I think the friction of washing with a mitt or whatever and airflow over and around the car does more to deteriorate the finish. I've noticed after my last wax job (Zymol Z4 wax) that the hood of the car shows less beading/ more deterioration than anywhere else on the car.

 

[JeffW]

While the soap may or may not remove some product. I think the friction of washing with a mitt or whatever and airflow over and around the car does more to deteriorate the finish. I've noticed after my last wax job (Zymol Z4 wax) that the hood of the car shows less beading/ more deterioration than anywhere else on the car.

Oh, I agree that everything does effect the finish, including washing. The question really becomes to what extent, right? IMO, I think that washing with a mild shampoo designed with today's waxes and sealants in mind will have very little negative impact on the protective layer (if it's healthy). Other factors do impact this as well, as you point out, like the mitt used, amount of friction, etc.

 

[ScottB]

The thing to remember about car wash soaps is that most boutique products will discuss their PH level. (7 being neutral) Now something might need to be a little off neutral in PH level to provide ample cleaning power based upon the designers request. But when in doubt , stay away if using a wax. If using a sealant you will find them much more resistant to harsher soaps.

 

[Matt94GT]

I've usually used the Blue Coral stuff from the parts store. No good?

That stuff sucks I used to use it and got some Meguires Gold Class...way better but there is still better out there. But the gold class and that stuff is like night and day, you use wayyy less, it works wayyy better giver a shot next time! :awesome:

 

[scooterguitar]

I just tried the 4* wash (old version Jeff?), didn't like it nearly as well as Poorboy's. It smelled nice and did a good job, I just missed the suds I get w/ PB!

 

[ScottB]

I just tried the 4* wash (old version Jeff?), didn't like it nearly as well as Poorboy's. It smelled nice and did a good job, I just missed the suds I get w/ PB!

I rather liked the 4* wash while using its sealant, but agree that no comparision in foam or suds to Poorboys. And I have never seen any residue left by either.

 

[scooterguitar]

Yeah, there was no residue. I think it is a matetr of, where the heck are my suds!

 

[JeffW]

Yeah, there was no residue. I think it is a matetr of, where the heck are my suds!

So, did you put the soap in before adding water or after? Sorry, man, couldn't resist

 

[scooterguitar]

So, did you put the soap in before adding water or after? Sorry, man, couldn't resist

Geez, I might have messed up, I think I used UPP, not UPPS, no wonder there was few suds