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What Items Should I Avoid Using for Car Cleaning?

These are the worst items for car cleaning: 

It’s car cleaning time! While you’re engaged in the process of cleaning your own vehicle, bear in mind that some regular cleaning products can do more harm than good to it. Some of the least safe cleaning products are the ones that contain ammonia and benzene. They could harm your car’s finish!

If you want to save money on car cleaning expenses, keep this list of forbidden cleaning items handy.  You never know when you’ll need it! Now, without further ado, put your protection gloves on, and let’s get to work:

car cleaning
Photo by Olga Miltsova from Shutterstock

1. Dish soap

One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when they do car cleaning is using dish soap. Mostly because it’s less expensive than other cleaning products, but that doesn’t mean it won’t damage your vehicle.

Dish soap’s chemical constituents can remove wax from your car’s exterior. That’s why experts say washing your automobile with dish soap after waxing it is not a good idea. Surfactants are substances found in dish soap that may be exceedingly difficult to remove from surfaces.

Even if it isn’t the best idea ever if you’re in a hurry and you can’t get to the nearest carwash station, opt for gentle hair shampoo. It won’t make your car squeaky clean, but it’s less harmful than regular dish soap.

2. Alcohol-based products on leather

When it comes to cleaning the interior of your car, things are always a bit tricky. You must be careful not to damage certain items, and the risk is high if you also use the wrong cleaning products. For example, alcohol-based products on leather items. While alcohol is usually good for cleaning most things, it can damage the leather seating.

If you use alcohol to clean the chairs and the backseat of your car, over time the leather may crack or harden, making it look worse. Even if you don’t have the seating made of leather, it’s forbidden to use alcohol for cleaning. Instead, use specialty leather cleaners, and be sure to read the labels before purchasing them. Inspect them carefully to see if they contain alcohol or not.

3. 16000 psi pressure washer

One way you can clean your automobile is by using a pressure washer. You may save time and effort by using this approach instead of a sponge, which is more effective. But applying pressure at 16,000 psi might harm the paint on your automobile. That being said, it is advisable to use a pressure washer on low or not at all.

Instead of wasting your money on overpriced car cleaning items, buy this interior cleaner and protector by Chemical Guys, which costs only $11.97 on Amazon! I use it for my car and it works wonders. 

4. Window cleaner

Another item that should definitely be avoided while doing car cleaning is the spray used for cleaning windows. Contrary to popular belief, glass cleaners can leave streaks and residue behind when they attempt to remove every bit of dirt and stains from an automobile’s glass.

Unfortunately, this may result in damage and make it harder to see through the windows. Using the incorrect kind of cleaner and leaving streaks on your car’s windows are two typical errors that you should try to prevent.

5. Bleach

Bleach is among the most crucial substances to stay away from while cleaning your car. You won’t believe how many people use it to clean their vehicles, so watch out for the word of the experts: “Even if it’s good for your sheets and other white garments from your closet, bleach shouldn’t be near a vehicle!”

A car’s exterior and interior can be severely damaged and stained by using bleach to clean them. Additionally, you should carefully examine the labels of every auto product you want to purchase, as some of them can contain a small amount of bleach.

car cleaning
Photo by Sergio Delle Vedove from Shutterstock

6. Steel wool

When it comes to kitchen cleaning, especially, we all ask for the help of tiny steel wool. Especially if the dirt and grime are pretty stubborn! But one thing is for sure: You should never use it for car cleaning. It can harm the paint on your car and scratch the windshield. Instead, opt for something more soft, like a piece of cloth or a sponge.

7. Naphthalene

Although naphthalene is most commonly associated with mothballs, it can also be found in various carpet cleaners, all-purpose cleansers, and other cleaning supplies. The chemical might irritate your eyes, throat, and skin if you are exposed to it right away.
Similar to bleach, make sure you read the labels on your cleansers to make sure you don’t use naphthalene, even if it doesn’t seem to be in many of them.

8. Eagle One Chrome Wheel Cleaner

Now, we’re being specific, but according to both car experts and dermatologists, this is one of the worst car wash products. At worst, this substance may produce nausea and vertigo, but at best, it does far more harm.

In particular, keep this substance from touching your skin since it may result in burns that you are unaware of until it is too late. And if you really must use it, protect yourself with a pair of gloves!

9. Paper towels

Paper towels may appear soft, but they may be hard on fragile areas, leaving ugly scratches on your car. They may also be inefficient and expensive over time, and they break down readily. I’d recommend you stick to a fiber cloth.

10. Soap bars

Have you ever noticed that some hand soaps, especially solid ones, leave your hands dry? If your hands become dry after using bar soap several times a week, imagine how bad it can scratch your car, especially if it’s a tad old too.

Because of one bad ingredient most of the hand soap contains, called sodium lauryl sulfate, it might damage the paint irreversibly by removing the wax and layer.

Never wash your car in direct sunlight! 

Do you remember when our grandma told us not to wash the windows when it’s sunny outside? Oh well, this particular rule, let’s call it “rule,” applies to car cleaning as well! Washing your automobile in the sun can make the procedure take longer and more stressful, and the outcome may not be up to par.

Before you’re ready to clean it off yourself, water will evaporate due to heat from the sun on the surface of your car, creating water stripes.

What do you use to clean your car? I really hope it’s none of these items mentioned in the article. If you need a tool kit for car cleaning, from small brushes to cleaning supplies and even a handheld vacuum, Amazon has one that costs only $36.99. Hurry up since I don’t know for how long the offer will be available.

Hey you! If you think the article about car cleaning items you should avoid is nice to put a pin on, then you’re going to like our page too! And if you are new around, then hit that subscribe button. You won’t regret it for sure. 

Check out other related articles about cars:

End of Journey? 6 Signs You Should Say Goodbye to Your Car

These Cars Last Half as Long as Regular Vehicles – Is Yours on the List? 

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