Why You Should Never Use Dish Soap on Your Car

🧪 Why You Should Never Use Dish Soap on Your Car

Heritage Body & Frame | Serving Austin & Cedar Park

It’s a common DIY mistake: grabbing the dish soap from under the sink and giving your car a good scrub. After all, it cuts grease and leaves your dishes sparkling — why not your paint?

Here’s the truth: dish soap is great for pots and pans, but it’s a silent killer for your car’s finish. At Heritage Body & Frame, we’re here to break down the chemistry and offer better alternatives that protect your investment.

🧼 The Chemistry Breakdown

Dish soaps like Dawn or Palmolive are designed to break down oils, food residue, and stubborn grime — which means they’re packed with degreasers and surfactants that strip away protective layers. When used on your car, dish soap can:

• Remove wax and sealants meant to protect your paint
• Accelerate oxidation and dull the clear coat
• Leave your finish vulnerable to UV rays, moisture, and contaminants

In short, dish soap doesn’t just clean — it strips. And in Austin’s sunny climate or Cedar Park’s unpredictable weather, that’s a recipe for premature paint damage.

🚿 Better Alternatives for DIY Washes

If you’re washing your car at home, reach for products designed specifically for automotive finishes. Look for:

• pH-balanced car shampoos that clean without stripping wax
• Foam cannon formulas for gentle, even coverage
• Waterless wash sprays for quick touch-ups between full washes

These products are engineered to lift dirt while preserving your paint’s protective layers — especially important in Central Texas, where heat, pollen, and road grime are constant threats.

🛠️ Professional Protection in Austin & Cedar Park

At Heritage Body & Frame, we don’t just fix dents and dings — we help you protect your vehicle from the ground up. Whether you’re prepping for a road trip, recovering from a DIY mishap, or just want your car to shine like new, our detailing and paint protection services are built for Texas roads and Texas drivers.

Stop by our Cedar Park or Austin location for expert advice, premium products, and service you can trust.

📍 Heritage Body & Frame – Locally Owned, Community Trusted