On the hunt for a new car wash soap.

[BryanH]

This is definitely a "101" level topic. :) I've done some reading on the subject and still have questions.

With some of the discussion recently around D114 preserving LSP behavior, I've become interested in a regular wash for my 2 bucket method that leaves nothing behind and lets my LSP dictate surface behavior (be it looks, slickness, water beading or what have you).

I used Meguiars Gold Class for many many years, then tried Optimum Car Wash a few years ago. I loved the smell and the slippery feel but found I had to use a lot of product (I have hard water here) and it didn't seem to clean tough stuff as well as Gold Class. More recently I tried DG901 and fell in love with it, but it doesn't fit in with my quest to "leave nothing behind."

It's a little challenging getting to the bottom of whether or not some soaps leave anything behind, but I have a list of some products sold here at AG that I *believe* may fit the bill:



Ultima Paint Guard
CarPro Reset
McKee's Xtreme Foam
Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo
Griot's Brilliant Finish Car Wash
3D Pink
Meguiars Hyper Wash


What's your experience? Any recommendations for me? My most important criteria are:

- Good cleaning power
- High lubricity
- Will not negatively affect LSP longevity even at higher dilution ratios
- Low cost per wash and a pleasant scent are big bonuses.

I have a sample of Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo to try for my next wash, thanks to the free sample program here at AG. :props:

[chefwong]

Just short of your last bullet point - cost per was - which I've never compared, Reset is my go to wash.
Depending on your water conditions, I use about 1.5 - 1.75 oz per bucket.

Other soaps are you list I've used and some are 1oz per gallon

[KirkH]

Are you just washing your own vehicle?

I have a ridiculous number of bottles of car wash shampoo. I count 17 at a quick glance. Sonax Car Wash Shampoo is probably what I'd recommend.

You have tough set of requirements.

[jshaf]

Hyper wash is almost perfect IMO, just rinses a little harder than most. other than that it does everything I want a soap to do. Optimum is pretty good also.

[KirkH]

Chemical Guys Clean Slate really leaves the least behind. Some people say it will strip wax and sealants, but I have seen videos that prove that is not the case.

[kevinmfitz]

I have been happy with the McKees extreme foam. 3D HD Speed wash is also a really nice soap.

[briarpatch]

I use Griots Brilliant Finish and really like it....that being said, I have some McKees extreme foam on the way thanks to the last sale here.

[rlmccarty2000]

My two favorites on your list are Reset and Ultima. Both leave nothing behind and rinse clean. Ultima is often overlooked because of its cost, but catch it on sale and you will like it. Ultima is more concentrated than most soaps I have used so you actually use less. On a coated car I feel it is very important to use a soap that rinses clean so it does not interfere with the coating doing its job. On a car with wax or a sealant it's not as important to use a clean rinsing soap(imho).

[Mantilgh]

Rupes M101 is another that's not supposed to leave anything behind and is supposed to rinse away easily.

RUPES M101 High Concentrated Detailing Shampoo (http://www.autogeek.net/rupes-m101-shampoo.html)

[oboroballa03]

I like hyper wash havent really had any problems out of it and it works great in the foam cannon so i have never switched to anything else since i started using it.

[ducksfan]

P21s Total Auto Wash (known as TAW on the forumn) is a very good product. It may be kind of expensive to use as a straight car wash (???). I use it mainly as a pre-spray in a Kwazar foaming sprayer @ 20:1.

P21S Total Auto Wash 5 Liter Refill (http://www.autogeek.net/p2125.html)

Kwazar Venus Pro Super Foamer (http://www.autogeek.net/kwazar-pro-super-foamer.html)

[lane5515]

CarPro Reset. 2oz per 5 gallon wash bucket is what I use and it works great.

[TTQ B4U]

Meguair's Gold Class is all I will use. Excellent stuff.

Wolfgang Uber or CarPro ECH20 for Rinseless.

Extra hard water.....mix in a little rinseless with the Gold Class.

[jshaf]

I like hyper wash havent really had any problems out of it and it works great in the foam cannon so i have never switched to anything else since i started using it.

yep, excels in the foam cannon. good all around. there is a reason it is in the retailer line! pro grade like most of the stuff in that line and the Mirror glaze one.

[AZpolisher15]

I'm currently using Griots "Car Wash". Leaves nothing behind (as far as I'm aware). It's a really nice soap. And currently on sale $31.95/gal (plus another 15% off?) !! Available in a gallon or 16oz.

Griot's Garage Car Wash, Griots Garage Car Soap, Griots Car Wash, Auto Shampoo (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-car-wash.html)