Choosing a quality shampoo for a car - TOP 15

Which brand of car shampoo is better to choose?

Manufacturers create many types of car cleaning products, but not all of them have a safe composition; they can leave traces of stains and scratch the varnish. The rating describes the manufacturers of the best car shampoos that are worth paying attention to:

• Hi-Gear is a brand that has been producing car cosmetics and car chemicals since 1995, using new foreign technologies. A wide range allows you to choose products for different cars, doing self-cleaning. Quality control takes place at production facilities in America and in large technical centers in Russia.
• Lavr , a manufacturer of technologically advanced drugs, occupies the first ranks in the ranking of Russian auto cosmetics. It has been offering quality shampoos since 1997, exporting the product to more than 10 countries, gaining popularity in Romania and Mongolia.
• GraSS is a Russian manufacturer of auto chemicals and detergents, which are made from imported raw materials using Italian technologies. The product is of high quality, has a natural composition, and is supplied throughout Russia.
• Karcher - the company was founded in 1935, operated as a family business, developed various professional cleaning and washing products. Products include sweepers, car shampoos, car wash systems, water treatment units and others.
• Goodyear - the company has been in business since 1898, offering more names in the automotive field every decade. The founder of the company is Frank Sieberling, who borrowed money from his brother-in-law to create it. To this day, she develops technologies and comes up with new names.
• Koch - the brand appeared in 1968, it represented new developments in cleaning products for cars, which gradually grew into professional car cosmetics. Today the product is supplied to 50 countries.
• Glass – the company develops new options for auto chemicals and offers a high-quality, affordable product for all car owners. The composition is safe for varnish coating, foams well, removes various stains.
• Runway is a brand that produces a wide range of products for cars, namely: accessories, car cosmetics, sealants, aromatics and others. Since 2021, a large selection of auto chemicals with a good composition has appeared; they quickly remove dirt and do not harm the coating.
• Kolner is a Russian brand that is represented by various tools and equipment for cars; it produces high-quality drills, planes, and jigsaws. The product is supplied not only to China, it is in demand in Europe and is used in Russia.
• Turtle Wax - the company remains a reliable partner for every car owner; it was founded in 1940 and offers more and more items every year. The market mainly sells car cosmetics and car chemicals, which have a good, harmless composition.
• Doctor Wax - the brand represents American car cosmetics that are of good quality and safe for use on cars of different surfaces. The company also offers crystal clear glass, tires, wheels, and coating.
• Meguiars - a company founded in 1901, it supplies automotive products for all types of cars. Automotive chemicals are of high quality and do not contain harmful components that negatively affect the varnished coating.

Types of pollution

To begin with, I would like to ask you to leave your reviews and comments indicating what shampoo you use, how good it is and whether you agree with the products that will be in our current rating.

Now let's move on to pollution. They are divided into 3 types or categories. Namely:

• First category. This is the dirt of the very top layer. The most common one, which is easy to remove simply with a wet cloth, even without detergents;
• Second category. This includes contamination of the middle layer with fatty components. These are various oil stains, exhaust residue, dried insects, etc. It is to combat them that you need car shampoo;
• Third category. This is the bottom layer of dirt in the form of products of the destruction of the paint layer, old polishes and pastes. To get rid of them, you need chemical and powerful polishing agents.

It is a mistake to believe that it is enough to simply rinse the body with ordinary water and the car will shine.

Another common mistake is to use household detergents. Their use is potentially dangerous, since the process of destruction of rubber bands, seals, clouding of the body, glass, damage to paintwork, etc. may begin.

Rating of car shampoos

The rating describes good contactless car shampoos with a safe composition that can be used for different cars. It was built on the basis of many tests, the opinions of experts and consumers were taken into account, and comparative tests were carried out on quality and effectiveness. After obtaining identical results, the technical characteristics were additionally evaluated, namely:

• Compound;
• View;
• Consistency;
• Properties;
• Consumption;
• Price.

They made it possible to formulate a rating where safe products were selected for cleaning car coatings that do not corrode the paint and do not leave stains or other signs of damage.

The best cleaning products for car interiors

Requirements for the composition of car shampoo

The formulas of washing liquids include surfactants and components that regulate the acid-base pH value. Its optimal value should be within 6-9 units. Exceeding the value leads to darkening of the chrome elements.

When choosing a safe product, it is important to study the composition and method of use. A high-quality non-aggressive chemical production product contains the following components:

1. Water. A base in which cleaning components are dissolved.
2. Surfactants (surfactants). Their content should be in the range of 5-30%.
3. Foaming agents, anti-corrosion components. They increase the shine of the coating and create an invisible protective barrier on it.
4. Complexing agents. Softens water, increases the degree of fluidity of the drug.

The best car shampoos for hand washing

Car shampoos for hand washing have a natural composition without chemicals that do not cause allergies and allow you to contact them without gloves. They foam well, dilute in water, and apply to the body using a wide sponge. The products do not leave streaks and remove not only road dirt, but also traces of midges, birds, and mosquitoes. The average consumption of shampoo for hand washing is 25 ml. The rating describes products for hand washing that have a good composition, clean the surface well, and do not leave streaks. They were selected based on the results of comparative tests, all technical characteristics were evaluated. Among 7 nominees, only 3 car shampoos were selected.

Goodyear GY000800

The shampoo copes with various stains and stains, removes traces of wet snow, dirt, and insects. It is applied to varnished, glass, rubber, plastic surfaces. A minimal amount of product forms a copious amount of foam, which is applied in a thick layer to the surface of the body, leaving it for 2-4 minutes. The composition contains polishing components that form a protective film with a dirt-repellent effect. The car is cleaned in 10 minutes, acquiring a natural shine and beauty. The product allows the skin to come into contact with it and does not cause allergies.

Advantages

• Good composition;
• Large amount of foam;
• Complete cleansing;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws

• Not used for touchless washing.

In their reviews, consumers indicate that the shampoo is ideal for contactless washing and does not require the use of gloves. After applying it to the surface, it is not necessary to carry out cleaning procedures using a washcloth. It is enough to leave it for a few minutes, the foam will be able to remove dirt on its own, which is subsequently washed off with water.

Koch Chemie Super Foam 396001

The cleanser is characterized by rich foam with light fruity notes. The alkaline base does not cause irritation on the hands and quickly copes with dirt of any complexity. The alkaline pH value softens even the most stubborn stains and guarantees deep cleaning without damaging the varnished surface. Foam is applied not only to the body, it interacts with tires and mudguards, bringing them to their previous state. After applying the foam, there is no need to scratch the surface with brushes or rags; its composition will independently cope with the cleaning functions, get rid of stains, and eliminate the appearance of traces of streaks.

Advantages

• Economical consumption;
• Convenient to use at home;
• Nice smell;
• Foams well.

Flaws

• Does not remove traces of fuel oil.

As they say in reviews, cleaning foam is convenient to use at home, it foams well and quickly gets rid of dirt. Its properties are sufficient to clean the surface without damaging its integrity, and to preserve the color’s former shine and beauty.

HS "Hydro Shampoo"

Product for manual car washing, has a hydrophobic effect. It gently removes dirt and static stains without scratching the surface. The light consistency takes on a foamy form in a few seconds and does not contain chemicals. It is used to remove dirt from hard-to-reach places, such as bumper niches, nameplates, and body panel joints. Diluted in a ratio of 1:10, easily applied to the body, distributed over the surface using a soft brush. It is washed off with water of any hardness; it is not necessary to use a strong jet to remove the remaining foam from the coating.

Advantages

• Hydrophobic effect;
• Foams well;
• Removes dirt;
• Easily diluted in water.

Flaws

• Not detected.

As reviews show, HS “Hydro Shampoo” quickly removes dirt not only from the body, but also from other hard-to-reach places. It interacts with mudguards, bumper niches, and copes well even with thick layers of dried dirt.

The best car shampoos for contactless washing

Tips for choosing the right shampoo for your car

The desire to save money and not buy a specialized car shampoo can ruin the paintwork of your car. Degreasing substances have an acidity that is unsuitable for metal. Their reckless use is the cause of rust formation in places where moisture accumulates for a long time. Tips for choosing the right shampoo for your car:

• the foam structure must be dense, capable of adsorbing and easily removing traces of insects, grease film, de-icing agents, and old deposits from hard water;
• choose a solution that suits all shades of the car’s paintwork;
• a strong chemical aroma indicates an increased concentration of perfume fragrances that hide the presence of aggressive cleaning substances.

Road dust contains abrasive particles of asphalt chips and sand, which damage the outer layer of car paint. It is almost impossible to remove static contamination using household chemicals without leaving small mechanical scratches.

Important! Before using professional car shampoo, you cannot scrape off hardened dirt - damage will remain on the surface.

If there is no mini-station, then you should give preference to safe solutions for hand washing. The effectiveness of liquids is still high, but compared to non-contact detergents, detergents have a distinctive characteristic. Foam is easier to wash off - it can be easily removed with a low-pressure water jet. Shampoos with the addition of polymer wax form a protective film with reflective particles, giving a glossy shine to metal and chrome parts.

The best car shampoo concentrates

Car shampoo concentrates have an enhanced formula for high-quality cleaning; they are used not only for cars, but also for bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles. The composition contains the latest additives that instantly remove dirt, stains, soot, and resin. They interact with hard water, foam quickly, and clean the surface in a few minutes. Concentrated car shampoos are used only for high-pressure installations and are not designed for hand washing. When compiling the rating, the results of comparative tests were taken into account, which showed which products have a high-quality composition and remove persistent stains. Among the 5 nominees, only 2 products were selected that guarantee quick cleansing and safety for coating.

Runway 1074

Concentrated shampoo is created for contactless washing; it safely removes dirt from the varnished surface, does not scratch it, and does not leave streaks. It fights any road contaminants, removes clay, resinous substances, bird droppings, gear oils and others. Effectiveness occurs only under strong pressure and does not require contact with the skin. The concentrate foams quickly, is applied in a thin layer to the surface, and left for 2-3 minutes for complete contact with the dirt.

Advantages

• Cleans quickly;
• Easy to find on sale;
• Affordable price;
• Good composition.

Flaws

• Long-term exposure to pieces of dirt in the mudguard area.

In reviews, buyers describe the concentrate mainly on the positive side, because it has a good effect on the surface, removes dirt, and does not deform the varnish coating. The concentrate is safe, even in contact with skin it does not cause allergies.

Kolner

Car shampoo with a strengthened formula promotes high-quality cleaning of the car body, removes even the most severe stains and dirt. The composition contains softeners, so you can use the product even in combination with hard water. The concentrate removes oil, fats, soot, and solid deposits without deforming the paint. The antistatic effect allows the car to remain clean for a long time. Car shampoo has a pleasant fresh aroma, so using it for cleaning purposes is a pleasure.

Advantages

• Removes many contaminants;
• Has a pleasant aroma;
• Abundant foam;
• Easily washed off.

Flaws

• Not detected.

As can be seen from the reviews, the product acts on various contaminants, removing even heavy bird bowel movements without leaving streaks. After applying the foam to the car body, it should be left for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under running water.

How to use contactless cleaning products correctly

Incorrect use of washing liquids and non-compliance with washing technology lead to stains remaining on the body after treatment. To get a high-quality result, you should adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

1. Preparing the car. Bring the car to the site where the manipulations will take place. Turn off the engine, put the vehicle on the handbrake, and close the doors and windows tightly.
2. Pouring water at a temperature of +20…+30ºС. Prepare a high-pressure apparatus (you can use equipment from Karcher, Bosch, Daewoo Power Product or other brands). Direct a stream of water from the gun from left to right, placing the nozzle at a distance of 10 cm from the body. The pressure effectively washes away dirt and dust from tires, wheels, body parts, and the surface of the hood.
3. Treatment of special places. For additional care and thorough cleaning, you should use compounds for treating plastic, glass, and wheels. Insect stain removal products are applied to the windshield and hood. For plastic elements - plastic cleaner. The compositions are produced in aerosol cans. They are applied for 1-2 minutes and proceed to the next stage of processing.
4. Application of active foam. Prepare a cleaning solution following the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. Foam must be applied to the body from bottom to top, starting from the doors, moving to the rear fenders, going around the car and ending on the roof and hood. Do not wait for the foam flakes to dry as this will cause streaks. Softening of dirt and stains occurs within 3 minutes, after which you must immediately proceed to the next step.
5. Rinse with water. Foam with contaminants is washed off with warm water under pressure in the same order as during application. They start with the wheels and arches, sills, fender liners, smoothly rising higher, driving off the foam. The discs are washed with a jet from the inside, freeing them from traces of dirt. With this rinsing algorithm, unwashed areas will be clearly visible.
6. Drying. You should first remove the water. Next, wipe the front, back and sides of the car dry. For light-colored cars, you can use a faux suede cloth. To cover paintwork in dark shades, it is better to choose natural suede material. The napkin should be squeezed out periodically. Particular attention should be paid to complex surfaces, joints of the hood and doors. Body elements should be wiped dry and polished with suede to prevent the formation of streaks.

The best car shampoos with wax

Car shampoo with wax not only cleans the body, but also protects against external factors. During the washing process, it forms a small invisible protective film on it, which covers existing defects and prevents the formation of new ones. Under the influence of wax, corrosion or other bacteria do not form on the car body, which contribute to the destruction of the coating. Wax also improves the appearance of the varnish coating and gives it greater shine. When forming the rating, the results of comparative tests were taken into account; they made it possible to select 3 products with wax from among 7 nominees for high-quality, safe cleaning and protection.

Turtle Wax

An effective shampoo, created for manual car washing, has a good, safe composition not only for the body, but also for the hands. It quickly removes road dirt, the foam spreads even into the most difficult to reach places. Cleaning not only gets rid of dust, dirt or stains, it also additionally protects against scratches caused by snow, small hail, claws of small birds or dry branches. The light wax layer has a transparent film that creates a slight splash on the body, returning the car to a new, beautiful look. The shampoo is diluted in water, applied to the car, and left for a few minutes. After this, the composition must be rinsed off with water under a thin stream.

Advantages

• Does not leave streaks;
• Nice smell;
• Economical consumption;
• Protection from minor damage;
• Shine on the body.

Flaws

• Not detected.

As described in reviews, the shampoo foams perfectly, forms a thick layer of foam that penetrates even hard-to-reach places. Under the influence of water, you can get rid of dried dirt on the mudguards and in the area of ​​the bumper niche.

Doctor Wax DW 8126

Car shampoo is characterized by a high-tech professional formula that allows you to get rid of various contaminants and creates a protective wax film. Wax protects the paint from exposure to ultraviolet rays, grains of sand, and salts. Under its influence, varnished paint retains a beautiful shine for a long time and has good protection against minor damage. The product foams quickly, fills all areas on the car body, and is easily washed off under the influence of a high jet. After washing, no stains or stains remain on the car, the surface acquires a beautiful shine.

Advantages

• Good cleansing;
• Protection from minor damage;
• Wax masks existing microcracks;
• Safe composition.

Flaws

• Not detected.

In reviews, many describe only the benefits of a wax product, because it removes stains of varying complexity and does not leave marks or streaks. The product is safe for varnished coatings, is quickly washed off with water, and is economically used.

Meguiars Ultimate Wash & Wax-EU G17748EU

The shampoo contains wax, which provides good protection for the car body and removes dirt, dust, tar and other contaminants. The composition contains hybrid polymers that provide lasting protection for the machine. Increased foaming quickly removes traces of birds, mosquitoes or midges, does not deform glass, and instantly improves visibility. After washing, the surface of the car acquires a new shine, which is achieved through the action of wax. The shampoo is used economically and has an affordable price.

Advantages

• Foams well;
• Full protection for the body;
• Does not scratch the surface;
• Economically used.

Flaws

• Not detected.

Based on the reviews, we can conclude that the product perfectly cleans the surface, leaves no marks or streaks, and protects the varnished surface. It is enough to apply the composition to the body, leaving it for a few minutes, then rinse with a stream of water of any hardness.

The main sections of the famous shampoo

The touchless vehicle wash shampoo was launched following the unveiling of an analysis and project to develop novel detergents based on a surfactant platform with extensive use of surface components.

Also, shampoos contain quite a lot of special active ingredients used to increase the foaming ability of the product, and, as a result, a better detergent formula of the compound. As an addition, the composition of luxury contactless shampoos also contains other active ingredients that help clean the surface of the car without problems.

These include various alkaline reagents, foaming components, coloring and flavoring substances (the latter components are used to maximize and increase consumer properties, however, it is worth noting that the use of these components cannot in any way affect the quality of the products. These chemical compounds do not carry no mechanical impact, but are intended to satisfy the client’s whims), and, of course, the composition of any shampoo cannot do without water.

The foaming properties, as well as the washing properties of various BCs, have global differences from each other. Of course, here we need to take into account the dependence on their recipe composition. It is in accordance with this that their different effects on the surface will occur.

Shampoo for Karcher is available in two types: one-component and two-component. The difference between the products lies in their appearance: a one-component product is one color, a two-component product is two-color.

Thanks to this combination of colors, any non-professional will be able to distinguish these products in a car shop. However, it is not only the color that distinguishes shampoos; there are also small automotive tricks that are rarely shared among car enthusiasts.

• For example, it is worth knowing that using a two-component shampoo is a process that requires shaking thoroughly before using and applying the detergent. Not all modern drivers are aware of this little trick, but this action greatly increases the foaming properties of the cleaner.
• A two-component contactless cleaning product is advisable to use during the cold winter period, when it removes heavy dirt much better. The cold period, in general, will be marked by a huge amount of various heavy contaminants that are not so easy to wash off.
• In the summer season, when it is hot outside, it is not economically profitable to use these components - they actually cost more.

Which car shampoo is better to buy?

Car shampoos have different compositions, foaming levels and effectiveness, so every owner should know which car shampoo to choose in order to clean and not damage the body. From the entire rating, several safe cleaning products are distinguished:

• Hi-Gear – high-quality shampoo for contactless cleaning;
• Karcher Ultra Foam Cleaner “3 in 1” (6.295-744.0) – a product with good foaming;
• Koch Chemie Super Foam 396001 – car shampoo for hand washing;
• Runway 1074 – concentrated shampoo with a safe composition for pressure washing;
• Doctor Wax DW 8126 – car shampoo with wax.

Car shampoos must have a natural composition without chemical components in order to not only cleanse the car of contaminants, but also provide it with complete protection.

4 LIQUI MOLY Auto-Wasch & Wachs

LIQUI MOLY Auto-Wash & Wachs

A unique formula based on surfactants and wax makes Liqui Moly Auto-Wasch shampoo one of the most effective on our list. This combination allows the product to effectively prevent the negative effects of environmental factors and provides the surface with an invisible but durable protective layer. Reviews write that after using this type of car cosmetics, the body shines beautifully and the car looks like it just came from a car dealership. A pleasant addition will be the ease of dissolving the liquid in water and its calm peach aroma.

Advantages:

• safety for glass and other surfaces;
• prepares the car for further polishing;
• high level of protection of the varnish surface;
• biodegradable composition.

Flaws:

• not very convenient packaging;
• must be stored at a certain temperature.

K-Parts Soft

The shampoo concentrate is diluted with water depending on the degree of contamination of your car. It can be used using the classic method and using a foaming attachment. The product will help remove any layer of dust, dirt, and can also be combined with any type of wax. The shampoo has virtually no odor and will help quickly remove any dirt, even carbon deposits from the wheels.

Pros:

1. Concentrated so it can be used sparingly;
2. Long shelf life;
3. Does not corrode the skin of the body and will not cause harm if it gets into the eyes;
4. Effectively removes dirt.

Minuses:

1. High price.