I love the idea of a DIY car wash soap! I’ve read that using too much soap can actually leave a residue. Is that true? What’s the right amount to use in a bucket?
That’s a good question! For a bucket, stick with 2-3 ounces of your homemade soap. Less is more when it comes to foaming and rinsing.
If you’re curious about variations, you can add vinegar for more shine, but I’ve read that too much can damage wax; so I’d tread carefully with that one.
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Whoa, proberts, adding vinegar sounds risky! Maybe just stick with baking soda for the shine effect. It’s safer for our waxed surfaces.
Loving the conversation! Remember not to wash your car in direct sunlight; it can cause soap to dry too quickly and leave spots behind.
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Right on, michael00! Speaking of spots, I think I need to make a batch of this soap and test it soon—who knows, it could become my new favorite hobby!
Can’t wait to try this out! If it works well, I might just have to make a cleaning party for all my friends—because who doesn’t love washing cars?
I’m all about DIY solutions! A homemade car wash soap really can be effective if you mix it right. Most recipes I’ve tried keep the wax intact. Just make sure to use a gentle soap base, like Castile soap.
That’s a great tip! When I used a homemade soap with vinegar, it stripped my wax! Definitely prefer gentle recipes over harsher ones.
I’ve used both homemade and commercial soaps. I found that while homemade can be more cost-effective, some commercial products are specially formulated to avoid wax stripping, which often delivers better performance.
Exactly! I used a well-known brand last weekend, and my car sparkled without any wax damage! User reviews really helped me choose the right one.
It’s true that while some homemade soaps are economical, finding the right balance is key. I tried one recipe that included dish soap, and that was a disaster! Stripped my wax completely.
Haha, I feel your pain! I once used dish soap to wash my car, too. I was so mad afterward! Now I just stick to DIYs with gentle ingredients, like Castile and essential oils.
Has anyone tried mixing Glycerin into their homemade soap? I heard it helps retain the wax coating. If anyone has a specific recipe, I’d love to see it! Keeping my car shiny without the strip is my goal.
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I’ve used a basic recipe using Glycerin and vinegar that worked wonders for me. Just mix it properly, and you’ll be set!
I support the homemade route! It’s rewarding and better for the environment, too. Just be cautious of your ingredient ratios to avoid disasters like those mentioned! I’ve successfully used coconut soap with great results.
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Did you use it on a waxed surface? That sounds intriguing! I might give it a try if I can get my hands on some.
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I think it really comes down to your specific car care routine. A lot of commercial soaps have additives that can be harsh. That said, humor me—whenever I wash my car, I never want to run out of wax!
Lol, just be careful not to cover your car in wax! On a serious note, this debate over homemade vs. commercial will probably go on forever, but trying both can only help narrow down what works for you.