Do you Dawn wash??

1 Clean WS6 · 10-13-04, 06:36

Hey all!

I was wondering how many folks do the Dawn wash process as I have been seeing a bunch of posts that include this step. Personally I have never done it. In my case if I need to remove a product I'll use a water/alcohol mix or some Griot's Paint Prep.

If you do Dawn wash I'd like to know why you wash with it and how often you use this process.

Mike

SilvaBimma · 10-13-04, 07:29

No Dawn. I use Hi Temp Prep Wash. Great uses for a 32 oz. Grabbing a gallon next time!

Jimmy Buffit · 10-13-04, 07:35

Dawn belongs in the kitchen.

Mfgs who promote the use of Dawn (a very high pH detergent) should seriously reconsider their position. And their chemistry education...

There are MANY other options for obtaining a clean, pH neutral, decontaminated surface.

Jim

Scottwax · 10-13-04, 07:43

Nope, never. The only time I would consider it is if I am stripping a car for a repaint. I prefer to use polishes to remove any old wax, etc.

RedondoV6 · 10-13-04, 07:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit

...Mfgs who promote the use of Dawn (a very high pH detergent) should seriously reconsider their position. And their chemistry education...

Jimmy, you might want to reconsider this statement, especially the remark about other peoples chemistry education.

Contary to popular belief Dawn does NOT have a high PH value. Even in 50/50 solution is barely registers PH8! That's very similar to many car wash shampoos. (I'm looking at the litmus test as I type)

G35stilez · 10-13-04, 07:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit
Dawn belongs in the kitchen.

Mfgs who promote the use of Dawn (a very high pH detergent) should seriously reconsider their position. And their chemistry education...

There are MANY other options for obtaining a clean, pH neutral, decontaminated surface.

Jim

Agreed

A regular wash followed by a clay barring procedure and polishing is the road to success for paint prep.

Dawn really isn't promoting a cleaner surface.

Jimmy Buffit · 10-13-04, 09:07

This from the Dawn Homepage:

Quote:

Ok to wash car?

Oops! I gotta go back and copy some more..

Quote:

Your car surface and the dirt that gets on it are a lot different from the food soils and dishes that dishwashing liquids clean effectively. We don't recommend them for cleaning your car.

I'm gonna emphasize what P&G's Dawn Website clearly says:

"Your car surface and the dirt that gets on it are a lot different from the food soils and dishes that dishwashing liquids clean effectively. We don't recommend them for cleaning your car."

Sal, are you listening?

Jim

rjstaaf · 10-13-04, 09:25

Quote:

Originally posted by RedondoV6
Jimmy, you might want to reconsider this statement, especially the remark about other peoples chemistry education.

Contary to popular belief Dawn does NOT have a high PH value. Even in 50/50 solution is barely registers PH8! That's very similar to many car wash shampoos. (I'm looking at the litmus test as I type)

Are you sure about your measurements. The MSDS on P&G's website states a PH of 8 in a 1% solution. I imagine a 50% solution would likely be much higher than 8.

EDIT: Evidently P&G has changed their MSDS as I specifically recall the statement of PH of 8 in a 1% solution and now it just states a PH of 8-9.

I think people have latched onto the PH thing ignoring other issues. Sure Dawn has a PH of 8-9. I think we can all agree that Dawn strips wax?? For comparison Meguiars 00 Hi Tech Wash which contains absolutely no detergents also has a PH of 8-9. I think anyone that is familiar with that product will tell you that it does NOT strip wax. What does that tell you? It is not just a factor of PH.

RedondoV6 · 10-13-04, 09:53

Quote:

Originally posted by rjstaaf
Are you sure about your measurements. The MSDS on P&G's website states a PH of 8 in a 1% solution. I imagine a 50% solution would likely be much higher than 8.

EDIT: Evidently P&G has changed their MSDS as I specifically recall the statement of PH of 8 in a 1% solution and now it just states a PH of 8-9.

Dunno Bob ... I tested a mix of one egg cup of distilled water to one of original blue Dawn. 4 strips, two different test kits, they all came out the same at PH8. Undiluted it is testing at PH9.

As a reference point I recently tested A2Z at PH13 with the same kits. I would consider A2Z a strong base. People still use it on their clearcoated wheels though!

I think Mr. Chemist reported about the same findings on Dawn when the same subject was discussed recently, but I would have to go back and check.

beau · 10-13-04, 11:39

Seems like there are so many car-specific products to be used, than to copy what my no-nothing-about-detailing neighbors use to wash their car. I keep my Dawn in the kitchen, for that once a month when I do dishes.

paco · 10-13-04, 11:52

Mike,

Have you ever tested any other brands of dish soap to see what they come out as. I recall reading that Ivory or Sunlight might actually be more alkaline than Dawn.

Paco

thinksnow · 10-14-04, 12:11

Nein. Strong mix of NXT and Sonus is the strongest I use. Pre-Zaino, I'll wash and use FPII (on the 'Cord). I can see no other reason to use such a trim-battling shampoo on the sled aside from the Zargument (yes, it's one word).