OK...I`m a convert!...Zaino!

[JaredPointer]

You`re right - I think Dawn mentions it in some fine print somewhere that they don`t recommend using it to wash cars regularly.

I`ll retort by saying that I`ve never seen a vehicle that has Dawn-induced damage - neither in real-life, where I know people who use dish soap religiously, or on the internet forums where the "legend" is so fondly dredged up.

In the event I wanted to start from a fresh-slate - i.e. break up oil and/or old wax - I`d use Dawn without any reservation. I think we as "detailers" use a lot of other stuff that`s probably more harmful than Dawn on paint - i.e. all purpose cleaners and spray degreasers, tar removers, mineral spirits, etc. I have seen proof that those items harmed rubber and plastic trim - either in photographs or in real-life situations. Yet, I still see people on this very forum who suggest those items for a variety of tasks on paint. Yet we harp on Dawn....

And let`s not forget the things we all use that are not "designed for cars," yet they work very well for what we need them to do. How would we get by as detailers without Q-tips, Magic Erasers, Woolite, etc. None of that was designed for use on cars (at least initially), yet I`ve used all of them and more with great results.

[AutopiaAdmin]

You`re right - I think Dawn mentions it in some fine print somewhere that they don`t recommend using it to wash cars regularly.

FAQ

Can I use Dawn to clean things other than dishes?
Dawn is so effective in cutting grease on dishes that over the years, consumers have used Dawn on other greasy messes around their homes, from cleaning kitchen messes like grease build up on the stove range hood to oily spots in the garage. Dawn is not recommended for window cleaning, car washing, body wash or washing hair.


I didn`t put the not in bold, Dawn did. Of course they don`t explain why it isn`t recommended. I haven`t had to degrease my car lately so can`t say that I`ve used it for car washing in the last 10 years.

[black bart]

OH MY GOD MY WHEELS ARE GOING TO BE DISSOLVED.

I have a 18 year old Explorer and I have washed the alloy wheels since new with DAWN.
I`m sure it will destroy them I will just have to give it a little more time

[groebuck]

OH MY GOD MY WHEELS ARE GOING TO BE DISSOLVED.

I have a 18 year old Explorer and I have washed the alloy wheels since new with DAWN.
I`m sure it will destroy them I will just have to give it a little more time

lol probably not great for the tires

[black bart]

lol probably not great for the tires

Do you think it is stronger than the APC or tire cleaner that I use on them.

Funny thing is they look like new. OH wait maybe that is from the tire dressing.

[bigron62]

wow thats thread is an oldie