Guide ·
What Is Car Shampoo?
Car shampoo is a washing product made to clean road dirt, dust and traffic film from a vehicle's paint and exterior surfaces. Unlike household cleaning products, it is formulated with the paint and its protective layers in mind.
What does car shampoo do?
Car paint is exposed to road dust, dirt from exhaust and tyres, insect residue and a layer of pollutants brought by rain. Car shampoo softens this dirt, lifts it from the paint and lets the rinse water carry it away.
The aim of a good wash is not just to remove dirt, but to do so without scratching the paint or needlessly wearing down the wax or protective layer on it.
Can you wash a car with dishwashing liquid?
Dishwashing liquids are made to strongly dissolve kitchen grease. In car washing this can become a disadvantage: with regular use they can thin the wax and protective layers on the paint and dry out plastic and rubber parts.
That's why using a car shampoo made for the purpose is recommended for washing vehicles.
Types of car shampoo
Hand wash shampoos
Used for bucket-and-mitt washing; added to water at the stated ratio.
Foam wash products
Applied with a foam gun or foam machine; they soften dirt during the pre-wash. Some products contain wax (e.g. waxing car wash foam).
pH neutral shampoos
Mild shampoos that are neither acidic nor alkaline. For details, see our article what is pH neutral car shampoo.
What should car wash businesses look for when choosing products?
- Packaging and cost: For businesses washing many cars a day, 20–30 kg canisters lower the unit cost.
- Application equipment: Whether hand washing or a foam machine is used determines product choice.
- Dilution ratio: The usage ratio on the pack directly affects how many cars one canister can wash.
- Continuity of supply: Sourcing directly from the manufacturer makes it easier to maintain consistent product and packaging standards.
TETİK Car Shampoo
Tetikoğlu Kimya's TETİK Car Shampoo is produced in 20 kg and 30 kg canisters for car wash and car detailing businesses. Product codes and case information are on the car shampoos page. For other vehicle care products, see the car care products page; for washing steps, read how to use car shampoo.
