What's in dish soap?
Dish soaps and detergents can have many different ingredients depending on the manufacturer. They are usually made of surfactants, chemical compounds that break down grease. They also contain enzymes that help break down food residue. They often have added colors, perfumes, dyes, and scrubbing agents. Some dish soaps have ingredients that limit the growth of bacteria.
What can dish soap be used for?
Dish soap is often used for cleaning a variety of surfaces and household items. Dish soap has also been used for removing oil from wildlife found near oil spills, since it contains ingredients that help remove oil and grease but is still gentle enough to use on skin, hair, feathers, and fur.
Dish soap and water can be used in emergency rooms to decontaminate or remove harmful substances from the skin. Dish soap has also been known to be abused, by adding it to urine specimens in the hopes of passing a urine drug test. However, this method is not reliable and has resulted in false-positive results for some drugs and false-negative results for others.
Can You Use Dish Soap to Wash a Car?
Yes. Nonabrasive dish soaps are safe to use when washing a car. Although dishwashing soap is acceptable under certain circumstances, it should never be the first choice for a well-maintained car. Dish soap is so effective at its job that it will remove more than just stubborn contamination. It will remove any previously applied car wax or paint sealant and leave the paint unprotected.
What Soaps Should Be Used for Washing Cars?
The best soaps for washing cars are ones that are specifically formulated for this purpose. They're milder than dish soap or laundry detergent ━ plus, they're designed to be used on car exteriors. For the best results, it's always advisable to use the recommended amount of water to dilute them according to the product's instructions.
