When it comes to detailing your car in Los Angeles, using the wrong product is like putting ketchup on sushi—technically possible, but deeply wrong. Some products can wreck your paint, fade your trim, or leave streaks that scream, “I used dollar store soap.” Let’s talk about what *not* to use if you want your car to look like a million bucks instead of a Craigslist special.
Products to Keep Away from Your Car’s Exterior
1. Dish Soap – Just Stop
It’s made to cut grease on dishes, not pamper your paint. Dish soap strips wax and protective coatings faster than an LA parking officer writes tickets.
2. Glass Cleaner with Ammonia
Yeah, it makes your windows sparkle—until it eats through your tint. Ammonia-based cleaners are a death sentence for tinted windows. Get a tint-safe alternative.
3. Household Abrasive Cleaners
If it says “cleans ovens,” it doesn’t belong near your car. These will scratch and dull your paint faster than sandpaper at a demolition derby.
4. Silicone-Based Tire Dressings
Sure, they make your tires shine—until they fling greasy residue onto your paint. That stuff can stain and attract dust like no one’s business.
5. Cheap Microfiber or Old Rags
You might as well drag a cactus across your hood. Low-quality cloths can scratch surfaces and leave lint that makes your car look like it’s growing fur.
Better Safe Than Sorry: Stick to Car-Specific Products
Use shampoos, waxes, and cleaners made for automotive use. They’re formulated to protect, not punish, your car’s finish. Don’t gamble with your car’s looks just to save a couple of bucks.
Conclusion
In a city like LA, appearances matter. Don’t sabotage your ride with the wrong detailing products. If you're not sure what's safe, let WASH&WHIPS handle the dirty work. We use only top-shelf, paint-friendly products to keep your car looking killer. Have questions? Hit us up—we’re always down to talk shine.
