The 15 Best Car Wash Soaps for Your Car Wash Business

As of 2023, the US car wash services market is valued at $32.8 billion, with around 80,000 car wash businesses in the country. Don’t worry – the market is still far from oversaturated. 

Many car owners prefer getting their cars washed professionally at least twice a month. If you’ve been planning to start a car wash business, now’s your chance!

Before you do that, you’ll need to find the best car wash soaps to get sparkling results every time. In this guide, we’ll list our top picks and give you tips on how to make the right choice.

Types of Car Wash Soaps and the Best Options to Choose From

Not all car wash soaps are created equal. Professional car washes need a collection of the best foam car wash soap, concentrate, glass cleaner, and presoak. Luckily, AP Formulator has a wide variety of car wash products to suit every need. 

Triple Foams, Foam Brush Detergents, and High-Pressure Detergents

These soaps are designed for high-volume, automatic car washes. They create a thick, luxurious foam that helps loosen dirt and grime, allowing for a fast and efficient cleaning process. AP Formulators offers a range of high-quality options in this category:

1. Wrap Lubricant: Easily the best car wash soap for foam cannon, this option is perfect for use on brand-new wraps.

2. Low pH Tropical Triple Shine™: This low pH formula creates a thick, luxurious foam that's gentle on paint.

3. Rainbow Triple Coat: This soap adds a brilliant shine while providing a layer of protection.

4. Ultra Tropical Triple Shine™: This eco-friendly car wash soap has a ton of cleaning power with a tropical fragrance. 

Hyper Concentrates

Hyper concentrates have highly concentrated formulas that offer excellent cleaning power and value. A little goes a long way – making this a perfectly cost-effective choice for your car wash. AP Formulators have several hyper-concentrates:

5. Excel Presoak Hyper Concentrate™: This concentrate will loosen tough dirt and grime before the main wash for a faster clean.

6. Excel Hi pH Wheel Cleaner™: The best option for tackling brake dust and road grime on your wheels. 

7. Excel Clear Coat Protectant™: Protect your car’s paint with this long-lasting protectant. It’s not exactly a soap, but it’s still a crucial part of the process. 

8. Excel Weather X™: This option will repel rain and road spray from the windshield for perfect visibility.

Glass Cleaners

Glass cleaners can remove dirt, grime, and water spots from glass surfaces in the car, such as the windshield and windows. They leave a streak-free, crystal-clear finish. AP Formulators’ range of glass cleaners includes:

9. Glass Cleaner Plus: This powerful formula cuts through dirt and grime, leaving every window sparkling.

10. Glass Cleaner 40:1: If you’re looking for a more cost-friendly option, this is the glass cleaner for you.

11. Windshield Washer Concentrate: This concentrate does a top-notch job of keeping every windshield clean and clear. 

Presoaks

A presoak is a type of prep soap that loosens dirt and grime before the main wash. It helps reduce the amount of scrubbing required, making the cleaning process faster and more efficient. AP Formulators offers all kinds of presoaks, including:

12. Ultra Extreme Foam Presoak™: This powerful presoak creates a thick foam that breaks down tough dirt as you start the cleaning process. 

13. Low pH Foaming Tunnel Presoak™: This gentle, eco-friendly formula is perfect for freshly painted cars.

14. Dream Klean Presoak™: This versatile presoak works great for both hand washing and automatic washes.

15. Extreme Foam Presoak™: This high-foaming presoak tackles heavy dirt and grime for an easier cleaning process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Wash Soap

Since professional car wash businesses need a collection of multiple car wash soaps, picking the top options can be tricky. Here’s a complete guide to help you make an informed decision.

Balancing pH Neutrality and Surface Compatibility for Vehicle Care

A pH-neutral car wash soap is a good choice for most vehicles since it minimizes the risk of stripping away protective waxes and sealants. However, a slightly alkaline soap may be needed for heavily soiled cars with stubborn contaminants. Luckily, the options from AP Formulators strike a perfect balance between cleaning power and surface protection.

Considering Concentration for Cost-Effectiveness

The concentration of a car wash soap can also impact its cost-effectiveness. When it comes to highly concentrated formulas, a little goes a long way. That means your long-term expenses will be much lower as long as you follow dilution instructions to avoid compromising cleaning performance.

Evaluating Foaming Ability for Effective Cleaning

A good car wash soap should produce a thick, rich foam that helps lift dirt and grime from the vehicle's surface. The foaming ability of a soap depends on its formulation and the type of water used. Soft water tends to produce a more substantial foam than hard water.

Enhancing the Experience With Scent and Appearance

While the main purpose of a car wash soap is to clean, a pleasant scent can take your client’s satisfaction up a notch. Luckily, AP Formulators’ car wash soaps are available in various fragrances. You can easily choose a scent that suits your preference!

Prioritizing Eco-Friendliness for Environmental Safety

Eco-friendly car wash soaps are formulated with biodegradable ingredients and minimal harmful chemicals. Using eco-friendly concentrated soaps can be the unique selling proposition of your car wash business, bringing in clients who may be willing to pay more. Look for soaps that are phosphate-free and free of harsh detergents.

Enhance Customer Satisfaction With AP Formulators’ Quality Products

Now that you know how to choose the perfect car wash soap, it's time to kickstart your car wash business. AP Formulators offers a range of high-quality car wash soaps, from hyper-concentrated formulas to eco-friendly options. Visit our website today to find more products in our line and start improving your customer service. 

FAQs on Car Wash Soaps

Does car wash soap make a difference?

Absolutely! A good car wash soap can make a huge difference in the look and longevity of your car’s finish. It helps remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants without damaging the paint or wax. 

What soap works best for cars?

The best soap for your car depends on the dirt and grime you’re tackling and the type of paint on your car. Ideally, a good car wash soap will have:

• pH neutrality
• Good foaming ability
• A biodegradable formula
• A pleasant scent