Why I’ll Never Buy Cheap Car Soap Again (2025 Wash Kit Review)

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Last summer, I turned my driveway into a science lab. My car looked like it had survived a dust storm, and every wash left new swirl marks. My neighbour joked, “Your paint job has more spiderwebs than Halloween.” Determined to fix it, I spent six months testing 12 car wash kits — here’s what works (and what’s a total scam).

The Day I Ruined My Hood (And What I Learned About Car Detailing)

It all started with a $10 “premium” car wash kit. I found it at a local store and thought it would make my black Honda look shiny and new.

The soap smelled like coconuts. It felt like a small luxury.

But after just one wash, my car’s hood looked awful. Instead of a clean shine, I saw dull lines and swirl marks across the paint. It looked like someone had scrubbed it with sandpaper.

The problem? Cheap microfiber towels. They may feel soft, but some are poorly made. They trap dirt and scratch your paint when you wipe.

That day, I learned a lesson the hard way: not all car wash products are safe, even if they look good.

Most Scratches Come from Washing…