When is to OK to use DAWN ?

[cv_soccer]

If I’m getting ready to do a major detailing on my GTI won’t washing with Dawn get rid of most of the old ’wax’ so that when I clay it will pick up any ‘bonded’ contaminants in the clear coat rathen then in the wax? When I start polishing I should just be dealing with the clear coat rather than removing more wax.

Am I off base or does this tie down?

[Ryan L.]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

What clay are you using? If your using the one that comes with the Smooth Surface Clay Kit (White clay bar), it would be much better to just clay the car twice to remove everything. While it may seem that the Dawn will remove everything, which it will, it will also dry out the paint and trim over time. You'll be surprised at how easily the clay bar removes the old wax as well as above surface contaminants.

If your using the Mild Clay (Blue clay bar), one time claying the car should be more than proficient to remove everything.

I know it may seem tempting, but trust me, in the long run you will be better off just claying.

Ryan

[Andy M.]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

The only time it is OK to use Dawn is when you are doing the dishes. Claying your paint or using a quality paint cleaner is all you need to do.

Andy
101impala

[cv_soccer]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

What clay are you using? If your using the one that comes with the Smooth Surface Clay Kit (White clay bar), it would be much better to just clay the car twice to remove everything. While it may seem that the Dawn will remove everything, which it will, it will also dry out the paint and trim over time. You'll be surprised at how easily the clay bar removes the old wax as well as above surface contaminants.

If your using the Mild Clay (Blue clay bar), one time claying the car should be more than proficient to remove everything.

I know it may seem tempting, but trust me, in the long run you will be better off just claying.

Ryan

I normally use the NXT car wash and if I were to use Dawn it would be for this one time purpose only.

I will be using Meg’s Detailing Clay - C2000 before I start my polishing with M80 and finishing up some 8-10 hours later with NXT 2.0.

[CAShine]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

I dont think that there is a thick enough layer of wax on the paint to warrant the usage of dawn. Dawn is best used if you wanna clean the wax out of your pads. If you wash then you the clay bar you will be all set to polish then wax. Also if you have soft paint then this could cause more harm then good.

[Murr1525]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

There is really just no need to use Dawn. The clay and cleaner will easily remove any wax without needing to dry out trim, seals, etc. (Granted, one time will not dry everything out and ruin it.) But still, why bother.

And really, if whatever wax it was can survive claying and cleaning, why would you want to remove it? If it is that good of a wax, leave it on....

[Michael Stoops]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

There is really just no need to use Dawn. The clay and cleaner will easily remove any wax without needing to dry out trim, seals, etc. (Granted, one time will not dry everything out and ruin it.) But still, why bother.

And really, if whatever wax it was can survive claying and cleaning, why would you want to remove it? If it is that good of a wax, leave it on....

I agree 1000% with everything said here.

I have never washed my car, or any other, with Dawn before doing a full wash/clay/polish/wax and I've never had an issue with the clay NOT doing its job because there was still wax on the paint.

[Ryan L.]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

I agree 1000% with everything said here.

Cool, there is a 1000%...gotta tell my math teacher about that. In all seriousness, I too agree with Murr, its doesn't have any advantages over clay and paint cleaner that makes it worth while.

Ryan

[roushstage2]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

There is really just no need to use Dawn. The clay and cleaner will easily remove any wax without needing to dry out trim, seals, etc. (Granted, one time will not dry everything out and ruin it.) But still, why bother.

And really, if whatever wax it was can survive claying and cleaning, why would you want to remove it? If it is that good of a wax, leave it on....

[WrightDetail]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

If I’m getting ready to do a major detailing on my GTI won’t washing with Dawn get rid of most of the old ’wax’ so that when I clay it will pick up any ‘bonded’ contaminants in the clear coat rathen then in the wax? When I start polishing I should just be dealing with the clear coat rather than removing more wax.

Am I off base or does this tie down?

Dawn is good for oil coated birds in case of oil spill...but Dawn doesnt come close to the autos....

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

The only time Dawn touches a car care product is to clean the pads. Let the clay do its thing. Leave the dawn in the house.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

won’t washing with Dawn get rid of most of the old ’wax’ so that when I clay it will pick up any ‘bonded’ contaminants in the clear coat rather then in the wax?

The way to remove a previously applied coat of wax or paint sealant is to use a product that will safely remove whatever is still on the surface and do it in a way that it won't cause any harm, (dull the paint), and will in fact leave the paint clean, yet clear.

This is a job you can do with a hand applied application of a light paint cleaner or even a cleaner/polish, for example, Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, (a paint cleaner that leaves the paint looking clear and shiny), or M09 Swirl Remover 2.0, (a cleaner/polish that will leave the paint looking clear and shiny).

Both approaches clean the paint and perfectly prepare the surface for the next step, whether that be claying, polishing or sealing.

Using a product designed to clean paint and make it look good keeps you moving forward in the paint polishing process towards the goal which is to maximize the potential of the paint. Using detergent soap, (which is not formulated to make paint look polished and glossy), would be working backwards away from your goal.

Some protection ingredients are detergent resistant, so if your goal is to get down to an absolute clean base, the a thorough application of a product designed to clean the paint to an absolute clean base would be a more for sure approach then washing with a detergent soap with a wash mitt.

[cv_soccer]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

The way to remove a previously applied coat of wax or paint sealant is to use a product that will safely remove whatever is still on the surface and do it in a way that it won't cause any harm, (dull the paint), and will in fact leave the paint clean, yet clear.

There are lots of references on many threads to Dawn removing the 'wax' and was just curious to find out if there was any use for Dawn in cleaning my car. Dull my paint! If there is any chance of that then the only thing that Dawn will touch will be dishes.

Mike once again thank you for your input.

[buda]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

DAWN is a degreaser, and if it is used to wash a car, it will tend to remove wax. I suspect there is nothing wrong with using DAWN if you are trying to completely clean the surface of the vehicle.

That said, it has always been my suggestion to professional detailers and to car enthusiasts that they make life simple and use products for what they were formulated for.....car wash shampoo to wash a car; stripping shampoo to strip a car of oils and wax; carpet shampoo for carpets; engine degreasers for engines.

Meguiars has a fine line of such products and you ought to simply use that product for that job you have to do. Why look for other alternatives when the right one is in front of you everyday.

You don't wash your hair with Dawn or Joy do you? Or bathe using liquid laundry detergent? They will work quite effectively. Then don't do the same with your vehicle.

Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS

[cm2005300]

Re: When is to OK to use DAWN ?

Makes Sense