Top 3 Car Detailing Myths (Busted!)
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When it comes to car detailing, there’s no shortage of advice — from your uncle’s backyard tips to viral videos showing people pressure washing their car interiors (don’t do that, by the way). But not everything you hear is true, and following the wrong advice could actually damage your vehicle. Let’s clear the air and bust three of the most common myths once and for all.
Myth #1: “Dish Soap Works Just Fine for Washing Cars”
We get it — dish soap is always in the kitchen, it’s strong, and it cuts through grease. But that’s exactly the problem.
Dish soap is formulated to strip oils and waxes from your dishes — and it'll do the same to your car. That means every time you wash your car with dish soap, you’re also stripping off any protective wax, sealant, or ceramic coating you've applied. Over time, this leaves your paint more vulnerable to UV damage, water spots, and contaminants.
Better alternative:
Use a pH-balanced car wash soap. It’s gentle on protective coatings, tough on dirt, and won’t dull your paintwork. If you’ve invested in detailing or protection, it only makes sense to wash with the right stuff.
Myth #2: “Just Use an Old Rag or T-Shirt to Clean”
You know that drawer of random socks and faded tees? It’s not the treasure trove of cleaning rags you might think it is.
Cotton materials like t-shirts and towels might feel soft to the touch, but under a microscope, they have uneven, coarse fibers that can scratch delicate surfaces — especially car paint and rims. Plus, they often just move dirt around rather than lift it away, increasing the risk of micro-scratches and swirl marks.
What to use instead:
Use high-quality microfiber cloths or purpose-built tools. For tricky areas like wheel spokes, door hinges, and other tight spots on your car, the Fox Tail is unbeatable — soft, flexible, and designed to get where other tools (or socks!) can’t.
Bonus: We've literally had customers tell us they tried the Fox Tail and realized how much dirt they’d been missing all along.
Myth #3: “If It Looks Clean, It Is Clean”
Shiny paint doesn’t always equal a clean surface. Contaminants like brake dust, tar, and industrial fallout can embed themselves into your car’s paint and wheels — even after a wash.
These invisible nasties might not be visible, but they can slowly eat away at protective layers, dull your finish, and lead to long-term damage.
How to tell:
After washing, gently run your hand or a plastic sandwich bag over the paint. If it feels rough, those are contaminants stuck to the surface. At this point, your car could use a clay bar treatment or a specialty iron remover to truly clean the surface.
Extra Tip: Beware of “Too Much Product”
This isn’t a full-blown myth, but it’s a common mistake: using too much product doesn’t always mean better results. Oversaturating your cloths, wheels, or interiors can lead to residue build-up or streaks. With detailing, it’s more about technique and tools than drowning your car in spray bottles.
Wrap-Up:
Detailing doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does have to be smart. By avoiding these common myths and using tools designed for the job (like the Fox Tail), you’ll protect your car, save time, and get professional-level results at home.
Want to upgrade your wash routine?
Check out the Fox Tail here — and join hundreds of happy detailers who’ve ditched the rags for good.
If you're tackling dirty rims, don't miss our full guide on cleaning your wheels like a pro.