No, you should not clean your car with washing-up liquid.
Why Washing Up Liquid Isn't Suitable for Car Cleaning
While it might seem like a quick and easy solution to get your car clean, using washing-up liquid (also known as dish soap) is not recommended for washing vehicles. The primary reason, as highlighted in the reference, is that washing-up liquid is specifically designed to be a powerful degreaser.
- Strips Protective Layers: Washing-up liquid is "engineered specifically to break down and remove grease". This powerful action means it will strip any wax or paint sealant from surfaces on your car. These protective layers are crucial for shielding your paintwork from environmental damage and maintaining its shine.
- Causes Harm: Although it might make the car appear "clean" initially by removing dirt and grime, dish soap "will cause more harm than good" in the long run.
- Dulls Paint: A significant drawback is that using dish soap "can even dull paint", reducing the vibrant finish of your vehicle over time.
In summary, while washing-up liquid effectively cleans dishes by tackling grease, its strong degreasing properties are detrimental to your car's finish and protective coatings.