What kind of soap is best for a ceramic coating?

You can use any shampoo designed for use on cars.

It is important to know that soaps, shampoo, detergents and traffic film removers are not particularly complex technologies, nor are they new technologies and basic formula has been figured out for a long time. On the one hand, 'this isn't rocket science', and on the other hand, it is not the case that 'any soap will do'.

So, we recommend you purchase a shampoo which has been designed for use on cars. You can get these from any supermarket, or you can buy named brands from motor accessory shops. One will not be much better than the others. They should all be PH neutral or close to it, and designed to loosen dirt and traffic film (oil, diesel, brake fluid) from all surfaces without causing damage to paintwork, plastic or metal.

What you must not do is use soaps and detergents such as dish soap or bathroom cleaner. These may well be 'hot' and be caustic to remove things like grease from stainless steel and ceramic. They may also contain salt. These are not kind to unprotected paintwork (although a ceramic coating should hold up well) and can damage rubber and plastic.

Wash'n'Wax

Some car shampoos also contain a wax which will leave a very thin coating on your car, which provides minimal protection and some shine. These are not needed on a ceramic coating and not ideal as you are adding a residue to your car which can build up over time, but they will do your ceramic coating no harm.

Ceramic Shampoo

Many manufacturers are now selling Ceramic Shampoo and there are huge numbers of them on the market. As far as we can tell, these are an evolution of Wash'n'Wax, only now they contain ceramic wax. 

You are welcome to try them, but our current recommendation is that you only use this category of product if they are recommended by the manufacturer of your ceramic coating because if there is anything to them, they would amount to a top-up product. 

Recommended

Currently, we are recommending Fireball products because they are safe for ceramic coatings, we are familiar with the company and the products, and you can get everything you need, all in one place, online. For everyday washing, of ceramic coated cars, we can recommend Fireball Shampoo Pearl or Fireball Tropical Shampoo.

For occasional deeper cleaning to remove limescale buildup, we can recommend Fireball PH3 Shampoo, which is slightly acidic. These products are safe to use on all the ceramic coatings we currently stock. 

What this question is really about

When people ask what kind of soap is best for a ceramic coating, they are usually worried about doing harm without realising it. There is often confusion caused by strong traffic film removers, household detergents, or old advice that no longer applies to coated cars.

The short answer in practical terms

The best soap for a ceramic-coated car is a pH-neutral, coating-safe car shampoo designed for regular washing. It should clean effectively without leaving residues or attacking the coating.

What to look for in a suitable shampoo

• pH-neutral formulation
• No added waxes or gloss enhancers
• Designed specifically for coated vehicles
• Good lubrication to reduce wash marring

Why wax-infused shampoos are best avoided

Many shampoos contain wax or polymers intended to boost shine on unprotected paint. On a ceramic-coated car, these are unnecessary and can be counterproductive.

• They mask the coating’s natural water behaviour
• They can make the surface attract dirt more quickly
• They make it harder to judge the true condition of the coating
• Soap-scum and wax residue can build up around badges and trim, attracting limescale.

What about strong cleaners and traffic film removers?

Strong alkaline or acidic products have a place, but not as everyday wash soaps.

• Occasional use may be needed to remove heavy contamination
• Frequent use can shorten coating performance
• They should be used deliberately, not as routine shampoo

What not to use

• Household detergents or washing-up liquid
• Highly alkaline “one product cleans all” solutions
• Anything designed to strip protection as part of normal washing

Common misconceptions

• “Stronger soap cleans better” - lubrication and technique matter more.
• “The coating protects against any chemical” - it is resistant, not invincible.
• “Loss of beading means the shampoo is wrong” - contamination is usually the cause.

Best-practice takeaway

• Use a pH-neutral, coating-safe shampoo for regular washing
• Avoid wax-infused or gloss-boosting soaps unless designed for ceramic coatings.
• Reserve strong cleaners for occasional, targeted use
• Good technique matters as much as product choice

Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 12/01/2026 17:38