Can I use Dry-Wash on a ceramic coating?
Dry wash and waterless wash products aren't recommended, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, let us acknowledge that dry wash and waterless wash products are controversial. While we think they have their place and there are situations where they can be used safely. In general, the manufacturers of these products tell us they will not scratch your paintwork, while professional detailers will testify that they do.
Our view is that all methods of washing your car will cause some wash marks, but the best way to minimize this is with copious amounts of water, and minimal rubbing and wiping. Waterless Wash and Dry-Wash products are the exact opposite of this methodology, and regardless of what chemical technology they are using are less than ideal.
However, in situations where water is not available, they are the only alternative if you want to clean your car. Under such circumstances, then you may well reduce any wash marks they may cause by having a ceramic coating.
Otherwise, we could never recommend using them on a ceramic coating if water is available because washing with water is a far superior method.
We also cannot recommend their use, because we really don't know what might be in them, even assuming you are not washing your car down with paraffin (in some parts of the world, petrol is cheaper than water, and so people have been waterless washing cars for a very long time, with highly flammable fuels). Some of these products contain oils and 'sealants' which would not be ideal over a ceramic coating.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 24/02/2023 15:36