There is a lot of dust on the roads, which will accumulate on the car body and its other elements. This not only significantly worsens the appearance of the vehicle, but can also lead to damage to the paintwork. For this reason, experts recommend washing your car at least once a week. Car wash services are quite expensive - you can save on this if you wash the car yourself, especially if you have a device for contactless washing.
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We decided to devote our today's review to car shampoos for contactless washing. Today there are a lot of them on the shelves of specialized stores - it’s easy to get confused in such a variety. Before considering specific brands, we decided to first provide a number of recommendations regarding the correct choice of such products.
Requirements for the composition of car shampoo
The formulas of washing liquids include surfactants and components that regulate the acid-base pH value. Its optimal value should be within 6-9 units. Exceeding the value leads to darkening of the chrome elements.
When choosing a safe product, it is important to study the composition and method of use. A high-quality non-aggressive chemical production product contains the following components:
- Water. A base in which cleaning components are dissolved.
- Surfactants (surfactants). Their content should be in the range of 5-30%.
- Foaming agents, anti-corrosion components. They increase the shine of the coating and create an invisible protective barrier on it.
- Complexing agents. Softens water, increases the degree of fluidity of the drug.
Types of car shampoos
The choice of product depends on the weather and climatic conditions in the region. Various formulas of car shampoos have been developed, the use of which will thoroughly clean the body and give it a well-groomed appearance.
Summer remedies
They are effective at elevated temperatures. Most mineral and organic contaminants are washed away, including bitumen, insects, and soot.
Classic shampoos
Universal liquids can be used at any temperature and have high foaming and cleaning characteristics. However, the effectiveness of many drugs is lower than that of summer products.
Super concentrated composition
The drugs require dilution before use. Proportions are selected by users individually, depending on the conditions and purposes of washing. Distilled water should be used to dilute liquids.
How to choose a product
Experts recommend washing your car once a week to prevent the negative impact of dust and dirt on the condition of the glass and paintwork. With hard water, low pressure in the device, and long breaks between washes, it is difficult to wash your car using car shampoo for contactless cleaning. Additional mechanical brushing will be required.
When choosing a detergent, the quality and degree of contamination of the paintwork is taken into account.
You should not buy large-volume canisters for the first time. For first use, a 1 liter container is optimal.
Product type
2 options of means for contactless cleaning of car bodies have been developed:
- Single-component. They contain a small percentage of surfactants, are distinguished by a uniform shade and gentle effect.
- Two-component. Recommended for use in the cold season. They clean well from chemical reagents, but can corrode the body, so they require careful use.
You should check the foam level before purchasing. Thick and dense foam effectively traps dirt particles, which promotes good cleansing. Biodegradable products should be preferred. Their use will prevent the accumulation of harmful components in the environment.
Auto coverage
There are the following categories of preparations for contactless body cleaning:
- General purpose. Suitable for monthly or weekly maintenance
- With wax. Used to add shine to the body and provide additional protection.
- With polishing effect. They are used if it is necessary to additionally apply wax to the body.
Degree of surface contamination
The lighter the shade of the products, the less aggressive components they contain. Such liquids are used when the body is lightly contaminated with dust and sand. If there are traces of bird droppings, soot, oil stains, or sticky plant sap on the surfaces, you should choose dark, more concentrated formulations. In cold weather, truck concentrates with a complex and effective formulation can be used.
The best shampoos for touchless washing
The rating of car shampoos for contactless washing is based on user opinions and expert ratings obtained as a result of product testing. The top 15 includes chemicals from the best global and Russian manufacturers.
Hi-Gear HG8002N High Alkali
A concentrated product with a high level of foaming is effective in water of any hardness. Its washing ability according to OST 6-5-1662 is 98.6%, which allows you to remove stubborn dirt, traces of soot and grease. Alkali will neutralize salts on the body surface, but do not apply foam to areas subject to corrosion.
Advantages of the composition: high quality, economical consumption, efficiency. Disadvantages: high price, available for purchase only in specialized stores. Brand country: USA, manufacturer: Russia.
K Parts Soft concentrate with polishing effect
The professional washing solution of the German brand Karcher is suitable for contactless or pre-washing of cars and trucks, tanks, rubberized awnings, trailers. It removes carbon deposits, traces of petroleum products, and combines well with different types of waxes.
The advantages of the composition include easy application, absence of odor, and the ability to process chrome and rubber surfaces. Disadvantages: not suitable for processing motorcycles.
Astrohim Optimum delayed release
The product of the Russian brand is made using raw materials from the Dutch company AkzoNobel. It works in water of any hardness and provides effective body care. It is used to clean paintwork, glass, chrome, rubber, and plastic surfaces.
Advantages of the liquid: does not require preliminary dilution, economical consumption.
Disadvantages: ineffective in cleaning the space under the hood from traces of oil and technical fluids.
Quickly degradable Sintec Dr Active Classic
The concentrated preparation can be used in household and professional high-pressure apparatuses. It is also used in diluted form as one of the best car shampoos for hand washing. The composition cleans well from all types of stains and traces of bitumen, and prevents the formation of deposits of poorly soluble salts. The innovative formula ensures its anti-corrosion properties.
Advantages: economical, no negative impact on the environment, different volumes of canisters. Disadvantages: may leave streaks. (Russia).
Karcher products for home car wash
Ultra Foam Cleaner deep cleaning car shampoo is a blue liquid without a strong odor. Using a high-pressure apparatus, it forms a thick, dense foam, which can be used to process plastic, varnished, chrome, and metal surfaces.
Advantages of the solution: the content of biodegradable surfactants, the absence of plaque after use, the absence of a pungent odor and negative effects upon contact with the skin.
Disadvantages: fast consumption, does not always cope with old contaminants.
Grass Active Foam Pink with restorative effect
A highly foamy, concentrated, slightly alkaline liquid that creates a persistent, abundant foam in the form of pink snow flakes. It is applied evenly and removes soot, dust, and traces of oil well.
Advantages: economical, gives coatings shine after drying. Disadvantages: allergic reactions are possible, not suitable for treating the body in hot weather, when the air temperature rises above +35ºС.
Atas Dimer for heavy soiling
The product from the Italian brand Atas is effective in water of any hardness and temperature. It forms a thick foam that tightly covers the car body parts and is easily washed off.
Advantages: neutral odor, ability to remove any type of contaminant without mechanical action. Disadvantages: high consumption, increased PH level, which can damage metal elements. To eliminate the deficiency, anti-corrosion additives were introduced into the formula.
Expert Active Foam
A biodegradable alkaline solution is recommended for contactless body cleaning in the summer. It forms a dense foam that quickly removes traces of road dirt, bitumen, and insects.
Advantages: the formula contains no phosphates, carbonates or organic solvents. Does not damage plastic, rubber, paintwork. Disadvantages: does not provide a waxy shine on the body surface. Country of origin: Russia.
Sonax Super shine with wax particles
A concentrated product with a citrus aroma quickly removes road stains in water of any hardness. It is suitable for cleaning paintwork, plastic, glass, ceramics, rubber, porcelain.
Advantages: does not contain phosphates, is used economically, gives a well-groomed appearance to treated surfaces. Disadvantages: high price, polishing effect does not last long. Country of origin: Germany.
Economical Rein
All-season car shampoo removes traces of petroleum products, silicates, protein and mineral contaminants well. The concentrated composition is mixed with water in the required proportions. It is suitable for cleaning paintwork, polymer coatings, and metal products.
Advantages: economical (1 liter is enough for 8-10 washes). Disadvantages: harsh composition, which is why you should avoid getting the product on your skin. Manufacturer: Russia.
Universal composition Turtle Wax Essential Zip Wax
Concentrated shampoo with wax deeply cleanses surfaces and gives them a slight shine. It has a fresh aroma, foams well and leaves no streaks. The wax in its composition provides a water-repellent effect, which lasts until the next wash (subject to regular cleaning of the body).
Advantages: the washing liquid protects the car body from dirt for a long time, prevents the formation of traces from rain and puddles. Disadvantages: does not tolerate high temperatures. Country of origin: Spain.
Grass Foam Truck with high concentration of active substances
The two-layer liquid is designed for treating freight vehicles, tankers, wagons, and engines.
In case of heavy contamination, it is used for passenger cars.
Advantages of the drug: effective in cold water, in winter, contains anti-corrosion additives. Disadvantages: foams for a long time, aggressive formula requires increased skin protection. Manufacturer: Russia.
Concentrated foam Horse
This premium-level Russian concentrated product effectively removes heavy stains from glass, plastic, chrome and metal surfaces. Thanks to special additives, it is easily washed off, giving the paintwork antistatic and water-repellent properties.
Advantages: versatility, economical consumption. Disadvantages: pungent smell. Country of origin: Russia.
Aga S15 for the most unpleasant dirt
The liquid formula contains surfactants that are safe for humans and the environment. It forms a persistent, dense foam that removes traces of poplar buds, bird droppings, insects and other unpleasant contaminants. Car shampoo has a mild effect and does not damage paintwork and metal body elements.
Advantages: high efficiency, gentle on the skin (in case of accidental contact), low consumption. Disadvantages: many fakes. (Russia).
Hammer 501 014 with a lot of foam
The concentrated product is suitable for treating cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Possessing high adsorbing properties, it removes traces of soot, clay, insects, and deicing agents.
Advantages: biodegradable formula, restores shine and protects the body from aggressive environmental influences. Disadvantages: may leave streaks. Country of origin: China.
12th position: wax car shampoo Astonish Crystal Clear Wash&Wax
Astonish Crystal Clear Wash&Wax is included in the rating of car shampoos due to its functionality. It not only washes, but also polishes surfaces, since it contains wax.
Advantages and disadvantages
Universal composition - you can wash the body, rubber, nickel-plated surfaces
Provides additional protection to paintwork
After using shampoo, the surface acquires the ability to repel dirt and water
Gives stable foam
Economically used
Removes dirt and oil traces well
Leaves a beautiful shine
Can be used to wash not only cars, but also bicycles, strollers, etc.
Demanding on the composition of water, does not foam well in hard water
Poorly removes traces of bitumen
Poorly removes traces of sticky plant buds
Small packaging volume
The smell is not for everyone
May cause skin irritation, best to wear gloves
If you wash your car in bright sunshine, streaks may form.
You need to accurately dose the amount of shampoo - if you increase the dose, the foam will be difficult to wash off
The shampoo is suitable for hand washing. The product is concentrated, it is diluted in water before use. Copes well with various types of contaminants, with the exception of tar and bitumen.
| Characteristics | |
| Action | Cleaning, polishing |
| Effect | Adding shine, creating a protective film |
| Main components | Non-ionic surfactants, perfume composition, wax |
| Color | White |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Manufacturer country | Great Britain |
Comparison table: which is better to choose
A table has been compiled to compare the characteristics of shampoos. The information presented will help you understand which product is more suitable for the car owner.
| The best car shampoos | Characteristic | Features of the product | Canister volume (l) | Average consumption for 1 washing procedure (l) | Average cost (RUB) |
| Karcher RM 806 (Germany) | Most Popular | Universal, concentrate | 5,0 | 40-80 | 2000 |
| Atlas Dimer (Italy) | Better efficiency | Two-component | 1,0-10,0 | 40-80 | 299-2400 |
| Grass Active Foam Eco (Russia) | Purity and protection | Active foam | 1,0-5,0 | 80-100 | 300-560 |
| Lavr Tornado (Russia) | Most effective in hard water | Enhanced cleaning activity | 5,0 | 60-100 | 1300 |
| Turtle Wax Hot Wax (UK) | The most persistent | Long-lasting protection and shine of body parts | 0,5-1,0 | 40-80 | 230-430 |
| Doktor Wax DW8133 (Russia) | Most functional | Universal | 0,3-0,6 | 40-100 | 450-670 |
| Autobella Atas (Italy) | No streaks after use | Two-component | 5,0-10,0 | 20-60 | 1170-2200 |
| Hi-Gear Touchless Car Wash (USA) | The densest and thickest foam | Contactless and manual | 1,0-4,0 | 40-80 | 200-850 |
9th position: car shampoo-polish LAVR “Carnauba wax”
Supercon is included in the ranking of the best car shampoos for hand washing. It is produced by a Russian manufacturer.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cleans well
Creates a protective film that repels water and dirt
Suitable for washing all surfaces of the car
Conceals minor scratches
Has a pleasant, unobtrusive smell
Safe for any materials - vinyl, rubber, chrome coatings
The presence of natural wax in the composition gives a mirror shine
Contains additives that slow down the corrosion process
Dries the skin of your hands very much, you need to use gloves
Small bottle, runs out quickly
Does not dissolve dried dirt well; it must first be washed off with water
Does not remove resinous stains
There is no measuring spoon, you have to pour by eye
If the foam has time to dry on the body, streaks will remain.
Does not foam well in hard water
It takes a lot of water to rinse off
Contains natural wax, which provides a pronounced polishing effect.
| Characteristics | |
| Action | Cleansing, polishing |
| Effect | Adds shine and creates a dirt-repellent layer |
| Main components | Anionic and nonionic surfactants, carnauba wax, flavoring, dye |
| Color | Pale yellow |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 330 ml |
Other means
The range of products for contactless washing includes not only car shampoos. To clean the body, concentrated preparations, formulations with wax, as well as liquids that protect surfaces from caustic stains are used.
Universal car shampoos
The formula of washing liquids includes silicones, anti-corrosion additives and other substances designed to protect the body. Their use is effective only if the manufacturers' recommendations are followed. The best products include:
- Borger Hell Fire (Russia). The product cleans and degreases the surface of vehicles. Effectively removes road pollution without leaving residue or streaks. Used with coating liquid glass, ceramics, rubber. Advantages: low consumption. Disadvantages: pungent odor, insufficiently dense foam.
- Carwell Light (Russia). A slightly alkaline washing liquid with dirt-repellent properties is designed to remove light dirt and add shine to the body. It can be used after applying wax and sealants.
Concentrated car shampoos
Prices for concentrates are higher than for simple solutions. They require dilution and, in terms of the cost of each wash, are more profitable. The top best drugs include:
- Runway Super High Suds (manufacturer: China). A phosphate-free product with a cherry aroma quickly cleans the body of oil, limescale, and organic residues. Lush foam is applied evenly and rinses off easily. Advantages: affordable price, versatility. Disadvantages - does not remove road dust, salt and road reagents well in winter.
- Autoprofi (Russia). Alkaline-free liquid is used for manual and non-contact body treatment. Silicone leaves a film on the surface that prevents road dust from settling and the formation of smudges during rain. Anti-corrosion additives in the drug formula protect body elements from corrosion. The liquid is economical in consumption: a 0.5 liter bottle is enough for 8-10 treatments. Advantages: antistatic and water-repellent effect.
Wax car shampoos
Such products clean the body well and create an invisible protective film on the surfaces.
Wax gives the coating a shine and well-groomed appearance.
The best cleaning liquids include:
- Turtle Wax Hot Wax FG8015 (UK). The product removes stubborn stains and provides invisible protection for 4 weeks after body treatment. It is used in the off-season and in case of severe pollution. After treatment, the car looks well-groomed.
- Hi-Gear Doctor Wax (USA). The professional formula of the liquid allows you to remove dirt and protect the body with polymer-wax foam until the next wash. Polymers and carnauba wax cover microcracks, preventing exposure to abrasives, corrosion, and ultraviolet radiation. Wax gives the bodywork a beautiful shine.
10th position: car shampoo with polish Expert Washing Wax
The 10th position on the list is occupied by car shampoo with polish Expert Washing Wax. The product perfectly removes oil, dirt and salt stains. The composition includes wax additives that form a protective film on the surface of the body.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cleans all car surfaces perfectly
Adds shine to bodywork
Highly concentrated composition, very little product is needed to obtain a cleaning solution
After washing, less dirt settles on the car
Cleans all surfaces - body, glass, rubber
Excellent for removing insect marks
Wax additives provide a polishing effect
Easily washes off oil
Small volume
Doesn't create much foam if used according to instructions
After applying the foam, you should not wash it off immediately; you need to give it time to work.
You can’t leave the foam on for a long time - if you wash it off too late, streaks will remain
Does not foam well if the water is hard
There is a smell, not too strong, but noticeable
Does not wash away tar and bitumen
Dries the skin of the hands, it is better to work with gloves
If you use shampoo regularly, there is no need to buy additional polish.
| Characteristics | |
| Action | Washing, polishing |
| Effect | Gives a mirror shine |
| Main components | Ionic surfactants, wax composition, fragrance |
| Color | Cream |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 300 ml |
How to use contactless cleaning products correctly
Incorrect use of washing liquids and non-compliance with washing technology lead to stains remaining on the body after treatment. To get a high-quality result, you should adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- Preparing the car. Bring the car to the site where the manipulations will take place. Turn off the engine, put the vehicle on the handbrake, and close the doors and windows tightly.
- Pouring water at a temperature of +20…+30ºС. Prepare a high-pressure apparatus (you can use equipment from Karcher, Bosch, Daewoo Power Product or other brands). Direct a stream of water from the gun from left to right, placing the nozzle at a distance of 10 cm from the body. The pressure effectively washes away dirt and dust from tires, wheels, body parts, and the surface of the hood.
- Treatment of special places. For additional care and thorough cleaning, you should use compounds for treating plastic, glass, and wheels. Insect stain removal products are applied to the windshield and hood. For plastic elements - plastic cleaner. The compositions are produced in aerosol cans. They are applied for 1-2 minutes and proceed to the next stage of processing.
- Application of active foam. Prepare a cleaning solution following the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. Foam must be applied to the body from bottom to top, starting from the doors, moving to the rear fenders, going around the car and ending on the roof and hood. Do not wait for the foam flakes to dry as this will cause streaks. Softening of dirt and stains occurs within 3 minutes, after which you must immediately proceed to the next step.
- Rinse with water. Foam with contaminants is washed off with warm water under pressure in the same order as during application. They start with the wheels and arches, sills, fender liners, smoothly rising higher, driving off the foam. The discs are washed with a jet from the inside, freeing them from traces of dirt. With this rinsing algorithm, unwashed areas will be clearly visible.
- Drying. You should first remove the water. Next, wipe the front, back and sides of the car dry. For light-colored cars, you can use a faux suede cloth. To cover paintwork in dark shades, it is better to choose natural suede material. The napkin should be squeezed out periodically. Particular attention should be paid to complex surfaces, joints of the hood and doors. Body elements should be wiped dry and polished with suede to prevent the formation of streaks.
Reviews of the presented shampoos
Most motorists recommend paying attention not to the brand of shampoo, but to the quality of the foam nozzle and the type of contactless wash. According to observations, the same product behaves differently when using several types of attachments. When you receive an emulsion solution, it drains quickly, leaving gray stains. When sprayed finely, a thick foam is obtained, which is washed off without leaving a trace.
Reviews from car owners help determine how to choose a shampoo and which brand of detergent is considered the best. Most users choose products from the Hi-Gear and Karcher brands, which form dense foam and leave no residue after rinsing. Using Sonax products with wax allows you to thoroughly clean the body and polish it to a shine. However, the brand’s detergent compositions do not foam well. Effective drugs also include liquids from the Meguiar, Koch, and Perfecta brands.
If the body is heavily soiled, car owners are advised to use Karcher’s two-component violet concentrate. Among Russian brands, Grass brand detergents received good reviews. However, after using them, some users have to wash the car manually. Motorists do not recommend using solutions intended for manual processing for contactless washing. After using them, traces of stains and streaks will remain.
What attachments and means for contactless body cleaning do you use and do you have any comments about them? Have you encountered fakes?
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FakeHeader
Comments 76
Cobra Dosatron - I’ve been using it for 3 years, I haven’t seen anything better yet
AVD-Schtorm has been washing pink grass for the fifth year, it washes 4. The main criterion for me is: almost at the cost of 500 rubles - 10 lit.
Two-component FOREST.
Perfecta. At a price of 5 liters 1100 rubles, but much safer and better
I used grass pink foam on Karcher K5 and Italian foam. Not bad, and the foam is thick if you make the solution for the foam thicker. But the dirt doesn’t wash off all the dirt the first time, I had to re-coat it. Now some kind of noname like High Gear (I don’t remember exactly) washes about the same, only I dilute it thicker. I’ll try it in the summer something else for hard water (ours is very hard)
None of these!
I use Grass Active Foam Effect - it raises the dirt by 5+, it’s a pity that I didn’t buy it earlier. pink and all sorts of grass gels smoke nervously!
I'll try! At Yulmart 300 rubles per liter.
I liked it, it really lifts the dirt and flows off along with the foam. When I wiped it dry, the paintwork creaked from cleanliness)))) average consumption is 150-200g per 1 liter of water (for foam), if you take a 5 liter canister, then the price is delicious
