The 3 Most Common Detailing Myths (And What You Should Actually Do Instead)

The 3 Most Common Detailing Myths (And What You Should Actually Do Instead)

The car care world is full of advice—but not all of it’s good. From TikTok hacks to old-school myths passed around garages, there's a lot of misinformation that could actually be damaging your paint or wasting your time.

Let’s clear things up with the top 3 detailing myths we hear all the time—and what you should do instead.


❌ Myth 1: "The More Foam, the Better the Clean"

Yes, foam looks cool—but the thickness of the foam doesn’t always mean better cleaning power.

The truth: It’s about the formula, dwell time, and what the foam lifts—not just how thick it is.

What to do instead: Use a high-quality foam like Synergy Snow Foam, let it dwell 5–10 mins, and rinse properly. The cleaning comes from the chemistry, not the fluff.


❌ Myth 2: "Dish Soap Works Just as Well as Car Shampoo"

Wrong—and risky. Dish soap strips wax, dulls your paint, and can damage coatings over time.

The truth: Car shampoos like Quantum are pH-neutral, lubricated, and designed to clean without stripping protection.

What to do instead: Stick with a proper car shampoo for safe, streak-free cleaning.


❌ Myth 3: "One Towel Does It All"

Using the same towel for drying, wheels, and windows? You’re cross-contaminating and risking scratches.

The truth: Different surfaces = different towels.

What to do instead:

  • Use a dedicated plush towel for paintwork

  • A second cloth for glass

  • A separate one for wheels and dirtier jobs

Bonus: Wash them all separately and air dry to preserve softness.


💡 Final Tip: Trust the Process, Not the Trends

Detailing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be done right. When in doubt, go back to basics:
✅ Pre-wash
✅ Contact wash
✅ Rinse
✅ Dry
✅ Protect

And always use the right products for the job.


👉 Shop the Safe Wash Essentials Kit
Everything you need to avoid these mistakes—and get the pro results you're after.

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