When it comes to car wash shampoos, there are several exceptional options available. It's essential to consider your detailing needs, preferences, and budget when making a selection. Prices can vary based on factors such as brand reputation, concentration, and specific features. Additionally, investing in a high-quality car shampoo often pays off in terms of long-term protection for your vehicle's finish. We’ve curated a list of our top 5 best-selling car wash shampoos. These products are known for their advanced formulations and superior foaming capabilities.
Using a good-quality car wash shampoo is crucial for several reasons:
- High-quality shampoos are formulated to be pH-balanced and gentle on your vehicle's paint and clear coat.
- They help prevent the stripping of wax, sealants, or ceramic coatings, preserving the integrity of the paint and finish over time.
- Contain lubricants that create a slippery surface, minimising the risk of swirl marks and scratches during the washing process.
- May have a higher upfront cost, they are often concentrated, meaning you need less product per wash. This makes them cost-effective in the long run compared to cheaper, diluted alternatives.
Now, let's get onto that list of the best car wash shampoos in Australia!
1. Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam
- High foaming, pH-neutral cleaning foam with a unique cherry fragrance
- 2-in-1 product: Snow foam for foam gun usage and shampoo for a manual car wash
- Does not corrode waxed, sealed or coated surfaces
- Price: 1L bottle for $53.95 or a 5L for $199.95.
- Dilution: Bucket – 50 ml per 10 litres of water
- Foam cannon – 20 ml per 1 litre
- One litre bottle serves approximately ten car washes
- Can be enriched with Green Star
Detailing Shed customers say this car wash shampoo is…
“Very thick snow foam. Smells great. Personally love to foam the car and then wash with 2 buckets with the snow foam on the car acting as added lubrication!” - Antony V.
“Gentle Snow Foam is incredible! The best dedicated snow foam I've used. Great foam. Worthy investment, Koch Chemie never disappoints” - Brock D
2. Bilt Hamber Touch-less
What: Bilt Hamber Touchless
- Biodegradable, sugar-based, pre-wash snow foam
- Recommended for trigger sprayer, pressure washer & foam cannon.
- Price: 5L bottle of this shampoo will set you back $103.95.
- Dilution: Foam cannon – 50 ml per 1 litre.
- Five litre bottle serves approximately 100 car washes
- Contains no phosphates, solvents, NTA, or caustic soda.
Detailing Shed customers say this car wash shampoo is…
“This is a prewash/snow foam that actually works! Car hadn’t been washed for a week, driven on country roads and in the rain. So had a considerable amount of build up on the lower panels.” - Steven.
“The Best Pre-Wash You Can Buy! This stuff will be the only pre-wash I buy from now on. Stubborn paint contaminants do not stand a chance. Not only is it the best in what it does, it's also extremely good value for money” - Brock D.
3. P&S Pearl Auto Shampoo
What: P&S Pearl Auto Shampoo
- pH balanced,100% biodegradable shampoo with a fresh lemon fragrance.
- 2-in-1 product: Snow foam for foamer or pressure washer and shampoo for a hand wash application
- Price: $29.95 for a 946ml bottle & $57.95 for a 3.8L bottle.
- Dilution: 80 ml per 10 litres of water (from 80-128:1)
- One litre bottle serves approximately six car washes
Detailing Shed customers say this car wash shampoo is…
“Great foaming action using 100ml in the 1L foam cannon applicator.” - Alex K.
“If you think it is just a shampoo, then you'll be more than pleased with this product as it makes the task of cleaning your car a lot easier. Very happy with the product!” - Col N.
4. Optimum Car Wash Shampoo
- Bio-degradable, pH neutral, rich concentrate with a blueberry scent.
- Price: 236ml is $14.95, 946ml is $28.95 & 3.8L is $69.95.
- Dilution: Bucket – 40 ml per 10 litres of water (250:1)
- One litre bottle serves approximately twelve car washes
- Cleans the toughest grime while maximising the protection of your sealant, wax or coating.
Detailing Shed customers say this car wash shampoo is…
“Concentrated, thick suds when used with snowfoam gun. Very concentrated so a little goes a long way. Used as a snowfoam prewash and two bucket hand wash. Thick suds/good lubrication” - Simond L.
“I have tried many shampoos, but I have now found my favourite. I use the two buckets or the foamer and this product is wonderful, and gentle on my skin. It makes plenty of foam and leaves NO soap residue behind. It also has no gloss enhancers which is great for my coated vehicle” - George S.
5. DIY Detail Incredible Suds
- Ph-balanced pre-wash car wash soap for heavy and light-duty jobs
- 2-in-1 product includes: snow foam for foam gun usage and shampoo for a manual car wash
- Leaves no streaks or messy residue.
- Price: $34.95 for a 473ml and $179.95 for a 3.8L.
- Dilution: Bucket - 60ml per 7 litres of water
- Foam cannon - 30ml per 1 litre of water
- 3.8 litre bottle serves approximately 20 car washes
Detailing Shed customers say this car wash shampoo is…
“Very impressed with the thick foaming and very well lubricated, breaks down grime well” - Craig S.
For professional users
1. Koch Chemie Active Foam AF
What: Koch Chemie Active Foam AF
- Highly concentrated, phosphate- and NTA-free foam with sandalwood scent
- Price: $239.95 for 10L
- Dilution: Bucket – 35 ml per 10 litres of water (1:10)
- Intensive and paintwork protecting cleaning performance and supports the self-cleaning and therefore the service life of the brushes.
- 10 litre bottle serves approximately 140 car washes
Detailing Shed is your one stop shop for high quality car detailing products. Explore our extensive range of the best car wash shampoos, ceramic coatings, pressure washers, leather care, premium microfiber towels, detailing brushes, polishers and more! At Detailing Shed, we believe in building lasting relationships with our customers, and our commitment to exceptional service reflects our passion for exceeding your expectations.