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Armor All

Car Wash

surfactant-basedready-to-usewarning-labelpaint-safeclear-coat-safestreak-free

A ready-to-use automotive shampoo formulated with gentle surfactants designed for regular car washing without stripping existing wax protection.

Key Chemistry

pH Level

N/D

Active Mechanism

surfactant emulsification

Surfactants

7 (anionic, nonionic)

Expert Analysis

This formula centers around sodium lauryl ether sulfate as the primary cleaning agent, balanced with additional anionic and nonionic surfactants to create effective dirt removal while maintaining gentleness on automotive finishes. The multi-surfactant approach allows for thorough cleaning action while the formula is engineered to rinse cleanly without leaving residues that could cause streaking.

Key Differentiators

  • Ready-to-use convenience eliminates dilution guesswork for consistent cleaning performance
  • Complete ingredient transparency with all 18 components disclosed, unusual for mainstream car wash products

Potential Concerns

  • Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, while gentler than sodium lauryl sulfate, can still be moderately degreasing with frequent use
  • Ready-to-use format may be less economical for users who wash cars frequently compared to concentrated alternatives

Ingredients

18 disclosed
Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid1 - < 5
CAS: 68584-22-5surfactant
Sulfonic acids, C14-16-alkane hydroxy and C14-16-alkene, sodium salts1 - < 5
CAS: 68439-57-6cleaning agent
reaction mass of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (3:1)< 1
CAS: 55965-84-9preservative
WaterN/D
CAS: 7732-18-5solvents
Sodium Lauryl Ether SulfateN/D
CAS: 68585-34-2surfactant
Hydroxyethyl celluloseN/D
CAS: 9004-62-0thickener
sodium hydroxideN/D
CAS: 1310-73-2pH Adjuster
Sodium sulfateN/D
CAS: 7757-82-6filler
SaltN/D
CAS: 7647-14-5preservative
Sodium xylenesulphonateN/D
CAS: 1300-72-7surfactant
Alkenes, C>10 alphaN/D
CAS: 64743-02-8surfactant
Sulfuric AcidN/D
CAS: 7664-93-9pH Adjuster
C10-16 Alcohol EthoxylateN/D
CAS: 68002-97-1surfactant
Non-hazardous ingredientsN/D
CAS: Mixturemiscellaneous
Benzene derivativesN/D
CAS: Trade secretsurfactant
1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylimidazolidine-2,4-dioneN/D
CAS: 6440-58-0antimicrobial agent
Nonfunctional constituentsN/D
CAS: N/Amiscellaneous
Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue)N/D
CAS: N/Acolorant

Source: sds only

Safety Profile

Signal Word
Warning
Eye Hazard
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
Skin Hazard
Causes mild skin irritation (GHS category 3: irritant to skin)
Corrosive to Metals
No
Flammable
No

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