Yes, laundry detergent can clean a car's exterior, but it is not recommended and can cause significant long-term damage. In the UAE's harsh conditions—with average summer temperatures exceeding 40°C, intense UV exposure, and frequent sand and dust—using a pH-neutral, automotive-specific shampoo is crucial for protecting your vehicle's paint and trim. Laundry detergents are formulated with strong alkaline surfactants to break down organic stains on fabrics, which strips the protective wax and sealants from your car's paint. Over time, this leads to accelerated paint oxidation, fading, and a dull finish, significantly impacting the car's resale value. For a typical sedan like a Toyota Camry in Dubai, the cost of using a proper car shampoo (e.g., AED 30-50 per bottle, lasting 15-20 washes) is negligible compared to the hundreds or thousands of AED in paint correction or diminished resale value it prevents. Authoritative bodies like the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and the RTA Dubai emphasize using approved products for vehicle maintenance to ensure safety and preserve asset value. A simple total cost of ownership (TCO) consideration for a family car used for 5 years shows that investing in correct cleaning supplies (under AED 500 total) protects against paint damage that can depreciate the vehicle by an additional AED 3,000-5,000.
