Why is Dawn bad for stripping?

[glen e]

Does anyone know chemically why Dawn is bad for stripping products? I occasionally see where a APC is recommended or a type wash, and it goes on to say Dawn is bad. In using it the occasional 1-2 times annually on all my cars for years, I have seen no damage and it strips well...anybody have any links to show if it`s really bad or just a "non-detailer" product?

[daves120]

I have never heard of it as a "bad product", so that makes me curious as well. I use it on cars that are extremely dirty and ones. Also, Dawn is utilized on cars when I want to strip them and start with a clean base.

[BobbyG]

Hey Glen,

Even though I`ve heard the same thing I have not seen any real evidence of it so personally, I suspect it`s more of a scare tactic to buy another product over Dawn.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it`s used exclusively to clean live animals and birds that become victims of oil spills. Considering this, how damaging can it really be to your finish if used once or twice annually?

Probably nothing.....

[Rsurfer]

Some say it will dry out your rubber seals if used to often. I can`t see it doing any damage if using only once or twice a year.

[glen e]

exactly guys...a few writes up are trying to sell other washes by saying dawn is terrible - I just don`t think that`s the case. Would gladly stop using it if someone can post pics of damage or even a detailed discussion of the problems with it. I`ve never read anywhere of that happening...

[Stokdgs]

Glen e -- Maybe they meant Dawn is terrible if used too often? Or it is terrible to runoff into the creeks and rivers ??

Sal Zaino recommends Dawn to strip a vehicle before applying his products. He could have recommended anything, and he chose Dawn.

I use it for really greasy dirty nasty jobs and it works great and is very predictable in its results for me.

I guess it could strip rubber of oils but as Detailers, we look out for that and take care of those seals, right ?

I vote Yes - for Dawn, Not Sure - if she is a bad stripper or not..

Dan F

[sal329]

Used only occasionally to strip wax or foamed onto the car there is No problem but used often it can be bad for trim and rubber seals

[RTexasF]

The only negatives I have heard were based on using it often which makes sense.

[Todd@RUPES]

Dawn shouldn`t hurt anything if used occasionally. It will weaken or remove waxes and sealants, but if that is your goal then you should be okay.