Chemical Guys CWS_301 Citrus Wash and Gloss Concentrated Car Wash (1 Gal) Review
The Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss Concentrated Car Wash is probably one of the most expensive car washes in the market but for good reason. Just like the other car detailing tools and products produced by Chemical Guys, this one does not disappoint. Let's take a look at why this car wash is worth the price.
Shampoo + Gloss
This product is a car shampoo and a gloss enhancer at the same time.
Its cleaning ability is excellent because it is formulated with highly concentrated, very pure and potent citrus extracts. The citrus extract is a known ingredient in many cleaning products. It easily breaks down heavy dirt, tar, grease, debris and road grime without damaging your car wax or paint sealant.
It is also formulated with the finest glossing agents lubricating the car surface making it easier to remove dirt and other contaminants without scratching the surface of the car. After wash, you will notice that the product has created a layer of shine on your car surface.
If your car has never been waxed, you could use this car wash and make your car shine as if you have waxed it.
Other sizes: 4 ounce and 16 ounce
Wax Remover
However, because it is a citrus based product. It is not pH balanced and can strip off your car wax or paint sealant if the specified dilution ratio is not followed. The proper car wash dilution ratio is 1 ounce or cap full to 4-5 gallon water.
But if you intend to redo your car wax or paint sealant, you can easily add more ounces into the bucket to make it more concentrated and powerful to remove car wax or paint sealant. In this way, the product can serve as your car wash, gloss enhancer, and wax remover at the same time.
A little goes a long way
The best part is you only need 1 ounce or cap full of this product to make it work. A gallon of this product could last for more than a year. This is why I find this product is not so expensive.
Watch the video to see how the product works
Tips:
- Please shake vigorously before use because the mixture splits in half: citrus extracts and glossing agents.
- Be careful when using citrus based car washes like this one because they are not pH balanced. If you exceed the specified dilution ratio, it could strip off the wax or paint sealant from your car.
- Don't let this product dry on your car surface. Rinse immediately.
Advantages and disadvantages
- A little goes a long way.
- The foam is very tight, thick, sudsy and slippery.
- The foam does not disappear quickly.
- The smell is good.
- Cleans effortlessly.
- Did not leave residues or contaminants.
- Adds gloss or enhances the shine of the car.
- Great pre-wax prep.
- Good for stripping away wax if more than the specified amount is used.
- Good for cars that have never been waxed.
- The price to quality ratio is excellent.
- The solution is so dense it settles at the bottom of the bucket and will need to be stirred more to foam up.
- The mixture separates in half so you'll need to always shake it up before using it.
- The solution might clog up the pressure washer or foam gun as it has the tendency to harden.
- Not pH balanced.
- Citrus product are generally not good as a maintenance/regular wash as there is a higher chance that it would strip off your car wax if used frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this soap biodegradable?
Is it pH balanced?
Does this have wax in it?
Is it safe for dark and light colors?
What is the car wash to water ratio?
What is the dilution ratio if I want to remove the old wax?
Will this product remove wax off my car?
Does it have an expiration date?
How does it smell?
Can it be used in a pressure washer or foam gun?
Editor Rating: 4.5/5
The reason why I did not give a 5 of a 5-star rating for this product is because I do not recommend this product as your regular maintenance car wash. Although it does not show an indication that the car wax or paint sealant has been stripped off, a regular use of this car wash could potentially cut the life span of your car wax or paint sealant. This is because citrus based products are very potent there is still a chance or risk that it could have a negative effect on your car wax or paint sealant. Unless you intend to redo your car wax or paint sealant twice or more every year, this product would be an excellent choice.
Buy or not buy: I highly recommend this to car owners who have never waxed their cars before. Using this product will leave a good shine on your non-waxed car surface. For those who constantly redo their wax, this would be a good choice. But for those who likes to clean their cars regularly, I suggest using Chemical Guys CWS_402 Mr. Pink Super Suds Car Wash Soap and Shampoo (1 Gal) which is a more gentle car wash of the same brand.