Dishwashing soap or detergentIt's easy to see how someone would be led to believe that the same cleaning product that was so effective at getting that tough lasagna stain off their plate would work equally well at washing their car. However, while dish soaps and detergents are certainly great at what they do, there's a reason they should stay in the kitchen. The same chemicals that allow dish soaps and detergents to cut through grime so well can negatively affect your car's exterior. These products are often too harsh to the paints and protective coatings of your car and will eventually eat away at them. Stripping away your car's coatings won't only give it an unsightly appearance, but can leave it more exposed to the elements, resulting in further damage and corrosion. So as tempting as it might be to use these cleaning products given their affordability and convenience, this is something you'll want to avoid for the safety of your car.Instead, use a good-quality car-specific soap to do the job. These items contain the proper chemical and pH levels to keep your car clean without the risk of stripping away any of its exterior elements.Wash cloths and towelsWhile washing your car, you'll need something to wipe it down with, both while cleaning and to dry it off. Most homes come complete with items that are sufficient at these tasks such as towels, rags, and wash cloths. But for the purpose of cleaning your car, these items may not be as effective as you might think. The issue with most rags and towels is that they are surprisingly harsh. Sure, they may not be harmful to use on your skin or items around your house, but the kinds of fibers that make up these items can prove abrasive on cars and cause unappealing scratches, marks, and swirls. On top of that, they're not even all that great at cleaning cars. Towels have especially bulky fibers that aren't great at absorbing the kinds of substances that commonly cover cars. You also risk making your car dirtier if you use a towel that contains dirt, debris, and grease trapped within its fibers. Again, you'll want to use a product that is better equipped at interacting with and cleaning cars. In this case, a microfiber or chamois will be your best bet, as they are made of gentler material that won't leave marks on your vehicle while remaining absorbent enough to tightly contain moisture and debris.