I use non-ultra dawn, it cuts grease but doesn't contain harsh detergents, plus it's under $1. We use it on the engines at the F.D. it works great and doesn't scratch.

 

^^^hmm, ill have to try that

 

washing my car myself is kinda a guilty pleasure i get...so give me a bucket , hose , a beer or soda , and some good music and watch me smile

 

man those power wash places are the best. here's my routine:

1. fill up a bucket with warm water and rain-x car wash (LOVE IT)
2. 2 bucks for 4 minutes. power-rinse, then foaming soap gun (just sprays 3 colors of conditioning foam that smells like tutti-frutti!)
3. hand wash car with new clothes and sponges only.
4. hand wash rims
5. 2 bucks more. power-rinse, spot-free low pressure rinse (stuff works WONDERS!)
6. hand dry

after that, it looks better than new.