Best Truck Wash Soaps

Trucks face unique challenges that many cars do not, including use on rough roads, regular long hauls and larger bodies. These factors require specialized soaps to handle tough grime, road salts and heavy-duty cleaning needs. Using the right truck wash soap ensures efficient, effective cleaning by removing stubborn buildup, protecting the vehicle and reducing wash time.

How Is Truck Wash Soap Different From Car Wash Soap?

While car wash soap is fine for personal vehicles, it lacks the strength for commercial truck cleaning. Truck wash soap offers specific characteristics that ensure a deep clean without damaging the truck's surface.

More Cleaning Power

Where car wash soap handles lighter cleaning needs like removing dust and pollen, trucks require detergents that can handle diesel residue, road tar and thick layers of grime. The best commercial truck wash soaps have powerful degreasers to break down these contaminants efficiently.

Safe for Industrial Surfaces

Truck soap formulas are suitable for surfaces like metal, aluminum and industrial paint. Many include aluminum brighteners to restore shine to trailers and tankers. Car wash soaps are formulated for preserving clear coats and trim.

Suitable for Large Vehicles

Car wash soaps typically create thick suds and foam, which slows down the rinsing process in large-scale washes. Truck soaps make less foam, so application and rinsing are faster.

Considerations When Washing a Truck

When it comes to truck and semi-truck cleaning, here are some important factors to think about before you begin:

Dirt and Grime

Excess buildup can wreak havoc on a truck's components. Trucks typically have a lot of bugs and road grime to wash away, and a cleaning solution should be able to deal with both effectively. Examine the truck's condition before deciding on a cleaning solution.

Water Pressure

Truck parts consist of various materials, including metal, fiberglass and plastic. Not all detergents and cleaning products are safe on these surfaces. Consider how the chemicals you're using will impact different vehicles.

Water Temperature

Washing trucks with warmer water is ideal for maximizing your cleaning results. Higher temperatures make the soil and dirt on the vehicle's surface more soluble.

What Is the Best Truck Wash Soap?

The best soap for your truck will depend on its condition, as each type is tailored to different cleaning needs to ensure a thorough and efficient wash. Here are some of the different types of truck wash soaps available.

Presoak

A presoak is the first step in a truck wash, helping loosen dirt, grime and road film before the main wash. Acidic presoaks remove inorganic buildup such as mineral deposits and road salts, while alkaline presoaks break down grease, bugs and organic contaminants. Our Fonic® Wash Citrus Low pH – (PR-174) is a low pH presoak with a strong acidic formula and pleasant citrus scent, perfect for loosening the tough grime that accumulates on truck bodies. 

Wheel and Tire Cleaner

These specialized cleaners remove brake dust, road grime and heavy dirt from tires and wheels and help protect metal components from corrosion. They need to be tough enough to dissolve some of the most challenging buildup a truck can develop while still protecting rim and tire materials. JBS Industries offers a range of wheel and tire cleaners with acidic or alkaline formulas to meet specific needs. Find products suitable for cleaning chrome, plastic, steel and aluminum alloy wheels in our selection.

Rain Guard

Rain guard or water-repellent soap creates a hydrophobic layer on the vehicle's surface, causing water to bead up and roll off quickly. This soap helps prevent water spots, reduces streaking and keeps trucks cleaner for longer. Samurai Shield – (WX-800) from JBS Industries is unlike any other vehicle protectant available on the market. It provides a long-lasting water-repellent coat and creates a stunning shine on the vehicle's surface. Samurai Shield is suitable for both touchless and friction bays or self-serve applications.

Glass Cleaner

Truck glass cleaners cut through road film, dirt and grease without streaking or haze. Some formulas contain anti-fog properties to improve visibility in different weather conditions. Others can repel rain, beading off water on windshields for better driving visibility. They are safe for tinted and untreated glass. If you're looking for a highly effective, quick-evaporating glass cleaner, Carolina Blue Concentrate – (ST-230) is the perfect choice. This non-streaking product looks as good as it cleans. It has a vibrant blue color and 4:1 dilution, making it extremely economical.

Bug Remover

Bug remover soaps break down stubborn bug splatter that is hard to remove with regular soap. These cleaners are usually alkaline-based, allowing them to dissolve organic residues without excessive scrubbing. Bugsaw Xtreme – (ST-202) contains chemicals that liquefy bug remnants to make washing trucks especially easy. It also has a fresh lemon scent and a bright yellow color your customers will love.

Detergents

Truck wash soaps are designed to work well with pressure washers for thorough cleaning and easy rinsing. If you're looking for the best soap for truck washes, our thick and foamy Truck Detergent – (DT-150) has a balanced pH level to protect a vehicle's surface. It also provides excellent lubricity and cleaning power for effectively lifting dirt and grease out of every crevice. 

Trust JBS Industries With All Your Truck Washing Needs

With over four decades of experience, JBS Industries is a leading car wash supplies manufacturer that believes in creating effective, concentrated products. We have more than a dozen of the best truck wash soaps, soaks and other products for all of your vehicle washing needs. Browse our range of premium wholesale truck wash products and place your order today!

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