luvchevs

Is it necessary to buy a specific lubricant to clay a car, or can a mixture soap and water be used instead?

Dave

spdkilz911

Soap and water can be used. I now use detail spray and it works just fine.

Homer3D

Yes, car soap and water works just fine. It is what I use. If you have "clay lube" that came with your clay bar, feel free to use it until it is gone but there is no reason to buy another bottle of it.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Becareful as some soaps can be harsh and break down clay .... I find that mixing up some Optimum No-Rinse. Very lubricated, doesn't harm clay, and also nice to put a little in wash bucket for hard water areas.

Black 02

I use soapy water and it works just fine.

ztheusa

Soapy water works better than clay lube.

Boomer111

Try the Nano sponge then there will be no problem of product breakdown.

It is easier and faster than the clay and if the sponge is dropped just rinse it off.

Google "Nano Sponge".

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

you might like the towel also ... the cost is higher, but clearly another option.

Street Rat

I use a few drops of "Dawn" detergent and water mixed in a spray bottle. It has worked well for me. Keep the surface wet at all times when using the clay bar and lubricant.

Sleper

I use detailing spray and it works well

SouthBaySurfer

I've used the Optimum as well, and I'm very happy with the results. Plus, it smells good.

scarecrowkc5

Hot tap water and a spray bottle works fine for me.

Merlinii

There a quite a few clay lubricants that have been designed with the express purpose of contaminant removal whether using clay or a clay alternative.
I have been using a diluted Optimum No-Rinse (ONR) for both clay bars and the – Fine Grade - Nanoskin Autoscrub Speedy Prep Sponges and Towels.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that when "claying" lubricity is important and soaps can and will damage both clay & polymerized rubber products.

Boomer111

Grzldvt1

Gotta jump on this one, we use car wash soap(Zaino Z-7 to be specific) We clay 4-7 cars a day and have yet to have any issues with the clay breaking down or having any issue with the rubber. In fact we get 15-20+ nasty cars out of 1 bar, although the Nano Sponges are the real choice on easy cars.

ztheusa

You stand corrected.......

AFVETTE

Yup, just bought and used it on my new C7. I used Dawn Detergent in 2 gallons of water and microfiber towels to initially wash my new car, then mixed up 1 fresh gallons of wash and used that as the lube for the Clay Sponge. Easy peasy.

luvchevs

What is this Nano Sponge and where do you get them?

Dave

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-clay...ti-eraser.html
(comes in aggressive also)

http://www.autogeek.net/nanoskin-med...ep-sponge.html

http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-elastrofoam-cleaner.html

Boomer111

I have only used the sponge. The towel might be easier but will cost more. The sponge tended to roll on me. It is taller than wide. No biggie if dropped just rinse off. Understand that rinsing off after every panel is recommended too.

My car is garaged and a non DD. At 6 years and 30,000 miles the fine grade was ok. I kept the car up prior though except for clay/sponge work.