Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss Foaming Car Wash Soap
CarCareTruth Score
Decent, but wear gloves and ventilate.
Priced as of May 30, 2026
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Prices may varySerious hazard — read before use
The manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet classifies this product with one or more GHS Category 1 health hazards — the most severe tier. The hazard statements in quotes below are the verbatim GHS language from the SDS, as required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. The line under each statement translates the GHS classification into plain language.
- H314 “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.”
GHS Category 1 skin corrosion — classified as causing irreversible skin damage on contact.
- H318 “Causes serious eye damage.”
GHS Category 1 eye damage — classified as causing irreversible eye damage on contact.
If swallowed, inhaled, or splashed in eyes:
Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (US, 24/7, free) and have the product container with you. Poison Control's standing guidance is to not induce vomiting after chemical exposure; they will direct first-aid steps based on the specific product.
About this product's hazards. This product's Safety Data Sheet uses signal word danger. Read the manufacturer's SDS and follow all safety instructions before use. CarCareTruth ratings translate the manufacturer's safety sheet. They do not replace the SDS or substitute for a hazard assessment specific to your task.
Health score is for adult use as intended, per the manufacturer's SDS. It does not model child ingestion, accidental spill cleanup, or off-label use. See the safety panel below for full hazard classification, and /disclaimer for the full editorial scope.
From the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2025-10-04)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesRequiredMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1) · GHS H318SkinRequiredMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.132 · GHS H314Lungs—No PPE in published sourcesVentilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H318 (serious eye damage, Category 1) and H314 (skin corrosion/eye burns, Category 1) are classified at concentrate strength in SDS §2. The concentrate pH of 12.6 is above the caustic threshold. Eye protection is warranted when handling the product at full concentrate.”
— Chemical Guys
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1); 1910.151(c)
“The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from… liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids…”
ANSI Z87.1 (chemical splash protection — incorporated via §1910.6)
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H314 (skin corrosion, Category 1) is classified at concentrate strength in SDS §2. The NaOH/KOH alkaline system at 2.5–10% concentrate drives the corrosive classification; the concentrate pH of 12.6 exceeds the caustic threshold. Skin protection is warranted when handling the undiluted concentrate.”
— Chemical Guys
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.132; 1910.133; 1910.138; 1910.151(c)
“Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”
ANSI Z87.1 (eye/face — incorporated via §1910.6)
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
No PPE specified in published sources for lungs. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
The Podium · Top 3 in Car Shampoo
See the full ranking →This product ranks #15 of 22 in Car Shampoo.Three above it ↓
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 30, 2026
TL;DR Cleans reliably and does not strip wax at normal wash dilution — a solid foam-gun-compatible shampoo that's well-reviewed by a large owner base. The concentrate has a DANGER signal word (alkaline pH); wear goggles and gloves when handling it undiluted. Prop 65 warning is genuine.
What it is and how it performs
Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss lifts road film and brake dust with a citrus-scented foaming formula for foam cannons, foam guns, and two-bucket washes. Use 1 oz per gallon in a bucket or 45–60 ml in a cannon chamber. Multiple long-term reviewers confirm thick, slick suds that do not strip wax or sealants at recommended dilution. One reported caveat: the gloss polymers can leave light streaking on windows and glossy plastic at higher-than-label concentration. Shake before use if the bottle has been sitting.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
Best for owners with waxed or coated paint who want a high-lather foam-gun shampoo for routine weekly washes. Skip it if you need a strip wash before a new wax or coating application — use a dedicated strip shampoo instead.
Safety and environmental impact
H314 (skin corrosion) and H318 (serious eye damage) are on the SDS at concentrate strength; wear goggles and gloves when handling the undiluted product. At ~1:256 working-solution dilution both codes are expected to resolve. SDS §15 lists two confirmed Prop 65 substances: 1,4-dioxane (cancer, trace byproduct from surfactant manufacturing) and sulphur dioxide (reproductive harm). The wash solution goes to storm-drain runoff; one surfactant ingredient carries an aquatic toxicity flag at concentrate. No EPA Safer Choice certification; "biodegradable" on the Amazon listing is a manufacturer claim without SDS confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss safe for ceramic coatings?▾
Community reviewers consistently confirm it does not strip wax or standard sealants at the recommended dilution (1 oz per gallon). Chemical Guys markets it as coating-safe, and Amazon reviewers report no adverse effects on coated surfaces at normal wash concentration. Note that wax-safe and ceramic-coating-safe are distinct claims — if your coating requires a specific shampoo per the coating manufacturer's warranty, verify with the coating brand before using any non-approved shampoo.
Does this shampoo have a Prop 65 warning?▾
Yes. The SDS (revised 2025-10-04, §15) lists two Prop 65 substances: 1,4-dioxane (a cancer-listed byproduct of the ethoxylation process in SLES) and sulphur dioxide (reproductive harm). This is a confirmed genuine warning verified against the SDS, not a Rainforest API false positive.
Can I use this in a foam cannon?▾
Yes — multiple verified purchasers confirm foam cannon and foam gun compatibility. Reviewers use roughly 45–60 ml per cannon chamber and report thick, clinging suds. It also works in standard two-bucket washes at 1 oz per gallon.
Why does the label say DANGER if it's a car wash soap?▾
The DANGER signal word comes from the concentrate's chemistry: the alkaline formula (pH 12.6 at full strength) carries H314 (skin corrosion) and H318 (serious eye damage) classifications in the SDS. At working-solution dilution (1 oz per gallon), the corrosive pH is expected to drop well below the hazard threshold — neither H-code is scored as surviving to working solution in CCT's breakdown. The DANGER classification reflects concentrate-level data; the working-dilution hazard profile is substantially lower.
Does the formula separate over time?▾
Yes, multiple reviewers note that the liquid separates on standing, particularly in larger sizes stored for extended periods. Shaking thoroughly before each use is confirmed practice across the Amazon review community.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from Chemical Guys, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •POWERFUL CLEANING (CWS_301_16) - Citrus-based Chemical Guys foam soap creates thick suds that lift away dirt and grime while enhancing shine, delivering a safe and effective clean for cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles
- •CANNON & BUCKET COMPATIBLE - This Chemical Guys car wash soap works with cannons, hose blasters, or bucket washes, delivering thick suds and versatility for quick maintenance or complete detailing sessions
- •ENHANCES SHINE - Gloss-boosting polymers improve paint clarity and depth, leaving your vehicle looking brighter and more reflective after every wash with this foam car wash soap without stripping existing wax or sealants
- •SAFE ON SURFACES - Gentle pH-balanced Chemical Guys soap with a formula that is safe on paint, clear coats, glass, plastic, rubber, wheels, and more, ensuring a scratch-free car wash experience with every application
- •CITRUS POWER - Natural cleaners in this car foam soap cut through road grime, brake dust, and grease while leaving a fresh, invigorating scent, making every wash both effective and enjoyable
- •PROFESSIONAL RESULTS - Used by enthusiasts and detailers worldwide, this premium, foaming Chemical Guys wash soap turns any wash into a complete detailing experience, delivering showroom shine at home
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Manufacturer videos
Manufacturer images
Manufacturer specifications
- Brand
- Chemical Guys
- Item Form
- Liquid
- Scent
- Citrus
- Specific Uses For Product
- Car
- Material Feature
- Biodegradable
- Surface Recommendation
- Vehicle Exterior (Car, Truck, SUV, Jeep, RV & More)
- Special Features
- chemical guys car wash soap, chemical guys car wash, car soap wash, car soap, carwash soap, car soap foam, car wash foam soap, car wash soap for pressure washer, foam cannon soap for pressure washer, pressure washer soap, pressure washer car soap, car wash foam, car wash supplies, car wash shampoo, car shampoo, chemical guys wash and wax
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Material Features
- Biodegradable
- Item Volume
- 473 Milliliters
- Unit Count
- 16 Fluid Ounces
- Number of Items
- 1
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