Yes, you can use soapy water with a clay mitt as a lubricant. Using soapy water can provide the necessary lubrication to allow the clay mitt to glide smoothly over the surface of your vehicle, minimizing the risk of scratching or marring the paint. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

A reusable Clay Mitt that removes ingrained dirt, bugs and tar spots from your paintwork

Using Soapy Water with a Clay Mitt

1. Choose the Right Soap: Use a car wash soap that creates a lot of suds. Avoid using household dish soap as it can strip away wax and protective coatings on your vehicle's paint.

2. Mix the Solution: Fill a bucket with water and add the appropriate amount of car wash soap to create a soapy solution. Follow the instructions on the soap bottle for the correct dilution ratio.

3. Rinse the Vehicle: Before claying, rinse the vehicle thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. This helps prevent any large particles from scratching the paint during the claying process.

4. Apply Soapy Water: Dip the clay mitt into the soapy water solution and ensure it is well-lubricated. You can also spray the soapy water directly onto the section of the vehicle you are working on.

5. Clay the Surface: Gently rub the clay mitt over the lubricated surface in straight lines, applying light to moderate pressure. Frequently dip the mitt back into the soapy water to keep it lubricated.

6. Rinse and Inspect: After claying each section, rinse the area with clean water and inspect the surface. Move on to the next section and repeat the process.

7. Wash and Dry: Once you have finished claying the entire vehicle, wash it again with the soapy water to remove any remaining residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry the vehicle with a clean microfiber towel.

Benefits of Using Soapy Water

• Cost-Effective: Soapy water is an affordable and readily available lubricant option.
• Effective Lubrication: Provides sufficient lubrication to prevent scratching and marring during the claying process.

By using soapy water correctly, you can effectively and safely use a clay mitt to decontaminate your vehicle’s paint, leaving it smooth and ready for polishing or waxing.