Using soap as a clay lubricant can be less than ideal for a couple of reasons:

1. Residue: Soap can leave a film on the surface, which may interfere with the clay's ability to glide smoothly, potentially leading to marring or scratching.

2. Effectiveness: Soap isn't as slick as dedicated clay lubes, which can reduce the clay's effectiveness in removing contaminants.

It's best to use a dedicated clay lubricant for optimal results, but if you’re in a pinch, a very mild soap can work with caution. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.

Yes, soapy water makes a very decent clay lubricant! It's by far the cheapest way to do it and you likely already have some in stock, so you can mix it up right now. After you wash the car, mix the same proportions of car shampoo and water in a clean bucket or spray bottle and apply generously to the surface.

Is Clay Bar lubricant necessary?

To clay bar your finish, you'll obviously need a clay bar. You also need a lubricant spray that's formulated specifically for this job. This is important because the lubricant keeps your finish safe and scratch-free as you wipe the clay across it.

Can you use washing up liquid with a clay bar?

I clay once a year and when I do I use washing up liquid prior to the clay treatment ensuring I dewax/grease/polish the car fully first. You should use a slippery solution to keep the clay bar from sticking - either use what might come with the bar or mix your own up (light solution of car shampoo/water will work OK).