When it comes to car wash shampoos, I am always looking for a balance of effective cleaning, great lubrication, and solid value. Bilt Hamber Auto-Wash checks all of those boxes and then some. Known for their performance driven approach, Bilt Hamber designed Auto-Wash to be highly concentrated, paint safe, and extremely slick. After putting it to use, it is easy to see why it has developed such a strong following.

Setup & Dilution

Bilt Hamber Auto-Wash has a standard dilution ratio of 20 ml per 5 gallons of water, which is impressively economical. For this test I paired it with the IK e Foam Pro 2, which has a 1.5L tank. To match the recommended ratio, I used approximately 2 ml of product, which is a tiny amount that really highlights just how concentrated this shampoo is.

Despite the low dosage, the shampoo mixed easily and activated well in the foam sprayer, with no issues during setup or use.

Foaming & Lubrication

While Auto-Wash does not aim to be an ultra thick, shaving cream style foam, it still foams up reasonably well, especially considering the extremely low concentration. The foam provided consistent coverage and clung well enough to the surface to help loosen dirt and grime.

Where this shampoo truly shines, however, is slickness. From the first pass with my wash mitt, the lubrication was immediately noticeable. The mitt glided effortlessly across the paint, allowing dirt and contamination to be safely lifted away with minimal resistance. This level of slickness is exactly what you want during the washing step to reduce any possible risk of wash induced marring.

The below photos show off the foam. Note that upon first spray the foam looks thick, but when using the e Foam Pro 2 I would consider this on the lower end. The next two show side panels after about 30 seconds, so the foam does dissipate quickly, but slickness does remain.

Cleaning Power & Safety

Auto-Wash did an excellent job breaking down everyday road film and grime without feeling harsh or aggressive. It rinsed cleanly, left no residue behind, and is safe to use on vehicles with waxes, sealants, and ceramic coatings. This makes Auto-Wash a versatile choice for regular maintenance washes.

Value & Longevity

One of the standout features of Bilt Hamber Auto-Wash is its outstanding value. With such a low dilution ratio, a 500 ml bottle can last close to 100 washes. That puts it in an exclusive tier when it comes to cost per wash, especially considering the performance it delivers.

Final Thoughts

Bilt Hamber Auto-Wash is a shampoo that prioritizes what matters most during a safe wash, lubrication, effective cleaning, and efficiency. While the foam is moderate, the slickness more than makes up for it and the incredible concentration means you are getting top tier performance at an excellent value.

If you are looking for a highly efficient, paint safe shampoo that delivers a smooth, slick wash, the Bilt Hamber Auto-Wash is absolutely worth adding to your wash routine.