Stars + Stripes vs. Old Glory: Choosing the Right Chem-X Touch-Free Wash System
Choosing the best touch-free soap for your setup, workflow, and finish goals.
When it comes to touch-free vehicle washing, Chem-X offers two powerful options trusted by fleets, mobile washers, and detailers nationwide: Stars + Stripes and Old Glory. Both deliver professional-grade cleaning with no brushes, no mitts, and no scrubbing—but they’re built for different workflows and use cases.
So which one’s right for you? Let’s break it down.
Shop Stars + Stripes: The Ultimate Touch Free Vehicle Wash
Shop Old Glory: Touch Free Active Foam Vehicle Wash
What Is Stars + Stripes?
Stars + Stripes is Chem-X’s flagship 2-step touch free wash system, designed for maximum road film removal and deep surface decontamination.
- Step 1: Stars – A low-pH acid pre-soak that breaks the bond between the surface and mineral contaminants like road film, salt, oxidation, and calcium buildup.
- Step 2: Stripes – A high-pH alkaline foam soap that lifts away grease, bugs, diesel residue, and organic grime while neutralizing the acid step.
Together, this dual-pH system delivers a deeper, more complete clean than a single soap alone.
Best For:
- Heavy buildup and road film
- Winter wash cycles (salt removal)
- Commercial fleets, semis, trailers, equipment
- Touch-free washing with maximum effectiveness
Note: Safe for polished aluminum when used correctly—apply in cool temps, small sections, and never allow to dry.
What Is Old Glory?
Old Glory is a single-step, high-pH (pH 13) alkaline foam soap that delivers powerful touch-free cleaning in one pass. It’s designed for speed and simplicity
Unlike Stars + Stripes, there's no separate acid step—just foam it on, let it dwell, rinse, and you're done.
- Safe On: Paint, powder coat, wheels, trim, and polished aluminum (when used correctly)
- Tip: Apply in cool temps, never let it dry, and rinse with high PSI
- Best For: Quick touch-free washes where simplicity and speed matter
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Stars + Stripes | Old Glory |
|---|---|---|
| Steps Required | Two-Steps (acid + alkaline) | One-Step (alkaline only) |
| Touch-Free Process | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Road Film Removal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (maximum) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (moderate) |
| pH Range | Dual pH (acid (low) + alkaline(high)) | Alkaline only (pH 13) |
| Time Required | Longer process | Faster workflow |
| Rinse Effort | Very easy – designed for touch-free rinsing | Easy, but may require light agitation on heavy buildup |
| Ideal Application | Heavy-duty, winter, fleet Dedicated 2-Step setup (dual lance or metering system), Freedom Foamer, 2 Foam Cannons (Chrome Cannon 2.0) |
Versatile: foam cannon, power washer injector, or sprayer |
| Safe on Polished Aluminum | ✅ With care | ✅ With care |
| Soap Management | Requires two products | One product, one bottle |
When to Use Each
Use Stars + Stripes if:
- You have a dedicated 2-step foaming setup (like a Freedom Foamer or metering valve).
- You want maximum cleaning power with minimal effort.
- You’re washing heavily soiled commercial vehicles, trailers, or equipment.
- You want a true touch-free experience with consistent results.
Use Old Glory if:
- You’re using a single-lance setup (foam cannon, sprayer, or injector).
- You want strong performance without a 2-step process.
- You need something versatile for various vehicles and surfaces.
- You prefer a simplified routine with fewer chemicals to manage.
Compatibility Notes
- Both products are safe for use on polished aluminum, stainless steel, paint, plastic, and glass when used as directed, at proper dilutions.
- Do not allow either product to dry on hot surfaces—rinse thoroughly and work in the shade or on a cool surface when possible.
- Stars + Stripes is not intended to be used separately; they are most effective as a team.
- Old Glory is ideal for for a simpler, touch-free wash with results similar to Stars + Stripes—without the extra steps.
Final Verdict
Both Stars + Stripes and Old Glory are standout choices in the Chem-X lineup—but which one is right for you depends on your equipment, wash process, and desired results.
- Choose Stars + Stripes if you’re ready for the gold standard of two-step touch-free washing.
- Choose Old Glory if you want a powerful, flexible cleaner that can be used in multiple ways with one product.
Whichever route you take, you’re choosing pro-grade cleaning chemistry backed by field-tested performance.
Clean smart. Wash better. The Chem-X way.
Concerned About Safety?
If you're looking for the safest wash option that's still highly effective, we recommend checking out Liquid-X.
Liquid-X is a pH-balanced polymer sealant wash that gently lifts dirt while leaving behind a slick, hydrophobic layer of protection. It’s ideal for maintaining coated or well-maintained vehicles, offering both cleaning power and surface enhancement in one step.
The only thing to keep in mind is that Liquid-X is a mitt wash, not a touch-free solution—so it does require more manual effort and time during application.