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; use with caution)
- 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 + Caution |
| 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.