We all know that dirt, grime, and road dust are going to get on your automobile. No problem. You know how to take care of that. Car care is your thing!
But what about when you see your vehicle covered in a blanket of greenish yellow film from pollen buildup. Do you wash it off like any other dirt? Will it harm that beautiful paint finish? Can you just wipe it off?
Good questions. And we've got answers. We’ll give you the correct answers, as the wrong ones might cause damage to that shiny paint job.
And no, we don't recommend driving down the road at a high rate of speed hoping the pollen blows off. (Thanks, anonymous Reddit user-we’re NOT following your advice.)
And if you ever get a speeding ticket - you know who you are - don't try using this as a defense. It doesn't work (I'm not at liberty to tell you how I know this)!
Important FYI: Leaving pollen on a car's surface poses several risks. Pollen contains natural pigments that can stain the car's paintwork. Over time, these stains can become more difficult to remove and may require professional detailing or repainting to restore the car's original appearance.
So, what's the best way for cleaning pollen off your car without causing damage? Here's our step-by-step guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Removing Pollen From Your Car
Car paint is bombarded with all kinds of stuff that can damage it. Tiny scratches, big scratches, chips, dings, and on and on. And now, pollen. Tree pollen, dried pollen, and pollen residue can cause long-term damage leading to the need for paint correction.
Depending on the season, lots of pollen particles are flying through the air.
Like a bad case of allergies for your car! Yes, pollen damage is a real thing. It effects the car wax, clear coat and paint job just like tree sap can.
Pollen removal requires a few special steps. So let's get to car washing:
Step 1: Gather your materials
You'll need:
A car cover (optional but highly recommended)*Grandpa approved
Car wash soap
Two buckets of water
A soft, microfiber wash mitt
A soft, microfiber towel for drying
Step 2: Prep the car
Before you start washing, park your car in a shaded area to prevent the soap from drying too quickly on the surface and leaving marks. Early morning or evening can also work.
Step 3: Rinse your car
Use a gentle stream of water to rinse off as much pollen as possible. This will help avoid scratching the paint when you wash with the mitt.
Note: Never use a pressure washer to blast the pollen off, as this can scratch the paint or clear-coat finish. And force water into areas it’s not supposed to go.
Step 4: Use the two-bucket method
One bucket will be for your soapy water, and the other for rinsing off your mitt. This method prevents the pollen from getting back onto your soapy mitt and scratching your car.
Give it a good wash with plenty of warm soapy water.
Then give it a good rinse with the other bucket. Yes, you can also use the hose to help rinse off the soapy water.
Step 5: Dry your car
Once you've rinsed all the soap off, use your microfiber cloth to pat the car dry. Never rub the towel across the surface, as this can grind in any remaining pollen and scratch the paint.
Step 6: The Key to Success - Be Gentle and Diligent
With these steps, you'll be able to keep your vehicle looking its best, even in the heart of pollen season.
Once You Get the Pollen Off Your Car-Protect It
Pollen is a fine powder produced by flowering plants as part of their reproductive process. It's typically yellow or green in color. It is lightweight and easily carried by the wind.
When pollen lands on a car, it can stick to the surface due to a combination of factors. One of the main reasons is that pollen grains are slightly sticky, allowing them to adhere to different surfaces.
Then, the heat from the sun can cause the pollen to dry out and harden, making it even more difficult to remove.
So, the best method is to minimize it from collecting on your cars surface. Keeping your car protected whenever possible is best.
If you can, use a car cover when parked, especially under trees. If that's not possible, try to park in a garage or at least away from trees to limit the amount of pollen that falls on your car.
The best way to protect your vehicle from pollen damage is with a sealant, wax, or ceramic coating.
Final Thoughts on the Best Way To Get Pollen Off Your Atlanta Car
A car wash is not always a car wash when pollen removal is involved. Pollen can scratch your cars paint and be very difficult to remove.
And don’t ignore it. Pollen buildup will damage the clear coat and cause premature paint deterioration if not cleaned properly. Have you ignored pollen for too long? You might need to use a clay bar treatment to get it off.
That's why Crum's Mobile Wash and Wax brings our mobile car washing and detailing service right to your front door.
If you need to get that pollen off your car, give us a call: 770-624-6306
Hey Atlanta - We've got your car covered! (And not with pollen.)
FAQs About How To Get Pollen Off Car
Is it OK to wipe pollen off car?
Wiping pollen off of your car can scratch the paint. It might not seem like it, but pollen is abrasive.
Will pollen damage car paint?
If it is left sitting on your car, it will begin to damage the paint. The longer it sits there, it will bake into the surface of the paint, causing more damage and making it difficult to remove.
How do you keep pollen off car paint?
It's almost impossible, as pollen gets into everything. But you can minimize the problem with a good wax finish, or even better, a ceramic coating.