Artillery Fungus on Cars: How To Remove It

Notice any tiny black spots on your car recently? You probably think they’re just specks of dirt, but if they don’t go away after a thorough cleaning, then they might be artillery fungus. Artillery fungus is bad news for any vehicle owner, and it only gets worse the longer it stays on your car. Right now, time is of the essence. You should get rid of all traces of artillery fungus on your vehicle as soon as possible.

What Is Artillery Fungus?

Sphaerobolus fungi, more commonly known as shotgun fungi or artillery fungi, are small, reddish-brown balls that can stick to your walls, windows, and cars. They love wood mulch and typically thrive in places where the temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees.

Why Is Artillery Fungus Bad?

The thing about artillery mold is that they’re notoriously hard to remove once they latch onto your vehicle’s finish. Also dubbed “cannonball fungi,” they can discharge spores that can jump up to 6 feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally. They can spread pretty far, and it only gets worse when the wind carries them farther.

Artillery fungi can also leave small black spots on your car paint, which can leave permanent marks on your vehicle. If you don’t act fast, you might have to get your entire paint redone, which is likely to cost you a lot.

How To Remove Artillery Fungus on Your Car Paint

If you act quickly, it shouldn’t be too hard to remove artillery fungus from your car. Here are some ways you can get rid of the fungus by yourself:

Using Plastic Razor Blades

When dealing with any kind of sticky residue on your car, plastic razors are going to be your new best friend. They’re great for scraping off artillery fungus, tar, and old bumper stickers without damaging your paint or windows. It’s best to spray something like WD-40 before scraping with a razor blade as it helps get the sticky residue off without scratching the paint. However, this method can also be very taxing, especially if you’re dealing with large areas. You’ll have to scrape everything off by hand, which can take hours.

It is best to spray something like WD-40 on the bumper stickers or tar before scraping them off with a razor blade as it helps get the sticky off and not scratch the paint.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Using Tar Remover

Applying tar remover to affected areas can also help remove artillery fungus. However, it’s most effective in cases where the fungus hasn’t taken hold on your vehicle’s surface yet. Commercial products such as Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover contain chemicals that can break up the fungus, allowing you to remove the spores without damaging your paint or windows.

Using Commercial Cleaners

You can also try using any commercial car cleaner that you already have in your garage. However, its effectiveness will still depend on how long the spores have grown on your vehicle. If the infestation is relatively new, Automotive Goo Gone and other commercial cleaners should get rid of the fungus and other dirt on your car.

Using a Clay Bar

A clay bar is a malleable tool used to remove tar, dirt, and other debris from a vehicle’s surface without damaging the paint, glass, or metal. It’s a lot like the soft clay you used to play with as a child, except they also come in harder and rougher versions.

To use a clay bar to get rid of artillery fungus from your car, make sure to wash and dry your car first. Then, apply a liberal amount of clay lubricant before going in with your clay bar in one direction.

Using White Vinegar

White vinegar isn’t just useful in the kitchen. It’s also great for removing tree sap, artillery fungus, and other dirt on your car. The great thing about it is that it doesn’t contain any of the harsh chemicals that most commercial cleaners have.

To use white vinegar to remove artillery fungus on your car, you’ll have to dilute it in water first. And be sure to rinse it off right away too.

Using All-Purpose Cleaners

Commercial cleaners that you typically use in the kitchen or bathroom can also work against artillery fungus. Formula 409 and Windex have worked for some, but you’ll have to roll your sleeves up for this DIY. You’ll have to scrub the surface gently but thoroughly with a soft microfiber towel.

How To Get Rid of Artillery Fungus for Good

Sometimes, artillery fungus can still come back even after you remove it from your vehicle. Brown stains can sometimes form in its wake, which is a sign that the fungus has already taken root in your car’s finish. The best way to get rid of artillery fungus for good is to apply preventive measures that will prevent it from coming back. Here are a few ways to do so:

Apply a Protective Coat of Wax

Applying a coat of high-quality wax over your vehicle’s finish every month should do the trick. Not only does wax protect your car paint from artillery fungus, it also prevents scratches, UV damage, and other debris from sticking.

Remove Mulch in Your House

Because artillery fungus is attracted to mulch, it’s a good idea to clear your yard of any mulch and other wooden decor. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to completely say goodbye to your landscaping dreams. There are plenty of other alternatives you can choose from, such as stone, gravel, and river rock. You can also go for rot-resistant mulch like cedar, redwood, and cypress.

Use a Car Cover

If removing mulch from your yard is going to take a while, then you might want to invest in a car cover. It’s not a fool-proof plan, but car covers can still help prevent spores from latching onto your paint.

How to Get Your Hands on Accessories to Fight Artillery Fungus

As mentioned, you can use tools like razor blades, commercial cleaners, and clay bars to get rid of artillery fungus in your vehicle. Protective wax also gets the job done.

Fortunately, CarParts.com offers a variety of affordable yet high-quality cleaning products that can be used to keep your vehicle tidy and fungus-free.

To start shopping, download our mobile app or visit our website. Use our vehicle selector and toggle our search filters to shop according to your preferred brand or price range.

Our distribution centers are equipped with the latest technology to ensure orders are packed and shipped out in no time. Place your order today, and get your cleaning supplies in as fast as two business days.

Don’t let artillery fungus grow and spread all over your vehicle. Grab all the cleaning supplies you need from CarParts.com!