How To Remove and Prevent Water Spots From Forming On Your Car

Having to clean up water spots on a freshly-cleaned vehicle can be a source of frustration for drivers. This type of streaking on the vehicle body is fairly common and is caused by evaporated water beads.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to remove water spots from your car and share ways to prevent them.

How to Remove Water Spots From Your Car

There are different ways you can remove water spots from your car. Some of the most common ones include using a mix of water and vinegar, wiping it down with baking soda, or by applying paint cleaner/polish for tougher stains.

Vinegar

Since distilled white vinegar is a mild acid, it helps break the bonds water minerals have formed on glass surfaces. This alone makes it one of the most effective ways you can remove water spots from your car. To use it as a cleaning agent, follow the following steps:

• Step 1: Mix two parts water with one part white vinegar.
• Step 2: Pour into a spray bottle for convenience and ease.
• Step 3: Spray the solution on the water spots and rub it with a clean cloth.
• Step 4: Rinse the solution using a hose or a clean cloth soaked in water.
• Step 5: Dry your car with a clean towel.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is also one of the most effective cleaning agents due to it being an alkaline substance. This helps make it easier to dissolve dirt and grease in water.

Not only is it effective, but baking soda is also accessible at home. If you have some and want to use it to remove water spots, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Mix three parts baking soda with one part distilled water to make your solution.
• Step 2: Apply the solution on a clean cloth, then rub it on the water spots.
• Step 3: Leave the solution on the spot for at least 15 minutes.
• Step 4: Rinse the area using water or by wiping it with a soft cloth.
• Step 5: Pat the area dry.

Clay Bar

Clay bars make for effective cleaning agents as they help loosen contaminants such as water spots. To effectively use a clay bar, you’ll also need clay lube and a protective wax or sealant. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Take a piece of the clay and knead it into a usable form.
• Step 2: Lubricate the water spot and the clay bar with clay lube.
• Step 3: Rub the bar gently over the water spot.
• Step 4: Rinse away the remaining lube.
• Step 5: Apply protective wax or sealant.

Paint Cleaner/Polish

Some of the water spots seem more stubborn than others because they’ve etched themselves into the car’s finish. Luckily, paint cleaners help remove part of the finish, giving your car a brand-new look! Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Dab paint cleaner on a pad.
• Step 2: Apply the product onto the water spot, then rub it in circular motions until the stain disappears.

Why Do Water Spots Form on My Car?

Water spots form on your car when water beads evaporate and leave behind minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It’s similar to how coffee mugs cause coffee stains on your table or coasters.

How Do I Prevent Water Spots Forming on My Car?

You can easily avoid water spots if you know what causes them. Evaporated high mineral water is the culprit, so one way to prevent stains is by thoroughly drying your car after washing.

If that doesn’t work, here are other ways you can prevent water spots from forming on your vehicle:

Get a Water-Repellent Coating

The easiest way to prevent water spots is by getting a water-repellent coating on your vehicle. This makes it so most of the beads slip right off, limiting the possibility of leaving spots. Of course, some beads might still rest on your vehicle depending on the spot, but those should be few and far between.

Dry Your Vehicle Thoroughly

The proper way of drying your freshly-cleaned car is by using a microfiber drying towel. Using one ensures you don’t leave behind a single water bead that may cause staining.

Some car owners make the mistake of leaving their cars to dry under the sun. This accelerates the evaporating process of the water beads, leaving even more water spots than usual.

Wash Your Vehicle With Distilled Water

Since distilled water is a type of purified water with contaminants and minerals removed, it won’t leave behind water spots. Using it to wash your car should guarantee a clean finish, even if you let it dry under the sun.

One glaring downside of using distilled water is the price. Since you won’t have natural access to it, you’ll most likely have to buy a gallon or two to wash your vehicle.

Park Away From the Rain

Rainwater contains the minerals that leave behind water spots. As such, it’s best to try and avoid rain as much as you can. One way to do this is by parking your car inside your garage.

Frequently Check for Water Spots

Try to regularly check for water spots, especially after rainy days. This may seem like a tedious process, but it helps ensure your car maintains a clean and presentable look.

Closing Thoughts

Dealing with water stains can be tedious if you’re unsure of what you’re dealing with. Luckily, water spots are easy to clean and prevent, as they stem from nothing but water beads. Developing a habit of wiping your car dry or keeping it safe inside a garage should save you the trouble of dealing with stains.

Where to Get Quality Vehicle Cleaning Supplies

Having the proper tools is essential for water spot removal and prevention. You’ll need a good car cleaner and the right brushes and cloths. Otherwise, you might end up scratching your vehicle’s paint or leave behind even more water spots. Thankfully, CarParts.com is here to help.

CarParts.com doesn’t only sell car parts. Our catalog contains a wide array of different car care products, including the ones you need to keep your car nice and clean. It takes only a few quick clicks to browse our easy-to-navigate website. If you’re itching to start cleaning your car, rest assured, we ship orders fast. We can deliver to your door in as fast as two business days. For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our friendly and helpful customer service team.

Don’t risk scratching your car when cleaning off nasty water spots. Order a quality car cleaning cloth and other car cleaning supplies at CarParts.com today.