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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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