Spring brings vibrant colors and striking beauty outside. But along with it, pollen can exist in abundance. Pollen is nature’s way of propagating, but it is also the main culprit that can give car owners a major headache—and that is a car covered in pollen.
As a car owner, you should learn how to clean pollen off car properly by washing it. This handy step-by-step guide will help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, especially during the challenging pollen season.
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Easiest Ways to Get Pollen Off Car
Below we have outlined the easiest ways to eliminate pesky pollen particles from your car and maintain your vehicle’s showroom glow.
1. Pre Pollen Car Care
Visit a professional car wash service to give your car its needed clean boost, including synthetic wax and polish. Professional car washers can apply a shine protectant so you’re prepared for the incoming pollen season.
2. Washing with Soap and Water
The best way to remove pollen particles from your car’s exterior is by washing.
First, use a hose to rinse your car to run the pollen downward with the water. Then wash a car to clean all your exterior, along with gaskets, jams, and caps that might have pollen.
You don’t need a special pollen remover, just use good car soap and a pressure spray to knock off stubborn pollen particles that can get stuck to the car’s surface.
3. Cleaning Your Wiper Blades
Don’t forget to clean your wiper blades while washing your windshield. Without washing regularly, pollen particles can build up in the wiper blades.
They can then turn into a paste and spread across your car windshield. Clean your wiper blades once a week using a paper towel.
4. Applying Wax or sealant
Apply a protective layer of wax immediately after cleaning your car. Wax protects your vehicle not just from pollen but from other destructive outdoor elements too.
You can also have another choice, which is a synthetic sealant to protect against road debris, pollen built-up, and other hazards. A layer of waterproof sealant can last for four months, helping you through the pollen season.
5. Clean the car interior
Your car’s interior can be as susceptible to pollen particles as the outside. Pollen can enter through your car’s ventilation system or every time you open your windows. Follow simple ways to keep pollen off the car and ensure a clean interior.
First, check the air filters at least once every 2 years and replace them when needed. However, if you live in an area with a high pollen level, consider cleaning your air filters every spring.
Next, you need to regularly clean your car’s fuel injection system to remove pine pollen or any particulate build-up. If required, consider replacing the fuel filter too.
6. Parking Indoors
What else can you do? Instead of paying for pollen cleaning solution and care costs, consider parking your car indoors or in a garage. This simple act can shield your car from the everyday pollen fallout, especially during early mornings when pollen usually forms.
What Can I Use to Clean the Interior Plastic of My Car?
You can use an all-purpose cleaner to eliminate pollen build-up on the plastic interior. However, you should not leave it for too long. Using a damp microfiber cloth to wipe any newly stuck pollen should be a better way to protect plastic interiors.
Steps to remove pollen from car
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to hand-wash your car properly.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You will need the following:
- Household hose
- Sponge
- Rags
- Microfiber towels
- Car wash soap/cleaner
- A bucket filled with water
- A car wax product
- A pad
Step 2: Wash Your Car
Connect your hose and adjust it to the normal setting. Start hosing down your car from the top to the sides and back. Next, focus on other areas like the windshield, car windows, etc. Make sure to wash every square inch of your vehicle.
Step 3: Apply Car Wash Solution
Set the hose aside and add a car wash soap for pollen to a water-filled bucket. Next, using a heavy-duty sponge, dip it in the solution and wipe your sponge on the car’s surface.
Apply from top to bottom, and get all the sticky pollen. Remember to use a different sponge for non-paint surfaces, like the wheels, chrome, and glass.
Step 4: Rinse with Water
Rinse every area of your car by spraying it with water. Then, allow your car to dry after washing. You can wipe it with a soft cotton towel.
Step 5: Apply a car wax
You can further protect your car from pollen by applying a layer of wax or synthetic sealant using a pad. Make sure to follow the instructions attached to the wax to ensure even application and long-lasting protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is pollen season?
Pollen season reaches its peak during spring but can begin as early as February and can last until early summer in June. Learn how to protect your car paint from pollen before those months so you can prepare your car for the incoming pollen onslaught.
How can I get pollen residue off my car?
Use a clay bar if you have stubborn pollen spots on car. A clay bar is a bar of clay that you can rub over your car’s paintwork. It will pick up any contaminants stuck to the surface, including bee pollen residue.
Using a clay bar can be tricky, though. It’s a hard product, so you have to ensure that the surface you’re working on is well-lubricated with clay bar lube.
How do you effectively get dried pollen off car paint?
You can remove dried pollen by using rubbing alcohol that is diluted to around 10%-15%. Just apply the diluted alcohol and blot gently on the affected surface.
Does pollen ruin car paint?
Yes. Pollen has thorns that can damage your car when scrubbed improperly. They also contain acidic elements that are strong enough to ruin your car’s paint. Whether it’s a black car or in any other color, pollen is guaranteed to harm your car’s paint if pollen is not handled properly.
Will rain wash pollen off a car?
No, rain cannot wash off pollen from your car. It will only move it around. Rain also comes with a lot of impurities from the atmosphere. It will only add grime and dirt to your car.
Plus, rain will also activate the pollen’s acidity and ruin your car’s paint. Therefore, it is not advisable to leave your car with pollen buildup just standing in the rain.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean pollen off car can be quite easy. There’s no need to use a special car pollen repellent. The best way to remove pollen from your vehicle is by hand washing with soap and water.
Additionally, if you’re wondering how to prevent pollen on car then you need to know what and how to prepare before the incoming pollen season, do that and you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy the beauty of the spring season without worrying about the enormous task of cleaning your messy car.