Everyone loves the warmer weather that comes with spring and summer, but in some places, the changing seasons also bring a major problem: tree pollen. In warm months, trees release pollen into the air, resulting in a thick layer of yellow-green dust on fences, siding, and cars. If you live somewhere with a lot of trees, you’re going to need to know how to clean pollen and debris off your car.
Clean Regularly
Following the tips in this blog post on a regular basis will make your life so much easier than if you wait until the end of pollen season to clean. Not only is it terrible to let pollen sit on your car (pollen’s acidity can damage your car’s paint!), but it’s much harder to clean off when there is weeks and weeks of build-up.
Rinse With Water
There are many different types of car cleaning tools that are useful for removing pollen and other debris. For this step, you’re going to need a garden hose, preferably with an attachment that lets you choose from a number of spray styles. Spray your car thoroughly, starting at the top and working your way down to the tires.
Deep Clean With Shampoo
Depending on how bad the pollen build-up is, you may need some extra cleaning power, like a car shampoo, to help remove all the dirt, pollen, and tree sap on your car. Never use non-car cleaning products because these contain harsh chemicals that can damage your paint.
Dry Thoroughly
Once you’ve cleaned your vehicle, you’ll need to dry it. Since you may miss invisible particles when rinsing your car, drying is the final step needed to get rid of any and all remaining pollen. While you can certainly dry your car by hand with a microfiber cloth, it’s easier to take your vehicle for a quick spin around the neighborhood and let the air do the work.
Prevent Further Build-Up
Now that you’ve cleaned all the pollen and debris off your car, you don’t want to let the grime build up again. The best way to prevent more pollen build-up is to park your car under a shelter, like a garage or carport, and away from any trees.
Whether you’re trying to keep your own car clean or teach a young driver about vehicle care, these tips for getting your car through pollen season can help.
