How To Get Pollen Off Your Car: 10+ Expert Tips
Ah, springtime. Some days, nothing can compare to the wonder of nature waking up and showing off its excitement for life. Other days, you wake up to a vehicle covered in unwelcome yellow stuff. That’s why Take 5 Car Wash is sharing more than 10 expert tips on getting pollen off your car.
Ah, springtime. Some days, nothing can compare to the wonder of nature waking up and showing off its excitement for life. Other days, you wake up to a vehicle covered in unwelcome yellow stuff. That’s why Take 5 Car Wash is sharing more than 10 expert tips on getting pollen off your car.
Your car picks up pollen from trees, flowers, and bushes everywhere you go for a few months every year. It is visually unappealing, and pollen can damage your car’s paint job. The longer it hangs around, the more damage it can do. Removing it takes a little more dedication than your normal car washing routine. Let’s talk about the best ways to get pollen off of your car and how to keep it off.
1. Clean Your Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers are one of the first places you may notice pollen buildup. Make a habit of checking them when entering or exiting your car. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe down the blades as needed. If you have to do this more than once or twice a week, it’s a pretty good indication that you need to wash your car more frequently.
2. Schedule Frequent Washes
When the pollen counts are high, make a point of scheduling time for frequent car washes to keep everything in beautiful shape. If you live in the city, once a week is probably sufficient. If you live in rural areas or frequently park near trees, you must visit your car wash twice a week.
Also, if it has been raining, you’ll probably need a car wash a little sooner than you think. Rain isn’t very good at actually washing off pollen.
This is a great time of year to take advantage of Take 5 Unlimited™ options. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth while keeping your car looking fabulous!
3. Apply a Little Pressure
Use a pressure nozzle on your water hose to help remove loose pollen from your car before beginning your soap and scrub routine.
4. Start at the Top
It may seem like a no-brainer, but reminders never hurt. Make sure you’re washing and rinsing your car from the roof down. You don’t want dirty water running back over an area you just cleaned. Focus on a sequence of small areas and panels instead of trying to get pollen off your car with wide sweeping motions.
5. Use the Right Washing Agent
Dish soap may be great for cutting the grease, but it isn’t designed to tackle pollen and preserve automotive paint. Choose a car wash soap and get the best results. Make sure you are combining the soap and water effectively, and be generous with both as you wash your car.
It is also possible to use a mixture of water and vinegar to help remove pollen. Let the mixture sit on the car’s exterior for a few minutes to give it time to soften, break up, and loosen pollen for removal.
6. Rinse and Repeat
Take your time with the final rinse. Make sure that you have given every surface a good rinsing. Want to give the rinse a little extra “oomph”? Use distilled water for the final rinse. It can help keep pollen off your car a little bit longer. Distilled water doesn’t attract and hold onto pollen as quickly as normal hose water.
7. Dry Your Car Off
Wet vehicles collect and hold onto pollen easier than dry cars. Once that car is clean, ensure it is carefully dried. Microfiber towels for easy cleaning and drying are a car owner’s best friend. At Take Five, microfiber towels are available for complimentary use after every wash at the Pro5™ Detail Center!
8. Apply Sealing Wax
When you're looking for how to keep pollen off your car, head to the car wax section. A good sealant can go a long way toward ensuring the pollen slides off your exterior.
9. Use a Detailing Spray
Many companies sell detailing sprays that are specifically designed to help with pollen removal and control. Check out your options.
Gently wipe down any additional spots or stubborn areas. Give a little extra TLC to problem areas where you notice more pollen build-up between washes.
10. Make Sure Spring Cleaning Includes Your Garage
Your car will thank you for parking it under the protection of a garage as much as possible. Plus, it makes your car wash and vehicle maintenance a little easier. It’s a win-win.
Bonus Tip: Clean Your Air Filters
Don’t forget about the interior of your car! Pollen can easily enter through the vents and windows of your vehicle and cause problems for passengers with allergies. It is also just as destructive to plastic, vinyl, and leather as to exterior paint. Be sure to utilize Take 5 Oil Change’s air filter service when you swing by for your regular oil change!
Let Take 5 Car Wash Help!
Find a Take 5 Car Wash location near you. We have a variety of car wash options available for everyone, and we offer great ways to save money on your favorite wash!