How to prevent Saharan dust from scouring your car
Have you ever seen a yellowish-red haze on your car? Chances are it's Saharan dust! This fine, but sharp desert sand can cause scratches on your paintwork. How do you ensure your car gets safely cleaned without damage?
What is Saharan dust and how does it get here?
Saharan dust is carried by the wind from the Sahara to Europe. It lands on your car and remains as a thin, dusty layer. Although it seems harmless, the sharp sand can damage your car's paintwork and windows if not cleaned properly.
Safely removing Saharan dust: the best method
A good approach is crucial to prevent Saharan dust from causing scratches. It's best to wash your car by hand, but this requires extra attention. How do you do that safely?
Supplies:
✔ Garden hose – for rinsing with plenty of water.
✔ Two buckets – one with car shampoo, one with clean water.
✔ Lukewarm water and car shampoo – a good foaming shampoo.
✔ Microfiber wash mitt – these pick up dirt without causing scratches.
✔ Soft drying towel – to gently dry the car after washing.
Step 1: Rinse, rinse, rinse
Use a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting to rinse off as much loose sand as possible before you start washing. Always work from top to bottom and don't forget the wheel arches and sills – sand often collects here.
Step 2: Washing with the two-bucket method
- Add 50 ml of car shampoo to one bucket and let it foam well with lukewarm water.
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Fill the second bucket with clean water – rinse your used microfiber wash mitt in this in between washes.
- Run the wash mitt through the soapy bucket several times
- Start at the top of the car and work downwards – begin by washing the roof and prevent dirt from the bottom ending up on the top of the car.
- Rinse the wash mitt after each panel in the bucket with clean water. Rinsing thoroughly and regularly getting clean suds prevents you from rubbing sand over the paintwork.
- Wash without pressure – let the foam and microfibers do their job. The sand gets trapped in the foam and microfibers. So rinse these regularly in the bucket with clean water.
Step 3: Rinse and dry
Rinse the car generously with clean water. Once you are sure there is no sand left on the paintwork, you can carefully dry the paintwork with a soft drying towel. This prevents water spots and ensures a streak-free result.
Step 4: Treat with a sealant
To prevent Saharan dust from directly landing on your paintwork in the future, you can apply a ceramic sealant to the paintwork after washing and drying. You can easily do this yourself, and it will take you no more than 30 minutes for the entire car. This gives the paintwork a protective layer, making it easier to rinse the sand off the car during a future Saharan dust attack.
Be careful with your windshield!
Never just use your windshield wipers to clear Saharan dust from your windshield! This can cause fine scratches that obstruct your vision in bright sunlight.
Prevention is better than cure
✔ Park your car indoors or under a carport to prevent sand accumulation.
✔ Rinse your car regularly to prevent sand from building up.
✔ Never wipe away dry sand with your hand or a cloth – this can cause scratches.
With these tips, your car will remain scratch-free and protected against Saharan dust! 🚗✨
