How to safely remove water spots on your car

Our experts at Magic Hand Carwash will teach you how to remove these unsightly marks in a way that’s safe for your car with this handy guide.

Diagnosis

Type 1
Regular/Hard Water Spots – This means there’s a calcium build-up accompanying your water spot. This is common in areas with hard water.

Type 2
Bonded Mineral Water Spot – This is caused by contaminated water and it’s problematic. These spots may bond to your car’s outer coating and cause permanent damage if not removed properly. It can be caused by rain in areas that suffer from smog or pollution.

Type 3
Etched Water Spot – This is the worst type of water spot and is actually a stain on your paint finish. It’s caused by applying heat and direct sunlight to a water spot on your car. This requires professional measures to correct.

Washing Method

To start, you’ll need to wash your car. To do this, choose a shaded area where your vehicle is out of direct sunlight or the sun will dry the soap and water onto the car. Always begin with a rinse to remove any dirt that could scratch your finish during the wash.

If you’re washing your car at home, use the Two Bucket Method. This is an essential step for avoiding contaminants in your water. You should have a bucket with soap and a rinse bucket (or a clean bucket and a dirty bucket) so the dirt that comes off your car doesn’t get put back on. Use a soft wash mitt or sponge and start at the top.

Wash and dry sections as you make your way around the car, going panel by panel. Dry each area with a fresh microfibre cloth, once it becomes saturated, move on to a new one. If you’re doing a full wash start with the tires before washing the panels to avoid brake dust ending up on your car.

Vinegar Method

After the wash, you may still have water spots. You can then try the vinegar method by mixing equal parts distilled water and white vinegar in a bucket or a spray bottle. Apply to small areas and let sit for 1 minute before gently wiping it clean, rinsing it, and drying it with a microfibre cloth. You may attempt this 1-2 times on certain tough spots. If the spot remains, it may indicate that you have a Type 2 or Type 3 water spot.

Clay Method

The Clay Method should be used after you’ve washed your car. Detailing clay can pick up extra debris clinging to your vehicles such as dirt, brake dust, and other pollutants. First, you’ll need to use a clay lubricant to protect your finish. Next, take a clay bar and wipe the surface in straight lines (never circles). Try different angles until you no longer feel a resistance under the clay. Then wipe the area with a fresh microfibre cloth. If you’re doing more than one spot, fold the clay to use a clean section whenever it becomes dirty.

Help From The Experts

If these methods fail, you might need to resort to paint correction, polishing or detailing done by a professional. If you want to avoid water spots altogether, maintaining a suitable sealant or wax on your car is critical.

Water spots can be a huge pain and often require hours to remove efficiently. If you don’t have that kind of time, bring your vehicle to the Magic Hand Carwash professionals near your for friendly and effective water spot removal. Plus, you can sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee while we do the hard work!