As hard water evaporates, it leaves traces of minerals that appear white when dry.
The longer the mineral deposits remain on a car, the harder they stick.
So, it’s important to remove water spots as soon as possible.
The Spruce / Michela Buttignol
Do not wash a hot vehicle.
Then, rinse out the mitt in the clean-water bucket.
Re-soak the mitt in the soapy water, and continue washing.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Rinse the Car With Fresh Water
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with clean water from the hose.
Start at the top and rinse the suds downward, making sure that no suds remain.
After using the chamois, clean off the rest of the water with the microfiber towels.
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So, it should come as no surprise that vinegar can help clean water spots from car paint.
White vinegar is mildly acidic, making it an effective opponent to alkaline mineral deposits.
Spray the Car
Saturate the glass or car body by spraying the compound thoroughly across the surface.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Add more 50/50 solution, as needed to immerse the towel.
Let it rest for about two minutes, then use the same towel to scrub away the water spots.
Frequently change out the towels so that you are always working with a dry towel.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Water spot remover costs about $30 per gallon.
Clean, distilled water is the base, withmineral oiladded as a lubricant.
Additional ingredients may include solvents, absorbents, buffers, and conditioners.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Avoid using water spot remover on flat or matte surface paint jobs.
Detailing clay is used with a lubricant that is included with the product.
This specialized clay is best for smaller, localized sections of water spots.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Apply the Lubricant
Apply lubricant to the vehicle surface with the spray bottle.
Keep the lubricant nearby to re-lube the vehicle when it dries up.
Clay the Car
Start by softening a pliable bar of clay in your hands.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Working in small areas, rub the clay on the painted surface of the car.
Frequently knead the clay to get a new, clean surface, then begin claying again.
If you drop the clay, throw it away and use a new bar.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Consider using a synthetic clay mitt or clay sponge.
These reusable tools can be easier to work with than clay bars.
Claying removes physical contaminants.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Wash and Dry
After claying the car, rinse it off with fresh water.
Wash the car again.
After detailing, the car is ready for wax or other coatings.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Water spots on cars are not permanent but the damage can be.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Meg McDonald / The Spruce
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
