How To Remove Hard Water Spots From Car Paints

There are different types of water spots; however, irrespective of the type, there are ways to remove them from your car’s paint. But, in most cases, it is quite difficult to deal with “hard” water spots, and this has led many car owners to seek how to remove hard water spots from car paints.

Interestingly, we have extensively explained the causes of hard water spots and how you can easily remove them from your car paint. Apparently, your regular car wash soap won’t be able to do the magic, so, we’d advise that you consider the tips and recommendations shared below.

What Causes Hard Water Spots To Appear On Car Paints?

Mostly, hard water spots are caused due to mineral deposits that were left to sit on the car’s paint for a long time. The mineral deposits would react with the paint and thus leave a “hard” spot. Well, these mineral deposits can result from different sources.

More so, when you wash your car using “hard” water, there’s every possibility that you would find water spots afterward. Most times, water spots appear on a car due to bad car wash practices. A lot of car owners are less concerned regarding how they wash their vehicles.

When you cover your car with a car cover while it’s still wet (after a wash), the water beads left on the surface would not be able to dry anymore, and when they sit so long on the surface, you’d likely see water spots when you uncover the vehicle.

Another thing that could cause hard water spots, is dirt. When you leave your car dirty for a long time, when you finally wash it, arguably, not all the dirt would go away easily because it has glued to the paint due to the hard impact of sunlight and heat.

Rainfall can also cause water spots. When acidic rainfalls and drenches your vehicle, when it dries up, there’s the possibility of seeing hard water spots on the vehicle, and this is because acidic rain contains reactive mineral deposits.

There are quite a lot of other things that could cause hard water spots to appear on your vehicle, but, the good news is, you can actually remove the spots and your car would look new again. This guide to removing water spots would also work for all types of water spots.

How To Remove Hard Water Spots From Car Paints

Now that you know the possible causes of those annoying water spots that won’t go even after several washes, what could be the best and easy ways to fix things up?

1. Water Spot Removers

If you want the best results, you need to visit an auto shop and buy a water spot remover compound (you can also buy online). We recommend using water spot removers because they are formulated to remove those spots without discoloring or damaging your car’s finish.

However, since there are lots of this compound available in the market, picking the best option(s) can be very difficult. So, we’d recommend the Meguiar’s A3714 Water Spot Remover or Eraser Water Spot Remover.

Regardless, there are lots of water spot removers that’d help you get rid of those tough water spots on your vehicle’s paint. More interestingly, water spot removers are also formulated to act as polishers to restore the shiny nature of your car’s paint after removing the unsightly spots.

But, if you’re unable to get a water spot remover, you can try some homemade solutions that can help the situation. The home remedies are explained as the subsequent methods after this one.

How To Remove Hard Water Spots Using Water Spot Removers

It is important to say that different manufacturers may provide unique guides on how you can apply their products to your car, for the best results. Regardless, below is how to use water spot removers (generally) to work on your car.

Things you need:

• Microfiber towels
• Applicator pads
• Buffing machine (optional)
• The water spot remover
• Protective gear for your hands and nose/mouth

Step One: Wash the car thoroughly using your regular car wash soap or any other safe alternative cleaner.

Step Two: Depending on the type of water spot remover you bought, you may need to apply the compound while the car is yet wet, or after drying. So, apply the spot remover to an applicator pad or microfiber towel, and use the towel to wipe your car’s paint surface where the spots appeared.

Step Three: After applying the compound, you will need to wait for a while, and then buff off the residue or clean the surface again, using a neat microfiber towel.

Check for the spots, if you could still find them, repeat “Step two.” Sometimes, you may need to apply and reapply the water spot remover to completely remove hard water spots from your car’s paint.

2. Distilled Vinegar

Vinegar is a great cleaning agent and an ideal alternative to car wash compounds. If you’ve got vinegar at home, you can mix it with water and try using the solution to clean the unsightly hard water spots that appeared on your car.

If you’re going to use vinegar, it is advisable to dilute it in water, in a 50/50 ratio. That is, 50% of vinegar mixed with 50% of water; literally, 1gal of vinegar to 1gal of water. It would be best to use distilled water for this method.

The steps are the same as what’s explained for “water spot removers.” You should apply the solution after washing the car, and that you should do using microfiber towels or applicator pads (if you poured the solution into a spray can).

Conclusion

These two methods explained above are the most effective ways to remove anything “water spots” from your car’s paint. If you also need to remove water spots from your car windows, vinegar or essential oils would work for that.

Now, that you’ve understood how to remove hard water spot from car paint, we’d appreciate that you share this guide with other car owners that are looking for similar solutions. Enjoy the rest of your day.