How to Clean Lime Powder Off a Car?
3 Answers
Apply an appropriate amount of car cleaner onto a cloth (car cleaner contains anionic surfactants, which can dissolve and remove lime stains from the car). Carefully wipe the lime stains off the car with the cloth. Then use a damp towel to clean the car body thoroughly, and the lime on the car will be removed.
Last time, I was really worried when a pile of lime powder from a construction site fell on my car roof. I immediately used a high-pressure water gun to rinse it from a distance with a wide spray, making sure the water flow was gentle to avoid pressing the lime particles into the paint. After removing most of it, I mixed some white vinegar with water and sprayed it on the remaining spots, letting it sit for five minutes to neutralize the alkalinity. Then, I gently scrubbed in circular motions with a soft-bristle brush. Finally, I used a dedicated car wash soap to clean the entire car and rinsed it thoroughly, making sure to dry it completely to prevent water spots. I finished by applying a layer of car wax for protection. The whole process took over half an hour, but thankfully, I acted in time and didn't damage the paint. My advice is to never use a cloth to dry wipe in such situations—lime particles are even more abrasive than sand on car paint.
A while ago, my car got covered in lime powder when the neighborhood was painting walls. Here's how I handled it: First, I drove to a self-service car wash and used low-pressure water to gently rinse off the loose dust, paying special attention to the seams to prevent lime residue. Then, I filled a spray bottle with a 1:10 white vinegar solution, sprayed it evenly, and waited three minutes to let the acidity dissolve the lime. I used a sponge to gently scrub and rinsed thoroughly three times to ensure no residue remained. Finally, I dried the car with a microfiber towel, being especially careful around the door and window gaps. The whole process took about twenty minutes and was easier than expected. If you're not confident doing it yourself, it's better to go to a professional car wash—they have neutralizers and steam equipment for a more thorough clean.
