How to Clean Road Salt Off Your Car

We know winter can drag on, especially when it’s snowy and icy outside. To keep drivers and pedestrians from slipping and sliding, salt often covers the roads and sidewalks for months at a time.

This salt can do damage to the steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic, and vinyl on your car when it builds up. Even your car’s carpet can suffer from the harsh conditions. That’s why we’ve provided a few tips so you can learn how to clean road salt off your car and prevent it from building up later.

How do I remove road salt?

Like we mentioned, road salt buildup can do a number on the internal and external parts of your car. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also cause substantial damage to the body of your vehicle. Here are a few suggestions for getting road salt off your car:

Carpet Cleaning

While you’ve been dashing through the snow, your boots have been collecting salt from roads and sidewalks. Jumping in the car for warmth may seem like a good idea, but this lets salt melt right into your mats, causing stains and even damage.

To remove the salt from your carpets:

• Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar to create a cleaning solution.
• Spray or rub the solution on the salty area.
• Scrub the area softly with a brush to bring the salt to the surface.
• Press the area with a dry towel to absorb the salt.
• Repeat the process, using a vacuum if a towel isn’t enough.
• Be persistent to remove all of the salt.

If you have trouble getting the mats clean or simply don’t have time to do it yourself, winter detailing can easily fix this and leave your carpets clean.

Regular Washing

Despite the chilly weather, it’s actually more important to consistently wash your car in winter than any other time of year. While it’s commonly suggested that you should wash your car every two weeks, it’s best to wash it about every 10 days when salt is on the road, especially if you haven’t waxed your vehicle.

When you wash your car in winter, it’s especially important to:

• Begin by thoroughly rinsing your car.
• Focus on the wheel wells and undercarriage of the car.
• Dry locks and door, window, and trunk edges to avoid freezing.

Not interested in washing yourself during the colder months? An expert can provide regular, thorough cleanings to get road salt buildup off your car.

Undercarriage Cleaning

The most common place for salt to build up is the undercarriage of your car, which can cause rusting and corrosion. With lots of small spaces and hard-to-reach spots, it can be difficult to completely clean this area.

We recommend a cleaning service to get the job done or buying a detachable head for your garden hose if you insist on DIY washing in winter.

How do I prevent road salt buildup in the future?

While you don’t need to worry if road salt is already on your vehicle, the best way to care for your car is to avoid buildup completely. These are a few things you can do to protect your car before the winter weather takes a toll:

Waxing

Prepare for the harsh road conditions by waxing your car. This can protect the body of your car from the rust and corrosion caused by the buildup of road salt.

It’s best to wax before the weather becomes snowy and icy, but it’s never too late to bring your car into an expert for a thorough cleaning and waxing to protect it for the rest of the season!

Installing All-Weather Mats

While there are plenty of methods and services to clean the carpet in your car, it’s easy to avoid the need for it altogether.

But, installing all-weather rubber mats can keep salt, melting snow, and even dirt out of the carpet. You’ll save time, money, and stress in the long run!

Don’t let the winter weather make you salty! Whether you’re experiencing road salt buildup on your car now or hoping to prevent it in the future, these tips can help you protect your vehicle from the harsh conditions of winter and keep it sparkling like new.

At Premier, our mission is to create happiness through professional detailing and our purpose is to exhibit a philosophy of servanthood! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!