How to Safely Deal with Pollen on Your Car

Sure, we have pollen season to thank for beautiful blooms and plant life abound, but we also have it to thank for severe allergies, headaches, and dirty cars. If you park your car outdoors rather than in a garage, parking deck, or carport, you’re probably all too familiar with the bright yellow film that coats your car this time of year. 

Cleaning pollen off of your car

The texture of pollen allows it to stubbornly stick to your car, often making it difficult to remove pollen and thus, placing your paint job at risk. Here are a few tips for safely washing your car during pollen season. 

Don’t let pollen sit on your car for long periods of time.

Like bird droppings (which you should rinse off of your car’s body panel ASAP), pollen is acidic, meaning it can damage the paint on your car’s surface. Your windows and windshield are typically safe from pollens acidity, but your car’s paint can get dull and worn over time. While it seems futile, spray the car off in the mornings and evenings to protect your car from prolonged build-up. Use a detailer spray and lint-free cotton cloth to keep your interior surfaces protected as well and minimize your exposure to allergens inside of your vehicle. 

Be proactive by waxing your car.

Using a quality car wax on your car before pollen season hits will help seal and protect your car from the elements, especially if you park your car outdoors. Wax the body of your car one panel at a time after washing it and drying it with lint-free cotton towels. You don’t want any debris getting caught in the wax. Wax won’t prevent pollen from building up on the surface of your car, but it will make it easier to rinse off and maintain while protecting your car’s paint job. 

Consider a car cover.

The only way to totally prevent pollen from building up on your vehicle is to cover it with a fitted car sheet once you’ve parked it for the evening. This can be a hassle, but it can go a long way in protecting your car from environmental hazards like pollen. It might even help your car stay cooler when parked outdoors in the summertime.

Did you know pollen and debris can also cause a leaky sunroof? Here’s what to do if your sunroof leaks.