How to Remove Water Marks From a Car

Rain and overspray from sprinkler systems will leave droplets of water that may leave water spots on your car. This is especially true if water in your area is hard --- that is, it contains a lot of minerals. When the water evaporates, any minerals or pollutants it contained remain. On your car, these leave marks that, left alone, can damage your paint finish; therefore, removing these marks is best (and easiest) done as soon as you discover them. Much of the time, if these marks are noticed early, you won't need special products to remove them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water hose
• Car shampoo
• Bucket
• Car wash brush
• Sponges
• Lint-free cotton towel
• Microfiber towels

1. Rinse off the vehicle with a water hose. This will get loose dirt and debris off the car so that it doesn't scratch the finish when you wash your car.

2. Pour warm water and some car shampoo into a clean bucket.

3. Sponge shampoo and water over a water spot. Scrub this first spot gently with the sponge and then with a car washing brush.

4. Rinse off the first area and move onto the next until you've washed and scrubbed all the water spots. Next, wash the rest of the car as usual.

5. Rinse the car well with a water hose. Dry the entire car with lint-free cotton towels. Follow up with a microfiber cloth to polish the car.

Tips & Warnings

• If water marks remain after washing and gently scrubbing, try first a vinegar-water solution (half vinegar and half water). Place a little on a clean cloth and rub over the spot until it disappears. If this does not work, try an automotive polishing compound. These are available at most places that sell automotive supplies.
• Minerals in water can etch the car's paint job if the spots are allowed to remain.

References

• More About Removing Water Spots
• Removing Water Spots With Vinegar
• Removing Water Marks and Swirls