Black marks - white car

[Humpy D]

Was cleaning the OH's white car at the weekend and noticed a lot of small,black marks after the car was washed. These weren't tar as they did come off either with a bit of vigourous work with the sponge or an old toothbrush.

I would like to find a better way to remove them - should I be using a clay bar? If so, is it ok to use one of these and then simply dry the car or do I then have to apply wax/polish as the clay bar would have removed any that was still remaining?

[daveenty]

Clay bar should remove them and yes, you will have to re-apply a protective coating as it will be removed when claying.

Still shuddering with regards to the toothbrush comment...

[V8A*ndy]

daveenty said:

Still shuddering with regards to the toothbrush comment...

and the sponge

OP don't forget to use a lubricant when you clay. Some clays bars say you can use just water but a bit of shampoo mixed with water or something like megs last touch watered down helps.

[Humpy D]

Thanks all.

Yes, I know a toothbrush isn't the best thing to use (understatement!!) but it was the only reasonably non abrasive thing I had to hand.

As for using a sponge, but I do use 2 buckets!!

[V8A*ndy]

Humpy D said:

Thanks all.

Yes, I know a toothbrush isn't the best thing to use (understatement!!) but it was the only reasonably non abrasive thing I had to hand.

As for using a sponge, but I do use 2 buckets!!

Chuck the sponge in the bin. They are just swirl generators.

If you want a cheap alternative, ASDA often sell Kent microfiber noodle type mitts for £2 and my local Sainsburys were selling the Mantis items for £1.50. I bought the lot.

If there is a bit of grit chances are it will get trapped deep in the mitt before doing any damage. Sponges just rub the dirt in.