Removing 'salt residue' from bodywork...?

[Paul S4]

I have just washed my mint C30 Volvo for the first time in a while....due to the weather etc.

However, I noticed that the "flanks' have a rough texture, which I can only think is salt residue.
I reckon that it is the current 'type of road salt' that they seem to favour here in Co Durham....it is like a powder almost and seems to get everywhere under the bonnet etc etc.

Anyone know the best way to remove it...
I am not into 'detailing' at all, I just want my car as clean after this winter !

I have thought of a mild T Cut but I am aware of the top lacquer coat.

Any suggestions welcome !

[baptistsan]

Clay bar should lift it.

[Paul S4]

That was my first instinct...

[d_a_n1979]

I'd use a pre-wash first; something like Koch Chemie Greenstar

Give it a good spraying with that; let it dwell. Rinse off, snowfoam, rinse, hand wash and then see how the paint feels after that

If still no go; agree; it's time to wash it again and clay it whilst the cars still soapy

It'll need a good polish after that though as whatever protection it's had will have been stripped

Edited by d_a_n1979 on Monday 1st March 10:32

[Jag_NE]

TFR on the lower half of the car. Pressure wash/hoze, wash as normal with a shampoo/wax. Keep the TFR off plastics and trim.

[Nik Gnashers]

As an ex-valeter....

Clay bar should only be used if you are going to polish it with a DA (dual action) polisher afterwards.
Because a clay bar will actually put tiny swirls and maybe some marring, into the paint.

TFR is strong stuff, and while it's useful, be aware that it will strip off any protection the car has (including ceramic coating).

I would go with a pressure washer first, then some quality snow foam (I like Bilt Hamber personally), left for 5 mins, then pressure washed off, followed by a decent quality shampoo applied with a lambswool mitt, to minimise any further damage by contact.

That should get rid of any salt safely.

A good wax will always help further contamination in future.

[belleair302]

Citrus pre wash does a good job. Allow to dwell for a few mins then pressure wash off. Then a snow foam followed by a two bucket wash and then a wax or sealant if time allows.

[Paul S4]

Thanks for all those valued replies.
I noticed this residue last year after all the salt that was on our local roads, I had never seen it before so I can only presume it is the type of rock salt that our council has started using.

[Belle427]

Unusual for it to be salt if hasn’t come off with a wash.
Citrus pre wash or Bilt hamber surfex hd are good to keep on the shelf.
Using warm water with a good shampoo also helps break grime down.