Is wiping pollen bad for finish?
- Thread starter Web Docta
- Start date
Hey Web Docta,
When I had my 944 Turbo I split my time between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Both areas have really bad tree pollen. In Atlanta, the tree pollen was so bad my car would turn green!
Anyway, I used my duster and wiped it down with detailing spray (at the time it was Meguiar's) on a near daily basis. After 6 years, the Guards Red paint still looked perfect.
So, I'd have to say that if you take care you can keep your car dusted and looking good without damage.
When I had my 944 Turbo I split my time between Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Both areas have really bad tree pollen. In Atlanta, the tree pollen was so bad my car would turn green!
Anyway, I used my duster and wiped it down with detailing spray (at the time it was Meguiar's) on a near daily basis. After 6 years, the Guards Red paint still looked perfect.
So, I'd have to say that if you take care you can keep your car dusted and looking good without damage.
1 Clean WS6
Detailing Rottweiler
DavidB said:
Things have not changed in the ole ATL David! In fact this spring set records for pollen count levels...it was HORRIBLE!!!
Web Docta I fully agree with David in that so long as you use a California Duster or some other type of similar duster before you use a QD you will be just fine.
The pollen is so bad here right now that last night when the wind was blowing up a bit it looked like a dust storm in the desert. 
My cars are collecting pollen in spite of the fact that every vehicle I own is garaged.
I don't own a duster but I'll pick one up later today. Any recommendations?
My cars are collecting pollen in spite of the fact that every vehicle I own is garaged.
I don't own a duster but I'll pick one up later today. Any recommendations?
Eliot Ness
Active member
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Pollen:
The yellow dust you see in the air made up of small cells from blooming plants and are one of the most common allergy triggers. The pollen from trees are the main concern, vehicles get hit with pollen laced trees that include: oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, polar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut.
Pollen isn't removed by air friction as you drive because it adheres to a surface with microscopic barbs that can attach to even a very slightly uneven surface, and adheres to a natural wax better than a synthetic polymer
As well as being an allergic it is both an abrasive and a corrosive type dust especially when mixed with water ("Always add the acid to the water â€â€� never add the water to acid") and should therefore be removed from paint surfaces as soon as is practicable.
For dry pollen dust use a (California Car Duster) lightly brush the surface using long strokes in one direction only. If the pollen is wet remove with a damp waffle weave towel, to avoid scratching, using as little pressure as possible, again wiping in one direction only. As soon as is practical, thoroughly rinse the vehicle with a hose and clean water to ensure all acidic pollen is neutralized / removed.
JonM
The yellow dust you see in the air made up of small cells from blooming plants and are one of the most common allergy triggers. The pollen from trees are the main concern, vehicles get hit with pollen laced trees that include: oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, polar, sycamore, maple, cypress and walnut.
Pollen isn't removed by air friction as you drive because it adheres to a surface with microscopic barbs that can attach to even a very slightly uneven surface, and adheres to a natural wax better than a synthetic polymer
As well as being an allergic it is both an abrasive and a corrosive type dust especially when mixed with water ("Always add the acid to the water â€â€� never add the water to acid") and should therefore be removed from paint surfaces as soon as is practicable.
For dry pollen dust use a (California Car Duster) lightly brush the surface using long strokes in one direction only. If the pollen is wet remove with a damp waffle weave towel, to avoid scratching, using as little pressure as possible, again wiping in one direction only. As soon as is practical, thoroughly rinse the vehicle with a hose and clean water to ensure all acidic pollen is neutralized / removed.
JonM
I've decided that I'm just going to wait it out and give it a good wash once the pollen subsides. It's just unbelievable here right now.
I got it looking nice and clean in my garage. I always keep my garage doors open because I'm always "in and out" working around the house. I came back about an hour later and it's covered with pollen again.
I got it looking nice and clean in my garage. I always keep my garage doors open because I'm always "in and out" working around the house. I came back about an hour later and it's covered with pollen again.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
1 Clean WS6 said:
I wouldnt be able to survive there, that's for sure. I'm allergic to pollen and dust! :doh
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
I a few hours north of ATL, and everybody, it seems, has trouble with allergies.
This year seems particularly bad. The weather changed abruptly from steady cool to steady warm. I suspect that some of the trees were delayed and others were early producing pollen. Sort of the "Perfect Storm" of pollen.
imported_Jinba ittai
New member
The pollen is becoming a PITA here too. Not so much dust yet (that's usually in May-June) but little flecks of stuff coming from the trees. While cleaning the car today I moved the car 3 times trying to avoid it. Thank goodness for the CCD.
When I use the CCD I basically use very light strokes to almost blow the debris off the car. I never push down on the duster. I'm almost "fanning off" the pollen. Works well if the car is clean. If the car is too dirty for this I wash it.
When I use the CCD I basically use very light strokes to almost blow the debris off the car. I never push down on the duster. I'm almost "fanning off" the pollen. Works well if the car is clean. If the car is too dirty for this I wash it.
C. Charles Hahn
CCH Auto Appearance, LLC
Web Docta said:
Remember the duster is coated in a waxlike substance. That dirt will prevent the duster from "sticking" to the paint surface and causing streaks. Thats why a lot of people wrap them in newspaper for a few days right after buying them, so the paper can transfer ink and extract some of that wax. :xyxthumbs
randomman84
New member
this year was recorded as the worst on record for pollen. I HATE IT! Its still around and really messing with business. No one wants to get a car cleaned only to have it dirty/green again in 10 minutes. No wait, make that 2 minutes.... My CCD seems to cause light marring on my black camry but then again that was when i was not being autopian like a while back.