Following the recent downpour of Saharan sand, a red dust cloud that has swept over to the UK due to rare weather patterns, our cars have been left with a layer of red-orange sand. But you can't simply brush the 'blood rain' from your vehicle as this will scratch the paintwork, which will be challenging to rectify.
However, if you use appropriate power tools and accessories and the correct techniques, you can effectively remove the grit without damaging your car’s bodywork and windows.
Read our guide to find out how to clean sand from your car safely. But first, discover why you should not treat Saharan sand like ordinary beach sand.
What is Saharan Sand?
Composition of Saharan Sand
Saharan sand comes from the desert in North Africa. The sand travels to the UK via strong winds, which occur when big desert storms coincide with southerly winds.
The wind whips up not only sand but dust too, which explains the gritty consistency of what's on our cars.
The sand and dust are carried high into the atmosphere and across Europe, during which time the particles become trapped in rain droplets, turning into 'blood rain'. Once it falls and the water evaporates, it leaves a layer of vermillion dust.
Identifying Saharan Sand
As mentioned, the Saharan sand differs from ordinary beach sand.
Below are the characteristics of Saharan sand:
Desert sand is made up of rocks, minerals, and other organic materials, giving it its coarse texture.
The distinctive red-orange colour of desert sand is due to its high iron oxide concentration.
Why Should You Remove Saharan Sand from Your Car?
Preventing Paint Damage
Sand from Sahara sources or elsewhere can gradually degrade your car's protective clear coat. This clear coat acts like a shield, guarding the underlying paint; however, exposure to abrasive particles like sand can wear it down over time, making your car more vulnerable to damage.
Over time, these abrasive particles can create fine scratches on your car's paintwork. Even seemingly insignificant scratches can gradually accumulate, resulting in noticeable blemishes that detract from your vehicle's overall appearance.
Repairing paint damage can be costly, requiring professional touch-ups or even a full repaint.
Furthermore, the aesthetic value of a scratch-free car extends beyond mere appearance — it reflects your pride in ownership and contributes to the overall resale value.
The key to preserving your car's finish lies in regular cleaning. By promptly removing sand and other abrasive substances, you prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the clear coat.
Maintaining Visibility and Safety
Accumulated sand on your car's windows and lights can significantly diminish visibility. The tiny sand particles can create a hazy film that diffuses light, making it harder to see clearly, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night.
Reduced visibility poses substantial safety risks. It hampers your ability to spot potential hazards on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. In adverse weather like rain or fog, the consequences of impaired visibility can be even more severe, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Saharan Sands Impact on Your Car
The points below summarise why you must use the correct equipment and technique to clean your vehicle.
- If you simply wipe away the sand, it will rub against your vehicle's paintwork, leaving fine or even deep scratches.
- Sand can reduce the strength of your windshield if it gets into any existing cracks.
- Leaving the sand on bodywork can cause quick deterioration of the paint, leading to fades and rust.
Cleaning Saharan Sand from Your Car Bodywork and Windows
Materials you will need
- Two buckets (one for soapy water and one for rinsing) or a hose and one bucket.
- Car shampoo.
- Wash mitt.
- Microfiber cloth.
- Glass cleaner.
- Optional: Wax or sealant for protection.
How to remove sand from car exterior
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Park your car in the shade.
It will be easier to remove the sand from your vehicle if it isn't hot. Furthermore, sunlight can act like a magnifying glass on particularly hot days when it interacts with water droplets. This can contribute to the mineral etching, causing minuscule yet long-lasting harm to your vehicle's paint. -
Rinse the sand from the bodywork.
Next, before using a cloth, you need to rinse off the sand using a hose or a bucket of clean water. Work from top to bottom, loosening the sand and hopefully removing some of it. If necessary, conduct a second rinse. -
Prepare a mix of soapy water.
Use car shampoo and a wash mitt that is fit for purpose. Do not use a sponge because it will collect first and grit, which you'll wipe back onto your car. Remember, have a second bucket of clean water or a hose to hand. -
Wash the bodywork and windows working in straight lines.
Avoid using circular motions, as this can leave swirls and dull the paint. You should use the mitt to apply the soapy water to the car, then rinse it in clean water before applying soapy water again. This method ensures that any grit you pick up falls into the bucket of clean water and that you're not simply putting it back onto your car. Keep replacing the water with clean water if necessary. -
Repeat the rinsing step.
Once you have finished cleaning your vehicle, rinse it with clean water, again, using a hose or bucket of clean water. -
Dry.
Dry the bodywork and windows using a microfibre cloth to minimise the risk of watermarks and marring. -
Apply a car wax or sealant.
Use a product such as our Polarshine Liquid Wax, which will make cleaning your car much easier next time. The wax will repel dirt, specifically sand, which is vital if the UK has another downpour of Saharan sand. Furthermore, the wax will leave your car with a sleek finish. -
Apply a polishing compound.
For your windows, apply a compound like our Mirka Polarshine Glass Polishing Compound. Effectively polish out scratches on glass surfaces, including standard window and hardened glass.
Now you know how to safely remove desert sand from your car paint, reducing the likelihood of scratches and permanent damage. Appropriate maintenance will help you retain the aesthetic appeal of your car as well as its value.
However, if your vehicle has scratches due to the recent downpour of Saharan sand, consider our Mirka Polishing Tool, which is widely used in body shops because of its dust-free capabilities.
At Heamar, we offer a range of polishing tools, suitable for rubbing down surfaces and creating a flawless finish.
