How to Wash a Car After Road Salt or Snow
Road salt is one of the biggest threats to your car’s paint, undercarriage, and wheels. It keeps roads safe in winter but can quickly corrode metal and etch clear coat if left unchecked. Washing your car the right way after snow and salt exposure is essential to keeping it protected. Here’s the safe step-by-step method detailers recommend.
Winter Wash Essential: The Super Soaper
When salt coats your car, you need a soap that breaks it down safely without stripping protection. The Super Soaper delivers thick, lubricating foam that lifts salt and grime off your paint, making it easier to rinse away — even in freezing conditions.
Why Salt Removal Is So Important
Road salt accelerates rust and eats into paint and underbody components. If left on the surface:
- Paint becomes etched and stained.
- Exposed metal corrodes faster.
- Brake and suspension components weaken.
- Wheels pit and lose their finish.
That’s why washing after every salt exposure is non-negotiable in winter.
Prep Before Washing
- Choose a warmer day above freezing when possible.
- Wear waterproof gloves and boots for comfort.
- Have dedicated Orange Wash Towels and a Massive Drying Towel ready.
- Use a pressure washer or high-pressure hose if available.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash After Salt Exposure
- Pre-Rinse Thoroughly: Blast off as much salt as possible from paint, wheels, and undercarriage. Start underneath and work upward.
- Apply Foam with The Super Soaper: Cover the car in thick foam to loosen salt and road grime.
- Agitate Safely: Use Orange Wash Towels or a wash mitt, flipping often to a clean side.
- Focus on Wheels & Tires: Use Pure Magic Cleaner on wheels and tires to remove corrosive salt and brake dust.
- Rinse Completely: Flush salt from all surfaces, including wheel wells and the undercarriage.
- Dry Quickly: Use the Massive Drying Towel and a blower to remove water before freezing occurs.
- Reapply Protection: Use Tough As Shell ceramic spray to restore hydrophobic protection against future salt.
Don’t Forget the Undercarriage
The undercarriage takes the brunt of salt exposure. Always:
- Use a pressure washer or undercarriage spray attachment.
- Flush inside wheel wells and suspension arms.
- Rinse rocker panels where salt splashes the most.
Pro Tips for Washing After Snow & Salt
- Wash as soon as possible after salt exposure — don’t wait days.
- Work panel by panel to prevent salt residue from drying back onto paint.
- Use warm water in your buckets to slow freezing in cold weather.
- Dry rubber seals and door jambs to prevent freezing shut.
- Top with Tough As Shell after every wash in winter for easier cleanups.
FAQ
How often should I wash my car in winter?
At least once a week when salt is on the roads. In heavy snow states, every 3–4 days is even better.
Is touchless washing safe for salt removal?
Yes, it’s better than letting salt sit. Just reapply ceramic protection afterward since chemicals can weaken coatings.
Do I need a pressure washer?
No, but it makes undercarriage cleaning much more effective. A hose with good pressure can work too.
What happens if I don’t wash salt off?
Salt accelerates corrosion, leading to rust, suspension damage, and permanent paint etching. Prevention is much cheaper than repair.
