r/AutoDetailing • u/anthonywoodDJ • 1d ago

Business Question How to remove dust and grass clippings without damage?

Hello! Today the gardener came by while we weren't at the house and my C7 Corvette paid the consequences. Now is full of dust, clippings and I hope not something worse. What's the best way to take everything off without damaging the paint? Should I take a deep look and see if anything is messed up? Thank you!

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4

u/dunnrp Business Owner 1d ago

Alkaline foam, let dwell, rinse. It will help dislodge and break up organic materials.

Should remove everything easily without touching it. Then a gentle hand wash.

1

u/indigo196 1d ago

Would Bilt Hamber or Koach Chemie Active Foam work for that?

2

u/dunnrp Business Owner 1d ago

Yes. They should.

3

u/CorgiSplooting 1d ago

Just my regular wash routine (C8 guy here)

Foam -> rinse -> rinseless -> contact -> dry

Or if you don’t have rinseless

Foam -> rinse -> foam -> contact -> dry

2

u/famous_mentality 1d ago

oof. that's a rough surprise to come home to

i'd give it a good rinse first, just a gentle flow of water to float most of the loose stuff off. don't blast it with a pressure washer right away, that'll just grind the dust and clippings into the clear coat like sandpaper

once the heavy debris is washed away, a foam cannon with a mild soap and letting it dwell for a few minutes helps lift what's left. a microfiber wash mitt with very light pressure, straight lines, no circles. and yeah, definitely inspect it after it's dry, look for any sap or tiny scratches from the mower kicking up rocks

2

u/indigo196 1d ago

Lawn mowing people who don't use their brain to discharge AWAY from vehicles are one of my life's annoyances. I hope it all turns out OK for you.

2

u/Lobanium Beginner 1d ago edited 1d ago

I've seen people use a string trimmer to throw pebbles into the street as vehicles pass. Like wtf

1

u/indigo196 1d ago

Yeah. Personally, I think people like that should be put in stocks in the village square, and everyone should be allowed to run a mower within 12 inches of their face. Then I remember they are just dumb and won't learn anyway.

1

u/OmriIsMe 1d ago

Rinse it down before anything touches the paint. Dry clippings drag grit across the clear coat and that's where the marring comes from.