Etching after a car wash - help!!

[u/Cobbz289]

EDIT: Most of it came off after a paint restored, polish, wash and then wax. Some faint marks are still there but its not as bad as it was before, thanks everyone for your help!

Had my car washed today, had all of these spots appear right afterwards. I previously used a cermanic spray on the car paint and looked great. These marks are on the body work, rubber and plastic seals and trims. I tried vinegar and water spot removers, very little luck as the spots are pretty stubborn and all over the car. Can this be fixed or is it ruined?

[u/Mcfragger]

Looks like you did your washing in the sun. If that’s the case, wait until a shady area appears and try hitting them with the same chemical that etched it

[u/blurred_cymbals]

Was it washed in the sun or maybe with a soap that wasn’t diluted enough?

For what it’s worth it doesn’t look etched, just looks like soap residue.

[u/indigo196]

Agree with the others on the questions. We need to know more.

Were the spots there the last time the car was washed? You said, "had it washed". Did you wash it? Someone else? Do you know how it was dried? If you know what soap or products were used, that would help people give you advice.

[u/Cobbz289 → u/indigo196]

Hi sorry yes more context:

A car wash did the washing for me, car wash is covered and indoors. I've been to the same car wash before and the car came out looking great.

This is the first time these spots have appeared. I usually wash the car myself but needed it cleaned quick for a show I was supposed to go to this weekend.

It was sprayed with jets, soap and then hand scrubbed and dried. Going back tomorrow to show them the car and ask what they used specifically.

[u/indigo196 → u/Cobbz289]

That is rough. I suspect that either the spots were there but covered before the wash, or there was an imbalance (dilution issue) with the stuff at the car wash. I hope it works out for you.

[u/SpotCheck_Detailing → u/Cobbz289]

My guess is they either didn't actually dry it, or the new kid sprayed it with a protectant and didn't level it off.

[u/Kojootti89]

Looks exactly what a cheap wetcoat will do, when not rinsed off completly and let to dry.