What should you do for your car after a monsoon dust storm?
Rinse the dust off with plenty of water before you touch the paint, and do not wipe it dry. Monsoon season in Arizona brings dust storms, called haboobs, along with sudden rain. Fine grit on a dry cloth acts like sandpaper.
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What a haboob leaves behind
A haboob is a wall of dust pushed across the desert by storm winds, usually in summer. The dust settles on paint, glass, wheels and under the hood. It gets into door jambs, vents and cabin seams. If rain follows, the dust turns to mud that dries in streaks.
Step 1: rinse before you touch
- Park in the shade or wait until the car is cool
- Rinse the whole car with plenty of water, top to bottom
- Let the water carry the grit off instead of rubbing it around
- Rinse the wheel wells and lower panels
- Repeat until the water runs clear
Step 2: wash the safe way
Use a clean wash mitt and car wash soap, with a second bucket of rinse water if you can. Work from the top down. Use soft microfiber towels to dry. Never wipe a dusty car with a dry rag or a paper towel. Skip automatic brush washes while the paint is covered in grit.
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Glass, wipers and lights
Dust scratches glass if you wipe it dry. Rinse first, then clean. Check the wipers, since dust can wear the blades. Look at your headlight lenses and the grille for built-up grime.
Do not forget the inside
- Vacuum seats, carpets and mats
- Wipe the dash, vents and door panels with a soft cloth
- Check the cabin air filter
- Clean the door jambs and seams where dust collects
Under the hood
Dust and mud can get into the engine bay. Spraying water at an engine without care can cause trouble with electrical parts and sensors, so this is best left to someone who does it for a living.
A quick checklist
- Rinse before touching anything
- Wash from the top down with clean tools
- Dry with soft towels
- Look at glass, lights and wipers
- Vacuum the inside
- Leave the engine bay to someone who does it for a living
Want it done for you?
Aurum Detailing does Exterior detailing, Interior detailing, Full car detailing and Engine bay cleaning. One customer wrote, "My truck was an absolute disaster from the Arizona monsoons and off-roading and now it’s shiny and clean." That is Macayla S. Aurum Detailing is mobile, so Andy comes to your home or work.
Aurum has 5.0 on Google from 35 reviews. Call or text Andy at (480) 453-4274.
Questions
Can I wipe the dust off my car with a cloth?
No. Rinse with plenty of water first. Wiping dry drags grit across the paint and can leave fine scratches.
Is it safe to wash my car right after a storm?
Yes, once it is safe outside. Rinse first, wash in the shade, and use clean mitts and soft towels.
How long can I wait before cleaning up?
Sooner is better. Dust that mixes with rain or morning dew can dry in streaks and spots. Rinse as soon as you can.
Can you clean the inside and the engine bay too?
Yes. Aurum does interior detailing and engine bay cleaning. Call or text (480) 453-4274.
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