How to Remove Soot From Car Paint

Your car is constantly exposed to numerous outside pollutants like dirt, grime, dust and soot. Soot is fine black or brown particles that are formed through incomplete combustion of wood, oil, coal, or other fuels from cars. Soot can notoriously stick to car paint if not removed. However, you can easily remove soot without damaging the car paint using a clay bar. Clay bars are reusable and can be purchased at any automotive store.

• 1

  Wipe the outside of your car with a long-handled car duster to remove the soot. Dust off the roof, taillights, headlights and bumpers. Make sure the car is dry before wiping. If it is wet, park it in a garage and let dry first before washing.

• 2

  Wash your car by hand or bring it to a car wash. When washing by hand, spray your car with water, apply car wash liquid soap with a sponge and rinse off again with water.

• 3

  Apply a generous amount of clay lubricating spray (usually comes with the clay bar) to the car exterior. Applying the lubricant spray will allow the lubricant clay to glide over the car paint without marring it. Lubricant spray dries up quickly so do apply a lot.

• 4

  Apply the clay bar to the exterior of the car. Tear of a piece of clay bar and knead it with your hands to soften it. Avoid placing the clay on the floor or it will pick up dirt and other hard debris that can ruin your car paint.

• 5

  Rub the softened clay to the areas of the car affected by soot. Use light, short circular motions. Wipe off the clay with a towel after it dries. Continue looking for affected areas and apply the clay.

• 6

  Wash your car with soap and water after you have removed the soot with the clay. Towel the car exterior dry with a clean towel.