How to Remove Sahara Dust from Your Car Safely

Subject: Car Care 29 March 2022

When a cloud of Sahara dust passes over the country, no car stays clean. Especially when it starts to rain and that rain contains Sahara dust. The yellowish sand from the Sahara is carried by southern winds and can stick firmly to your car. It may seem harmless, but it’s important to remove Sahara dust in time to prevent damage to the car paint.

In this blog post, we explain how to safely wash Sahara dust off your car, which products to use, and whether it's better to wash it yourself or go to a car wash.

How does Sahara dust end up on your car?

Sahara dust, also known as Saharan sand or dust, is caused by sandstorms in the Sahara. Strong southern winds carry this dust for thousands of kilometers and it eventually settles here. When it rains, the dust falls onto everything outside – including your car. The result is a dull, dusty layer that can completely cover the paint.

Why it's important to remove Sahara dust quickly

Sahara dust consists of microfine particles and small grains of sand that cling to the car’s paint. If left too long or removed carelessly, it can cause light scratches or dull spots. The faster you remove it, the better you protect your paint from hidden damage.

How to wash Sahara dust off your car in 5 steps

Want to do it yourself? Follow this 5-step guide to safely wash Sahara dust off your car without causing scratches. In just five steps, your car will be clean and dust-free.

  1. Rinse the car with water
    Use a garden hose or buckets of water to loosen and rinse away coarse dust and sand. This prevents you from rubbing sand into the paint while washing.
  2. Wash with car shampoo
    Use a quality car shampoo together with a wash mitt or soft sponge. Start at the roof and work your way down to avoid moving dirt back onto clean areas.

    Populaire autoshampoo

  3. Rinse thoroughly
    After washing, rinse the car again with clean water to remove all shampoo and sand residues.
  4. Dry with a microfiber cloth
    Use a microfiber cloth to dry the car without streaks. This prevents water spots.

    Populaire microvezeldoeken

    • CarPro 2 Face Towel YELLOW - 10 pieces
      €27.23 €27.23
    • 3M 50400 High Performance Microfiber Cloth YELLOW - per piece
    • CROP Pole Position Pack - 3 pieces
      Premium Quality
      €10.44 €10.44
    • CROP Undercut Ceramic Coating Microfiber Towel 40x40cm - 3 pieces
      Premium Quality
    • CROP Racing Rags Microfiber Towels On Roll - 30 Pieces
      Premium Quality
      (1)
      €14.- €14.-
    • CROP Slipstream Drying Towel - 50x60cm
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      €17.42 €17.42
    • CROP Slipstream Drying Towel - 40x40cm
      Premium Quality
      (1)
      €12.74 €12.74
    • CROP Chicane Edgeless Microfiber Towel Gray 40x40cm - 3 pieces
      Premium Quality
    • CROP Chicane Edgeless Microfiber Towel Black 40x40cm - 3 pieces
      Premium Quality
      (1)
      €12.08 €12.08
    • CROP Marshal Glass Towel 40x40cm - 3 pieces
      Premium Quality
      (1)
      €12.17 €12.17
    • CROP Hot Lap Drying Towel - 64x92cm
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      €17.84 €17.84
  5. Optional: protect the paint with spray wax
    Want extra protection? Apply a detailing spray or liquid wax. This adds shine and a dirt- and water-repellent layer.

    Populaire spray wax

Removing Sahara dust at the car wash

No time? Then a car wash is a great option. It also cleans the underside of your vehicle effectively.

A good car wash:

  • Thoroughly rinses away coarse sand first.
  • Uses soft brushes or foam technology.
  • Protects the paint with a final treatment like wax or sealant.

Which products to use to wash away Sahara dust?

To do it right, you need to know which products are most effective. As specialists in car detailing, we recommend the following products to safely wash Sahara dust off your car.

To wash Sahara dust off your car, you can easily order all products online at NonPaints.com. Our extensive range of car detailing products offers everything you need – whether you're an enthusiast or a professional detailer!