Halloween is almost here, and while it brings all the fun, from trick-or-treating to fun parties, it also leaves behind a real mess for your car. Candy wrappers, pumpkin goo, and shaving cream pranks can all wreak havoc on your ride. But fear not—ClearWater Express Wash has your back!
We’ve shared some handy tips for tackling those pesky clean-ups so you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about your car. These quick at-home hacks will set you on the right path, and once you’ve tackled the basics, swing by ClearWater Express Wash. We’ll handle the rest, protecting your car and getting it gleaming again in no time.
Pumpkin Stains:
Pumpkin flesh isn’t harmful to your car unless it’s left on for too long. Start by using water pressure to remove the larger pieces, and follow up with a soft-wash mitt for the remaining bits. The important thing is to clean it off quickly. If addressed by the next day, it shouldn’t damage the paint, and a good rinse followed by a thorough wash should do the job.
Egging:
Eggs can really mess up your car’s paint. For some reason, people love throwing them, and when your car’s the target, it’s a hassle. The key is catching it early—if the egg’s still wet, you’re in luck. A quick rinse and a soft towel should do the trick. But often, that’s not the case.
If you find it the next morning, and it’s dried, the cleanup is trickier. Start by removing any large shell pieces and avoid rubbing tiny particles of eggshells all over the place. Use the pressure of a hose to remove the dried egg carefully. After that, wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
Shaving Cream, Silly String, Toilet Paper:
The sooner you remove foreign materials from your car, the better. Shaving cream, silly string, and wads of toilet paper can dry and harden on the paint. While they aren’t usually harmful—though some shaving creams can corrode paint if left too long—the real issue arises when you try to pick them off while dry, which can cause scratches. The best approach is to rinse the area first. Water will soften the hardened substance, making it easier to remove. Once it’s softened, use water pressure to hose it off completely.
Glue:
When setting up your trunk-or-treat, glue is bound to end up on your car. Residue from glue, stickers, decals, or pinstriping may look unsightly, but it’s removable.
Here’s how to get rid of leftover glue:
First, wash the area with soap and water to clear away dirt that could scratch the paint. To soften the glue, gently heat it with a hairdryer, being careful not to overheat the paint. Then, use a plastic scraper to remove the adhesive without scratching the surface. After removing the adhesive residue, wash with soapy water and dry with a clean rag.
Candy Stains:
Trick-or-treating often results in sticky candies and wrappers everywhere. If you’ve ever dealt with melted candy, you know how messy it can get. Once it hardens, it sticks to surfaces even more stubbornly than it does to your teeth. Removing it while cleaning your car after Halloween is straightforward, but it requires some unconventional methods.
Melt hardened candy with a hairdryer and scrape it away gently. After your home clean-up, we’ll take care of any leftover stickiness with our soft-touch car wash using a combination of high-pressure water and cleaning solutions to remove residue and restore your car’s shine.
Get started at home with these tips, then bring your car to the nearest ClearWater Express Wash after Halloween to complete the clean-up and protect your vehicle for the road ahead!