Seeing a car covered in dust can be the worst site for a morning view, especially for car enthusiasts.
But I won’t blame you. Ensuring the glossy and shining look on your car can be a difficult job. That too, when you don’t know the answer to ‘Why My Car Keeps Getting Dusty.”
Generally, all vehicles attract dust, pollen, and other forms of dirt between car washes, which is the prime reason they keep getting dusty repeatedly.
So, here’s a brief guide about how to stop your car from getting dusty and ensuring a neat exterior and interior look.
Why Does My Car Keep Getting Dusty?
There are several reasons for a car catching dust.
First off, the atmosphere itself contains dust. So, just sitting outdoors can result in your car getting dusty again. Another significant contributing factor is the place where you’re parking your car. If your car is parked in a dusty area or near a busy road, it will accumulate dust quickly.
Moreover, the car’s color can also make a difference. On lighter-colored cars, dust is not very noticeable, whereas, on darker cars, even a tiny amount of dust can stand out, making it seem as if your car hasn’t been washed for months.
Also Read: Can You Ceramic Coat Matte Paint
How To Stop The Car From Getting Dusty (Interior)
If you are ignoring your car’s interior for a long time, then let me tell you that it won’t last long. Plus, getting an excellent interior setup for your car isn’t cheap.
The easiest ways to stop the car interior from getting dusty are to regularly clean it, use an anti-static interior dressing, and don’t overuse the AC/heater of the car.
Here are some additional ways to ensure a shiny interior.
Turn Off The AC/Heater
The most common reason the interior of a car gets dirty is because of the Air Conditioner. When you’re not using your car’s AC or heater, turn them off. These systems bring dirt and dust into your vehicle’s interior. This simple change reduces the dust in your car, ensuring a cleaner interior.
Use an Anti-Static Plastic Dressing
Anti-static plastic dressing is a fantastic way to reduce dust buildup. This dressing minimizes the static electricity inside your car, attracting less dust to the interior surfaces.
A straightforward way to use Anti-Static Plastic dressing is by applying the anti-static plastic dressing to a clean cloth and gently wiping down all plastic surfaces, such as the dashboard, door panels, and center console.
However, if you’re purchasing a specific product, remember to read the instructions on the bottle for the best results.
Use Air-Recirculator
The air-recirculation function is an essential feature that can help limit the dust in your car. When activated, this function prevents external air from entering and recirculates the existing air inside your vehicle. This helps minimize the airborne particles that can enter your car’s interior.
To use the air recirculation, look for a button with a car icon or an arrow in a circle on your car’s dashboard or center console. Press it to activate the feature and keep dust to a minimum.
Keep the Windows Closed
One effective way to stop dust from entering your car’s interior is to keep your windows closed.
Many car owners keep the windows open during cloudy days to enjoy fresh air or refresh the car’s environment. However, leaving open windows allows dust to settle in your car’s interior. This is why it is much better to close windows while driving, especially on dusty roads or windy days. Consider using the air-recirculation option and the AC if you need air circulation.
Regularly Clean The Interior
A microfiber towel is an excellent way to capture dust particles and clean your car’s interior surfaces. Make a habit of wiping down the dashboard, seats, and other surfaces at least once a week. Use a microfiber towel lightly sprayed with water or a cleaning solution to clean the interior effectively. Gently wipe the surfaces in a circular motion, removing dust and debris.
How To Stop The Car From Getting Dusty (Exterior)
No car enthusiast would ignore the importance of a shiny car exterior.
Some ways to ensure a clean car exterior is by parking it in a garage and cleaning it once a week. These two simple ways are enough to make your car shine like glass.
However, more tips include:
Park the Car in a Garage
Parking your car in a garage is an effective way to reduce dust accumulation on the exterior. Air has many dust particles which get attached to the car. However, Garages provide a shielded space, protecting your car from other outside elements.
If no garage is available, consider using a car cover as an alternative to provide at least some measure of protection against dust and the elements.
Wash the Car Frequently
Frequent car washing is an easy-to-follow success formula for maintaining a dust-free car. Establish a washing routine based on your surrounding environment and the car’s usage.
Even if you wash the car once a week, it’s enough, as consistency plays an important role. Remember, the key is to remove dust before it can adhere to the paint surface, making it more challenging to clean later.
Use a gentle car wash soap, a bucket of water, and a microfiber wash mitt. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and then dry it to prevent water spots.
Use Slicker Forms of Paint Protection
Applying slicker paint protection, like car wax or sealant, can reduce dust buildup on your car’s exterior. These products add a protective layer that dust particles cannot easily adhere to, making the car’s surface less prone to dust accumulation.
To apply, wash and dry the car first, then apply the product as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use a quality applicator pad for spreading the wax or sealant. Remember to wipe clean with a microfiber cloth after it dries to a haze.
Avoid Parking Under Trees
Trees may provide shade but contribute to dust and other contaminants landing on your car’s exterior.
Tree sap, bird droppings, and falling leaves are some things that can damage the car’s exterior look. Trees can generate significant pollen during pollination season, which will undeniably cover your car’s surface.
This is why car owners should avoid parking their cars under trees unless there’s no other option.
Regularly Remove Dust Using a Duster
Using a duster made explicitly for cars is a great idea to keep your car dust-free. These dusters are designed to lift the dust off the paint rather than scratching it onto the surface. It’s a quick solution that can be done regularly.
Glide the duster over the car’s surface when using the duster. Ensure the car is cooled down because a hot surface can make dust cling even more.
Wrap Up
In the end, many factors become an answer to the question, “Why does your car keep getting dusty,” both inside and out.
Though the maintenance may seem daunting, with a scheduled routine in place and the proper techniques, you can certainly reduce the frequency of dust buildup in your vehicle. Always remember that the efforts invested will result in a clean car and enhance its resale value.
Also Read: Paint Correction VS Repaint
FAQ
How can I maintain a dust-free car interior for more extended periods?
To maintain a dust-free car interior, you can use interior cleaning products specifically designed to repel dust, regularly clean air vents and ducts, and minimize the entry of dust by keeping windows closed and using air conditioning or recirculation modes.
Is my car’s air intake causing excessive dust inside?
Yes, if the air intake system of your car is compromised or has a faulty filter, it can allow dust particles to enter the interior cabin. Regularly checking and replacing the air filters can help prevent excessive dust accumulation inside your car.
Can a lot of dust affect car paint?
Yes, a lot of dust can affect the car paint. Dust particles settle on the car’s surface, creating a gritty layer. Over time, if the dust isn’t removed, it can act as an abrasive, scratching the paint when the car is touched or washed. Moreover, certain dust particles may contain contaminants that can chemically react with the paint, causing potential damage or discoloration.