Spring is here. The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and your car is covered in a thick yellow haze of pollen. Whether you live near birch trees or are simply unlucky with the weather, one thing is clear: this season can be tough on your vehicle.
The good news is that pollen usually does not directly harm your car’s paint. The less good news is that it can still cause problems if you leave it untouched. That is why in this blog we explain what you should and should not do to keep your car in top condition throughout the pollen season.
Is pollen harmful to your paint?
On its own, no. Pollen is soft and will not damage your paint like bird droppings or insect remains can. But when pollen mixes with sand, road dust or rain, it becomes a different story. This combination can create a gritty layer that causes fine scratches with just one swipe of the wipers or a quick wipe with a sponge.
Why regular washing makes all the difference
Pollen tends to build up around your windows, rubber seals and water drainage points. If you leave it there, it can cause blockages, especially in cars that are parked for longer periods. The solution is simple: wash your car. At least once every two weeks, as advised by TÜV.
What is TÜV?
TÜV is an independent German inspection institute that conducts research on vehicle safety and maintenance. Their advice is widely respected across Europe and provides reliable guidelines for responsible car care.
A smart routine: from foam to finish
For a safe and thorough clean, always begin with a quality pre-wash foam such as Airolube Extreme Foam Cleaner. This plant-based foam clings to dirt and pollen, loosens it and helps you rinse it off without scrubbing the paint. This reduces the risk of micro-scratches and ensures a deeper, safer result.
Then use a pressure washer at about thirty centimeters distance to rinse away the loosened dirt. Apply foam from the bottom up for an even coat and rinse from the top down for best effect. Most of the dirt will now be removed. Follow up with a hand wash using Airolube Super Wash for a clean, streak-free finish.
A useful tip from Airolube: complete your wash with a protective layer such as Speedwax. This spray-on wax protects your paint and helps prevent fresh pollen from sticking. Your car stays cleaner for longer and your next wash will be easier.
(Text continues below the products)
What you should avoid
Do not wipe dry. Pollen can act like sandpaper and cause small scratches.
Avoid using winter windscreen washer fluid in spring. Combined with pollen, it can create a sticky film on your windscreen. Use a summer screenwash like Airolube Summer Screenwash instead.
Do not rely on rain. A good shower may rinse off some of the pollen, but not nearly enough and not in all areas.
Watch out for honeydew, bird droppings and insects
Spring also brings other types of contamination. Honeydew from aphids, bird droppings and dead insects are much more aggressive to your car’s surface. These substances can stick and dry out quickly, especially in warm weather.
Remove them with water and a few sheets of wet newspaper. Let it soak for about twenty minutes, then wipe it off gently. The sooner you act, the better the result.
For those with hay fever...
A pollen-covered car is not just annoying to look at. Every time you open the door, a cloud of pollen can enter your car and trigger allergic reactions. Washing your car regularly helps keep the interior fresh and your sinuses calm.
Airolube advice
With natural cleaners and sustainable car care products, you protect your vehicle and the world around you. Our formulas are plant-based, safe for people and nature and designed to do exactly what they promise: protect your car from whatever the season brings.
Care for what you love. With Airolube.
