Quick answer
Rinse salt off as soon as you can, wash the lower panels, door jambs and wheel wells, and dry the car. Inside, vacuum the mats and carpet, then blot salt stains with a half-and-half mix of warm water and white vinegar. Repeat through the winter, because salt keeps building up.
Ontario winters mean salt on every road. It leaves a white film on paint, stiff stains in the carpets and, left alone, it speeds up rust on exposed metal. A little regular cleaning goes a long way.
Why road salt is hard on your car
Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which is great for traction and bad for your vehicle. Salty slush gets thrown onto the paint, into the wheel wells and under the car, where it stays damp and keeps working on any chip or scratch in the finish.
Inside, it comes in on your boots. Once it dries it leaves white rings on the carpet and floor mats that are hard to vacuum out.
Cleaning the outside
- Rinse first. Use plenty of water to float salt and grit off the paint before you touch it with a mitt. Washing dry salt and sand around is how swirl marks happen.
- Start with the lower half. The doors, sills, bumpers and wheel wells collect the most.
- Wash with a proper car shampoo and a clean mitt, top to bottom, rinsing the mitt often.
- Open the doors and trunk and wipe the jambs. Salt hides there and keeps the hinges and latches damp.
- Dry the car with a clean microfibre towel so water does not freeze in the seals and locks.
- Finish with a wax or sealant when the weather allows. A protected surface makes the next wash easier.
Cleaning the inside
- Take out the mats and shake them off outside.
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly, including under the seats and along the edges where salt collects.
- Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the stained area lightly.
- Let it sit for a minute, then blot with a clean towel. Do not rub hard, which pushes salt deeper.
- Repeat until the stain lifts, then blot with plain water and let the area dry fully.
- Test any cleaner on a hidden spot first, and keep vinegar away from leather.
BeforeAfterHow often should you do it?
During winter, a quick rinse every week or two keeps salt from sitting. A proper interior clean once the worst of the season has passed gets the carpets and mats back to normal before the stains set.
When to call a professional
If the carpets are heavily stained, the mats are caked, or the paint still feels rough after washing, a professional interior and exterior detail is usually faster and gets deeper. Our Interior Revive resets the cabin, and Exterior Revival covers a careful hand wash and protection. We come to your home or office.