How To Remove Yellow Stains From White Car Paint

When your car is new, you can expect it to be bright and shiny. But as the sun beats down on your vehicle, its rays darken and intensify, and you’ll likely see a yellowing of the paint surface. Plus, there are bird droppings—they’re acidic enough to wear through the top transparent coat layer of paint if left too long. 

So what do you do? How can you correct and restore the white paint to its original brightness? Although you can quicken the process with modern technology, some DIY methods work to get the job done. 

The method and prevention of yellow stains depend on the stain type. That’s why we will review the types of yellow spots and the different techniques to remove them. We’ll also give you tips on removing those pesky yellow stains from your car’s paint. 

So, keep on reading to make your car look as good as new!

How To Remove Yellow Stains From White Car Paint?

Have you ever noticed how white cars turn yellow over time? While this natural process happens to all vehicles over time, it’s still unsightly and can be tough to remove.

Step 1: Wash The Car

Wash the vehicle to remove loose contaminants and road grime. Put on some rubber gloves and scrub it well with dishwashing detergent and water. Rinse well with fresh water and let dry completely or wipe down again to remove any remaining dirt/grit. Use an air hose if necessary (no more than 150 psi).

Step 2: Apply Pre-Wax Cleaner

Apply pre-wax cleaner to remove the wax layer present in older cars. Pre-wax cleaners work for this task by spraying on and then wiping away with a microfiber towel. Typically they don’t need to dwell more than two or three minutes before removing them. 

But be careful; if the paint is still yellow, it may be too early to use a pre-wax cleaner like this.

After spraying on the cleaner, let it soak for two minutes and wipe it off. Once the product removes some yellowing from the paint surface, it will look brighter.

Step 3: Polishing

Removing the wax layer and pre-wax cleaner is usually the next step. Nothing too complicated: Use a clean and soft foam pad and rub the polish until it settles into the cloth; then, move off onto a new part of the towel for more polishing action. 

The goal here is to buff away all those minor micro-scratches caused by the abrasives in your pre-wax cleaner (or maybe you missed some spots where there was still dirt or sap present).

Step 4: Apply Paint Sealant

Now we’re ready for the application of a paint sealant. If you choose to do this yourself, make sure your paint surface is cool to the touch. Apply the product sparingly using a soft foam pad on an orbital polisher with a light-to-medium speed setting. 

The goal is not to burn through your paint surface, so err on less than more when applying pressure/speed. Sealants are formulated for maximum protection against future damage and yellowing.

Check Out How to Remove Yellow Stains From White Car Paint:

Factors To Consider When Removing Stains

Here are some factors you should consider before removing stains from your car. 

Know The Source Of Stain

Yellow imperfections vary in type and color. Everyone hates the build-up of stains on their cars. They get there for many reasons, but heat, light, and oxygen exposure is the most common. They all contribute to stains becoming even more noticeable over time. 

It also makes them even more challenging to remove. Over time, stains accumulate and affect the appearance of your car. That’s why it is crucial to identify the type of stain before you start cleaning it up.

Car Stain Duration

In most cases, car stains are easy to remove during a car wash if they have not thoroughly dried or set up. However, it is always best to know the stain’s duration beforehand to be prepared with a solution if it is more difficult to handle once identified. 

You need to check if the stain is old or new. If it is fresh, the yellowish-orange mark may be due to bugs. If there are no visible insects around your car, then your problem might be sap from trees or resin deposits left behind by pine cones that have landed on your vehicle’s surface.

Your Automotive Detailing Experiences

Your automotive detailing experience greatly determines how skillful you can removing stains from your vehicle. It also saves time tackling larger jobs, such as buffing out scratches and other paint damage.  

Some stains require specific tools and products, while others require standard household supplies such as cleaning solutions and paper towels. In addition, some stains appear on certain parts of vehicles more than others. So, knowing this information beforehand will help save time when removing them. 

Methods For Removing Yellow Stains

The most common household items are all it takes to remove those nasty yellow stains on your car’s paint. You have a couple of options for removing yellow stains.

Use of Handheld Steamer

The most common way to remove these stains is with an enclosed handheld steamer.

1. Just hold the steamer over the stains for about 10 minutes. 
2. After 10 minutes, apply pressure similar to a manual car wax applicator, then buff it with a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Repeat three times to ensure all of the stains are removed.

If you don’t have access to either of these items, use a spray bottle filled with water and an old toothbrush. Repeat the process two times. If you still see yellow stains, repeat this step until the stains are no longer visible. 

The reason for multiple applications is that you have to clean your work area each time to ensure that there is no residue left behind to prevent another stain from forming.

Use of Baking Soda Mixture

1. Make up a mixture of baking soda and water. You will need at least two bowls, one with your water/baking soda mixture and one clean bowl after removing the stains. 
2. Take your toothbrush and apply some of the mixtures to the stains on your car. 
3. After applying, take your old toothbrush and rub the solution deeper into the paint surface. 
4. Now use your regular toothbrush, and scrub at the stained area in circular motions. 
5. Once you’ve scrubbed for a little bit, take your cloth and wipe off any residue left behind.
6. Once that’s complete, take a different cloth and wipe it down with soapy water. This will ensure that there is no baking soda residue left behind.

Use the same method as steps 3 and 5, except WD-40 instead of water/baking soda. Be careful with this one because WD-40 can damage paint if it remains too long. 

Use Your Hands

This method is slightly different from the rest because you will use an enclosed handheld steamer instead of using your hands to remove the stains. 

1. Get the steamer nice and hot without damaging your paint surface.
2. Now hold it approximately 1/2 an inch away from the yellow stains. 
3. Move it in small circular motions while applying slight pressure (not too much). 
4. Once you’ve moved the steamer over the entire stained area, take a clean microfiber cloth and buff away any loose residue left behind by the steamer.

What Are The Yellow Spots On My Car?

The spots on your car are probably rust spots or oxidation for the following reasons.

Acid Rain

You will see small yellow spots under the wheel arches and the trunk. Under the wheel arches, you will see dirt turning into black spots/ stains.

How To Fix It?

You can remove the stain from acid rain using watermark removers. These are harmful chemicals, so be cautious while dealing with them. You can get these chemicals from any hardware shop. Drop a few drops on the area and then gently rub the surface. 

Ensure you don’t get the solution on the plastic or chrome trims. Afterward, clean the surface with distilled water, and check for any mark residue. 

Heat Of Engine

The outside temperature is scorching, especially in direct sunlight. As you can imagine, these two go hand-in-hand with each other. The heat causes the water inside your engine to evaporate and simultaneously oxidize. Oxidation is a chemical reaction and will leave behind its residue on the surface of your car.

How To Fix It?

You can fix the stain with just a kitchen item, vinegar, which is mildly acidic with a pH of 2-3. So, it attacks this oxidized water stain and completely removes it. Add vinegar and some distilled water to a spray bottle. Spray it over the mark and leave it for 10 minutes. Then, wash and dry the area that no longer has the marks.

Formation Of Rust

There’s always water present in the air, especially in winter. According to the winter driving facts, your car is most likely to get rusty in such weather when there is a lot of dew and water running over your car. 

This water contains oxygen and hydrogen, which form hydrogen peroxide—as you probably know, rusting results from oxidation with the help of hydrogen peroxide. 

How To Fix It?

A fantastic method to fix these rust marks is by claying. For this process, you need a clay bar and a rust cleaner spray bottle. Both are available in any hardware store. Take a chunk of clay and make it flat. Then spray some rust cleaner over the rust dots. 

Now, could you take your clay pancake and gently rub it over the area? Do not press it hard, and maintain a smooth circular motion. Afterward, check for any residue and repeat the process if you find any. Otherwise, clean the surface with distilled water and dry it with a rag.

Car Paint Oxidation

The paint on your car will also oxidize due to environmental factors such as pollution or road salt. It triggers yellow spots around windows, door jams, and lower panels. In time you will see that the paint turns into black spots and finally into rust.

How To Fix It?

It is not a big problem; you can remove it with household items. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and water in a cup, and make a thick paste. Take a clean toothbrush and apply the paste over the oxidized area. Leave it for two minutes. Then clean the paste with a damp cloth.

Spider Webbing

The season for spider webbing is upon us! It’s a type of oxidation that will leave your car with a yellowish tint if left untreated.

See Also: How To Choose Window Tint Darkness For Your Car? (Legal)

How To Fix It?

To fix it up, you need just dishwashing liquid. Rinse the area to remove any dirt. Now wash the area with liquid dishwashing soap and a soft sponge. Move the sponge in circular motions and gently clean the surface. You may require 1000-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface, but the dishwashing liquid will be enough.

Tree Sap and Resin

Tree sap is sticky, and resin, as its name suggests, is hard. These two substances are tough to remove from your windshield, but they’re not impossible to eliminate! If left untreated, this residue could cause damage to your glass. A clumsy person may even put a hole through their window while trying too hard to clean it off.

How To Fix It?

Tree sap or resin could be hard to remove, so you need tar remover. However, you can also use rubbing alcohol for it. Wash and dry the area thoroughly. Take some tar remover on a microfiber cloth and rub it gently on the surface. You may need to repeat the process 2-3 times. When the surface is clean, spray some quick wax and polish the surface for finishing.

Road Grime

Road grime and car wash chemicals get sprayed all over the car. And because we don’t use face masks while we clean our vehicles, we breathe in this misty cloud of chemicals.  The toxins settle deep into the paint and create a yellow film. To get rid of this road grime, you’ll need to buy some clay pellets, which will help you restore the shine your original paint had.

How To Fix It?

The claying process is the most effective way to fix road grime. As mentioned above, you need a detailed cleaner and clay. Spray the cleaner on the surface and gently rub the clay over the area. It will remove any road grime and stain. Lastly, wash the surface with distilled water.

Water Spot

If you live in an area with hard water deposits, you’ll be familiar with the difficulty of removing water spots from your car’s glass. These deposits are caused by minerals found in tap water, such as calcium and magnesium. 

How To Fix It?

Simply mix one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate into three teaspoons of white vinegar and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to dwell for 10 minutes before rinsing off with clean distilled water.

How To Prevent Yellow Stains?

Car body fluids splash onto the vehicle from time to time. It can be pretty unpleasant if you find your car stained with fluid discoloration, making it look old and dirty. To keep your car as new as possible, here are a few tips that might help you.

Tips For Car’s Interior

• Do not attempt to clean leather seats with harsh or abrasive chemicals. It might damage or even discolor the surface of your car’s leather seats.
• Ensure you clean your car of the yellow stains every three months to prevent them from setting in and cracking upholstery.
• Keep rubber mats in the car to catch most dirt and mud, which can cause yellowing over time. 
• Shoes can also contribute to yellowing, so it’s best not to drive barefoot. Also, always clean off mud after a muddy walk before setting off in your vehicle.
• You can also cover any carpets with protective mats to prevent spills from soaking into the material.

Tips For Car’s Exterior

• If you live in a scorching, sunny area of the country, then make sure you clean the car as soon as possible after it’s been parked to prevent any watermarks.
• Keep your car dry whenever possible by removing morning dew or rainwater with a chamois leather or absorbent cloth.
• If you need to wash your car, use a microfibre mitt rather than a sponge. Also, avoid soap products containing sulfates, phosphates, and ammonium Lauryl/Laureth sulfate, as these can cause yellowing.
• When cleaning your car, only use safe products for all materials. So you won’t risk damaging your upholstery or paintwork in the long run.
• If possible clean with microfiber cloths that are washable and reusable. 
• When buying waxes and polishes, look for natural oils like jojoba, olive, and sunflower. They will nourish your car without causing any damage. 
• Do not use liquid waxes as they streak heavily and contain harsh chemicals that strip the paintwork or cause yellowing. If you really must polish your car, look for a paste made from natural ingredients like beeswax or carnauba.
• Avoid silicone products when shopping for tire shine, as it leaves an oily residue on the paint if it is not polished off immediately. 
• If you have alloy wheels, look for high-quality metal polishes rather than liquid cleaners, which can cause damage over time.

FAQs

Final Considerations

Whether you want to remove yellow stains from your car or the carpet in your home, you must know what caused the stain. Knowing this will help guide how and where you clean up a mess. This is why we have provided methods for removing car paint stains depending on the source of the stain. 

If these tips don’t work out for you, don’t hesitate to contact us so our team can help you.