As the temperature and pollen count is set to increase this weekend and next week, drivers are being urged to wipe away dust and pollen from their vehicles to avoid contravening the Highway Code and incurring fines.
LeaseLoco.com’s motoring experts are prompting car owners to tackle pollen accumulation to prevent fines for impaired visibility while driving.
They’ve offered a helping hand by listing five common household items that can aid in the clean-up, including dryer sheets, old T-shirts, car wax, and squeegees.
According to the Highway Code, it’s imperative to maintain clear windscreens and windows to ensure an unobstructed view.
Drivers risk fines up to £1,000 if they fail to have a complete view of the road.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, commented: “Pollen can be a real nuisance when it clings to your car, making it look dirtier than it is.”
He warned: “It can also be a hazard if it builds up on your windscreen and windows over time and starts to obscure your vision.”
Wilmot understands the reluctance to wash cars frequently due to pollen coverage, which is why he’s shared “You may not fancy giving your car a wash every single time you notice pollen all over it which is why we’ve shared some simple yet effective hacks to remove pollen without doing a big wash.”
He further advised: “Simply rinsing the car with water can be good enough as long as the pollen has not stuck. If it has settled and clung to your car you’ll need to go in with some soap and a sponge to remove it.
“Car wax can also be helpful for preventing pollen from clinging to your car in the future. Its smooth coating means that pollen will slide right off instead of settling and becoming a nuisance.”
Household items that can effectively remove pollen
Rinse with water
One simple method for getting rid of pollen from the car is to rinse it with water. This method will work best on any fresh pollen that has not yet stuck to your vehicle. If using the hose, remember to use a gentle setting to avoid damaging any paint work.
Use dryer sheets
Motorists can take a slightly dampened dryer sheet and gently wipe it along tehir car to help lift the pollen off. Dryer sheets are soft and non-abrasive so you don’t have to worry about them scratching your car. Furthermore, they contain properties that help flight static cling meaning they can help prevent pollen from sticking to your car in the future.
Old T-shirt or pillowcase
Plain cotton t-shirts and plain pillowcases are lint-free and are also gentle enough to clean the car without damaging the paint. First, you should dampen the T-shirt or pillow case with some water and wipe along the car. It’s best to avoid using circular motions to prevent swirl marks from forming.
Squeege
Using a squeegee can be a really easy way to wipe off any fresh pollen without the hassle of using any extra items. Remember to be gentle to avoid scratching the surfaces or leaving streaks.
Apply car wax
After leaning any existing pollen off your car, apply a generous layer of car wax. This acts as a protective layer and can help prevent future pollen buildup on the vehicle.
The advice follows a trend of motorists going viral on social media for showcasing the extent of pollen coverage on their vehicles.
Among them is TikTok user @kedtookool, who shared just how much pollen had settled on his car ‘five minutes after washing it’. The video rapidly gained traction, amassing over 217,000 likes and thousands of comments from individuals facing a similar predicament.