Splashes of cement or concrete mix on construction sites and roadwork projects may seem difficult to remove from a car without scratching the paint. However, you can actually get rid of them easily without spending a lot of money! Start by dissolving the cement using a homemade or factory-made solution, then wipe off any remaining cement using a cloth and clay bar (a dust and stain remover from cars), then finish the process by applying a coat of wax.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Dissolving Used Cement
Step 1. Use masking tape to cover the area around the cement stain
Apply about 3 to 4 strands of masking tape to each side of the cement to protect the parts that are not exposed to the cement from product spray. If the spray of the cleaning solution hits a part of the car that is not exposed to cement, the paint can be damaged.
- Do not use duct tape to do this because it can damage the car paint.
- If there are multiple spots of cement, apply tape around all the spots before continuing with the process.
Step 2. Use a special cement solvent on the spots if you want an easy way
You can buy solvents like this at a hardware store or online. This product will dissolve the calcium contained in the cement so that any remaining stains can be removed safely. This solution is an acidic substance that is safe for the environment with active ingredients that are naturally found in sugarcane syrup.
Step 3. Spray the cement spots with vinegar if you want an inexpensive solution
Put white vinegar in a spray bottle until it reaches half, then add warm water. Shake the spray bottle for about 5 minutes until the vinegar and water are well combined. The acid in the vinegar will dissolve the cement, which will make it easier to remove.
If one bottle of cement solvent costs more than Rp. 280 thousand, you can get one bottle of vinegar for no more than Rp. 15 thousand
Variation:
If cement spots get on the windshield or car windows, use this vinegar mixture to remove them. Spray vinegar, wait about 15 minutes, then use a damp sponge to wipe off the cement spots.
Step 4. Spray the solution directly on the cement spot to loosen it
Use a vinegar-water mixture or a commercial solvent to wet the cement. Allow the solution to soak for about a minute, then spray the solution again to loosen the cement.
Feel free to moisten the cement-affected area with plenty of solution
Part 2 of 2: Wiping Up the Sticking Cement
Step 1. Use a cloth-covered spatula to scrape off the cement
You can use a wooden or plastic spatula, but not a metal one. Peel and scrape the cement carefully from the bottom to remove loose cement. Insert the spatula under the cement spot, then shake the spatula until the cement loosens and comes off.
You have to cover the spatula with a cloth. Otherwise, the car paint may scratch when rubbed with a spatula
Step 2. Glue and press the cloth on the cement spot after you have sprayed it with plenty of solution
Once the large chunks of cement have been removed from the car, it is time to gradually remove the thin layer of cement that remains. Spray the cleaning solution and apply the cloth to the cement stain. Continue to press the cloth against the stain for a few minutes to dissolve any remaining cement.
- Repeat this process of spraying the solution and pressing the cloth until most or all of the cement stain is gone.
- Do not rub the cloth on the cement stain, as this can damage the paint and make the stain impossible to remove.
Tip: Prepare a lot of cloth. You should use a new cloth every time you press on the cement stain. This way, you will most likely be able to remove all the cement stains.
Step 3. Remove the last cement stain with a clay bar
Wet the cement spot area with water or the lubricant that came with the product before you apply the clay bar. Rub this putty-like material into the car paint in gentle circular motions to remove any remaining fine particles of cement.
Clay bars can be found at auto supply stores, building stores, or home supply stores
Step 4. Apply wax to the cemented area once the car is completely clean
Apply a thumb-sized amount of wax to a lint-free cloth and rub it into the car paint in small circular motions. Use a row of circles vertically or horizontally to cover the entire surface of the car, and make sure you apply it thinly and evenly. Next, rub the wax in a circular motion.
- You can buy car wax at an auto supply store or the internet.
- Only apply car wax if the surface of the car is completely dry and there is no cement remaining on the car paint.
