Black cars look stunning—when they’re clean. They also show dirt, water spots, and other stains more quickly than other car colors. If you don’t know how to keep a black car clean between washes, you’ll end up driving a vehicle that looks dingy all the time.
There are a few easy hacks you can try to avoid this problem, however. With a little bit of extra effort, your black car can keep its sleek finish more than a few hours after it leaves the car wash.
Method 1: Detailer spray
Some cars can get away without this extra layer of protection, but for a black car detailing is crucial to maintain a long-term shine. It’s not a big investment—you can get a bottle for $10-$25 from any auto parts store. Applying it is pretty easy, too. Along with preventing dirt and water spots, it will give your paint more gloss and protect it from light scratches and oxidation.
What you’ll need:
- Detailing spray
- Microfiber cloth
- Park your car in the garage or a shaded area, out of the sun. Make sure the paint is cool before you begin.
- Spray the detailer directly on your car. Using the microfiber towel, wipe gently in straight lines. Use a clean portion of the towel on each wipe to avoid streaks and uneven application.
- Allow the detailer to dry for a few hours before driving.
After the application, wash the microfiber cloth and save it for your next use. You may want to use multiple cloths for larger vehicles, to ensure you’re using a clean portion on each swipe. A good detailing spray can protect your car for 3-6months, depending on the conditions and how often you drive it. >>>Find spray detailers for black cars buying guide here.
Method 2: Car dusters
If you just need to remove some light road dirt or dust from your car, you can touch it up with a car duster >>> Check on Amazon. These are basically like brushes made of rope, with a look that’s similar to a short mop. These ropes are less likely to scratch or damage your paint than bristles or other fibers.
Car dusters are very effective at removing dust and pollen. Keep in mind they won’t remove stuck-on messes, like dead bugs or bird poop. Still, they’re a handy tool for quick touch-ups of your paint between washes.
Method 3: Use the right wax
Some car waxes are better at repelling dirt and dust than others. You can find car waxes specifically designed for black cars, like Meguiar’s Black Wax >>> Check on Amazon, which are formulated to enhance your paint’s shine and reflectiveness. Waxes protect your paint, too, and help water to bead off, avoiding water spots.
The correct application for each wax is different, so follow the instructions on the container. Just like with detailer sprays, you want to use a microfiber towel to avoid scratches and streaks, and allow the wax to dry fully before driving. >>>Find a guide of longest-lasting car waxes here
Method 4: Anti-static spray
Anti-static treatments make your car less likely to attract dirt and dust in the first place. This can go a long way toward keeping it clean between washes. A product like the Chemical Guys Synthetic Quick Detailer >>> Check on Amazon will help your car repel dust.
What you’ll need:
- Anti-static spray
- Microfiber cloth
- Wash your car as you normally would and allow it to dry. If you’re using any waxes or other products, you should also apply those first.
- Mist your entire vehicle with the anti-static spray.
- Wipe the car clean using a microfiber cloth. Use an up-and-down motion, not a circular motion, to avoid streaks and scratches.
The Bottom Line: How to Keep a Black Car Clean Between Washes
Avoiding dust and dirt is always a lot easier than cleaning it off after. The more you can prevent dirt from reaching your car’s paint, the better it will look in the long-term.
While you can’t control everything about your environment, you can protect your vehicle from dirt and debris when it’s at your home. A garage is obviously the best option. If you don’t have one, consider investing in a cover to put on your car overnights, especially if you have no choice but to park it on the street. It’s a bit more effort, but it’s often worth it in the long term, especially if you live in an urban area.
Black cars are harder to keep clean than other colors. Hopefully, the suggestions above help you maintain your black car’s shine between washes!