How to remove cement from a car: 8 steps (with pictures)

Concrete and cement splatters from construction sites and highway projects might seem a bit difficult to remove from the car without scratching the paint. However, you can easily remove cement stains on your own without going bankrupt. Start by dissolving the concrete with a ready-made homemade solution, then wipe up the cement residue with a cloth and a clay bar and finish the job with a coat of wax.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Dissolve Cement Stains

Step 1. Block the area around the stain with masking tape

Put 3-4 pieces of masking tape (also known as painter's tape) on each side of the stain for a safety system in case of overspray. If you spray the clean parts of the car with the solution, you could accidentally damage the paint.

Don't use tape for this step as it could damage the paint on the car.
If there are multiple cement stains, tape around each one before going to the next step.

Step 2. Use a special cement thinner on stains for an easy fix

You can buy one of these at a hardware store or online. The solution dissolves the calcium in the cement, which means that remaining stains can be safely removed. These solutions are environmentally safe acids with an active ingredient naturally found in sugarcane syrup.

Step 3. Spray the stains with vinegar for a more economical solution

Fill a spray bottle half full with pure white vinegar, then fill it with warm water. Shake the contents of the spray bottle for 5 minutes to mix the water and vinegar well. The acidity of the vinegar dissolves the cement and makes it easier to remove.

While a bottle of cement thinner can cost more than $ 20, you can buy a jug of vinegar for less than $ 10

Variation:

If there is cement on the windows or windshield, use this vinegar solution to remove it. Spray it on, wait 15 minutes and remove the cement with a wet sponge.

Step 4. Spray the solution directly on the cement stains to loosen them

Soak all the cement in the vinegar with water or with the commercial solution. Allow the liquid to soak in for 1 minute, then spray the stain again to further loosen the cement.

Don't worry that soaking with a lot of solution will affect the area

Part 2 of 2: Cleaning Car Cement Stains

Step 1. Scrape off the cement with a kitchen spatula covered with a cloth

Use a plastic or wooden spatula, not metal. Gently peel and scrape the cement from underneath to remove and loosen the concrete from the car. Sink the putty knife under the cement stains and move it until the concrete loosens and falls off.

You have to cover the putty knife with a cloth because it could damage the paint if you rub it against the car without one

Step 2. Press the cloth against the cement stains after you have sprayed more solution

Once you have removed the large pieces of cement from the car, it is time to lift thin layers little by little. Spray a little more of the cleaning solution and press the cloth against the stain. Hold the rag against the stains for a few minutes to dissolve the rest of the cement.

Repeat the spraying process and press until most of the cement stain is removed.
Do not rub the cloth against the cement stain as this could damage the paint and make it almost impossible to remove the stain.

tip: Get some rags ready. You should use a different rag each time you press against the cement stain. This will give you a better chance of removing the entire stain.

Step 3. Remove the last grains of cement with a clay bar

Wet the stained area with a little water or the included lubricant before using the clay bar. Apply the putty-consistency material over the paint in a smooth, circular motion to lift up fine particles of residue.

You can find a clay bar at an auto store, hardware store, or home improvement store

Step 4. Wax the area once it is completely clean

Put some wax on a lint-free cloth and rub it over the painting in circular motions. Do this horizontally, vertically or in circles to cover the entire surface of the car and make sure to only apply a thin, even coat. Afterward, remove the wax in circular motions.