Credit: carlofranco / Getty ImagesIf you live around a variety of flora and fauna, you might have walked out to your car and noticed a thick covering of pollen. It can be tempting to grab a towel, duster, or whatever is closest and wipe away the mess. But when it comes to pollen-covered paint, a little patience can save you from a lot of unnecessary scratches. The safest approach is simple: Get the pollen off the surface before you start scrubbing.Don't Wipe Pollen Off A Dry CarPollen may look soft and powdery, but its grains have microscopic ridges and projections that can act like tiny abrasives when dragged across a car's clear coat. A dry towel or duster can push those particles across the paint, potentially leaving behind fine scratches and swirl marks.Moisture can create another problem. When pollen gets wet from dew or rain, its contents can interact with the paint and contribute to etching, particularly when it sits on the surface for extended periods. That's one more reason not to let a thick layer of pollen linger.Start With A Thorough RinseBefore reaching for a wash mitt, give the entire car a generous rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer. The goal is to loosen and flush away as much pollen as possible without touching the paint. Work from the top of the vehicle down, paying particular attention to the roof, hood, trunk, and other horizontal surfaces where pollen tends to collect. This initial rinse is arguably the most important step because it removes loose particles before you introduce friction.Then Wash With Car SoapOnce you've rinsed away the loose pollen, wash the vehicle with a soap specifically formulated for cars and a clean, soft microfiber wash mitt. A two-bucket method, with one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing the mitt, can help keep contaminants from being transferred back onto the paint.AdvertisementAdvertisementWash one section at a time using gentle motions, rinsing the mitt frequently. Skip household dish soap, which can strip protective products such as wax from the vehicle's finish. Afterward, dry the car with a clean microfiber drying towel rather than letting it sit covered in water spots. If your local water is particularly hard, those mineral deposits can become another headache.Keep Pollen From Coming Right BackDuring heavy pollen season, washing once isn't necessarily enough. Regular rinsing can keep buildup from accumulating, especially if your car is parked outside or beneath trees. Rinsing an unprotected vehicle every few days during peak pollen season is ideal.Whenever possible, park in a garage or covered area. A layer of wax or another paint-protection product can also make the surface easier to clean. And if your car is already showing stubborn marks after pollen season, resist the urge to scrub harder. Light etching may be correctable with polishing, while more significant damage may require professional paint correction.Read the original article on Southern Living