Los Angeles may be all about sunshine and palm trees, but if you’ve driven up to Big Bear, the San Gabriel Mountains, or Tahoe, your car has probably faced snow, ice, and road salt. While it might look cool with a fresh dusting of snow, leftover grime and salt can cause serious damage.
Let’s go over the right way to detail your car after a snowstorm or icy conditions so it stays rust-free, spotless, and ready for LA’s sunny streets again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Detailing After Snow & Ice
1. Start with a Thorough Rinse
Before touching your car with anything, you need to remove the road salt, slush, and ice residue that can scratch the paint.
Use a pressure washer or a hose with a strong spray.
Pay special attention to the wheel wells, undercarriage, and lower panels—this is where road salt builds up the most.
If the temperature is still freezing, use warm (not hot!) water to prevent ice from forming.
2. Use a pH-Neutral Car Wash Soap
Never use dish soap—it strips protective wax and can dry out rubber seals.
Mix a pH-neutral car wash soap with warm water.
Use a microfiber wash mitt to prevent scratching.
Wash from top to bottom, focusing on salt-heavy areas near the wheels and undercarriage.
Pro Tip: Use the two-bucket method—one for clean, soapy water and another for rinsing your mitt.
3. Deep Clean Your Wheels & Tires
Your wheels take the worst beating from snow and road salt.
Use a dedicated wheel cleaner to remove built-up grime.
Scrub with a soft-bristle brush to get into crevices.
Rinse thoroughly and apply a tire dressing to prevent cracking.
4. Dry with a Microfiber Towel or Air Blower
Letting water air-dry can lead to water spots and streaks.
Use a large microfiber drying towel or a leaf blower to remove excess water.
Open the doors and wipe down the door jambs—snow and ice love to hide here!
5. Apply a Protective Wax or Sealant
Salt and road grime can eat away at your clear coat. Protect your paint with:
A spray wax for quick protection.
A ceramic sealant for long-term durability.
A graphene coating if you want next-level water and dirt repellency.
6. Clean the Interior (Because You Dragged in Snow & Salt!)
Don’t forget the inside—your floor mats and seats took a beating too.
For Carpets & Mats:
Remove mats and hose them down.
Scrub with an all-purpose cleaner and let them dry completely.
For Seats & Dashboard:
Wipe down all surfaces with a mild interior cleaner.
Use a leather conditioner if you have leather seats—they dry out in cold weather!
For Windows:
Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner to remove fog and streaks.
7. Check for Rust & Touch Up Any Chips
Snow and salt can speed up rust formation, especially on exposed metal.
Inspect the wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
If you find small chips, use touch-up paint before rust sets in.
Conclusion
Surviving a snowy road trip is one thing—keeping your car rust-free and spotless afterward is another. By following these steps, you’ll remove all salt, protect your paint, and keep your ride looking like it never left sunny LA.
