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What is decontamination?

Updated: Mar 12, 2023

Decontamination is an essential step in the car detailing process. It involves removing any contaminants, such as dirt, grime, iron particles, bird droppings, tree sap, and tar, that have bonded to the surface of the car's paintwork.


Decontamination is crucial because these contaminants can harm the paintwork over time, leading to discoloration and even permanent damage.


When it comes to removing tree sap and tar, the decontamination process involves using a specialized product that is designed to dissolve and lift these sticky substances from the surface of the paintwork.


Iron particles, such as brake dust and rail dust, are another common type of contaminant that can bond to the surface of a car's paintwork. These iron particles are created when metal parts on the car, such as brake pads, rotors, and rails, produce tiny metal shavings that can become airborne and land on the car's surface. If left untreated, these iron particles can cause rust spots and other damage to the paintwork.


To remove iron particles from the surface of the paintwork, a dedicated iron fallout remover product should be used. These products contain a chemical that reacts with the iron particles, causing them to dissolve and break down.


Here are the steps involved:


Wash the car: Before beginning the decontamination process, you need to wash the car thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and grime.


Apply a decontamination product: Next, apply a dedicated tar and sap remover product to the affected areas of the paintwork. These products typically contain solvents that break down the bonds between the contaminants and the surface of the car.


Allow the product to sit: After applying the decontamination product, you should allow it to sit on the paintwork for a few minutes to give it time to dissolve the sap or tar.


Agitate the surface: To help loosen the contaminants further, you can agitate the surface using a clay bar. This will help to lift the sap, tar, or iron from the surface of the paintwork.


Rinse thoroughly: Finally, rinse the car thoroughly with water to remove any remaining decontamination product and any loosened contaminants.


By following these steps, you can effectively remove tree sap, tar, and iron from the surface of the paintwork, helping to maintain the appearance and integrity of the car's paintwork. It's worth noting that decontamination should be carried out regularly, particularly if the car is regularly exposed to environmental contaminants such as tree sap and bird droppings.


Jonathan - Certified Detail Technician

Flawless Cleaning and Detailing

5787 S Ridge Rd W, Geneva, Ohio, 44041

(440) 428-8012

Follow on Facebook. facebook.com/flawlesscad

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