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How to Remove Magnesium Chloride on Cars

by Jennifer Habersham

Peeter Viisimaa/Photodisc/Getty Images

In states where it snows, liquid magnesium chloride is often applied to the roads and highways to help melt the snow and keep the roads from freezing. And while magnesium chloride creates a safer driving environment, it can damage the exterior of your car by corroding the paint and metal. Magnesium chloride is easy to identify by its thin, white, filmy appearance. Thankfully, tackling the magnesium chloride stains with a few household items and a little elbow grease in a timely manner will prevent permanent damage.

Step 1

Wash your vehicle with soap and water. Scrub the magnesium chloride stains with a soft sponge. Rinse the car well until all traces of soap are gone. While you can use dish soap to wash your car, it is better to use a product that is actually made specifically for cleaning a vehicle's exterior.

Step 2

Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water directly into your bucket.

Step 3

Submerge your sponge into the vinegar mixture and apply to the magnesium chloride stains. There is no need to wring the sponge before you apply it to the stains.

Step 4

Scrub the magnesium chloride stains using a quick, circular motion. For stubborn stains, change the direction of the scrubbing by going back and forth and up and down. Continue to scrub, applying more vinegar as needed. Magnesium chloride stains are very stubborn, and the removal process may take a considerable amount of time.

Rinse the vehicle with water then dry with a towel or a chamois.

References

Things You'll Need

Bucket
Water
Automotive soap
Sponge
Vinegar
Towel

Warnings

If left alone, magnesium chloride can destroy the surface of your car.