Product for road salt?

Kristopher1129

Kristopher1129

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Do any of you know of a product that is specifically to break down crystalized road salt? Or know of anything that will soften it up?

I usually just blast it loose with my pressure wash quickly. But, in the winter time...I don't like to pressure wash floor mats cause they won't dry off. If I give them back to the customer wet...they'll become a block of ice, ha.

So, I'm just wondering if there's something out there that sort softens the salt, so that it can be extracted out. Cause extracting out road salt doesn't really work, unless it's very light.

Anything for that??? If there's nothing...somebody should really create that. I would buy that stuff in bulk!
 
how about hot white vinegar?

I've used it at 3:1 with hot water to get rid of salt stains in carpet. I just use my shop vac as I don't have an extractor
 
I guess I'm missing something...if you're willing to extract but not pressure wash...why don't you pressure wash and then extract the water out?
 
I hear your problem Kris. I still powerwash matts once their soaked with APC and scrubbed. I let them drip dry a little and then vaccum each mat to get the rest of the water out.

I then hang them up and let them dry more while I'm detailing the rest of the car. Once I'm done with the car I go back over the matts again just to make sure I got all the water.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
I guess I'm missing something...if you're willing to extract but not pressure wash...why don't you pressure wash and then extract the water out?
Click to expand...

Pressure washing the mats leaves them a lot more wet than the extractor does. Even if I follow up with the extractor...the soaking has already happened. It will take quite a while to dry them out.

If I could spray something to loosen the salt, then suck it up really quick with the extractor...it leaves a much less damp mat.

embolism said:
how about hot white vinegar?

I've used it at 3:1 with hot water to get rid of salt stains in carpet. I just use my shop vac as I don't have an extractor
Click to expand...

I've heard that, but my concern is the smell. No way am I giving a customer their vehicle back with the smell of vinegar, ha. Even if I extract it out, I can't imagine that smell wouldn't linger...but maybe not.

DealerDetailer said:
I hear your problem Kris. I still powerwash matts once their soaked with APC and scrubbed. I let them drip dry a little and then vaccum each mat to get the rest of the water out.

I then hang them up and let them dry more while I'm detailing the rest of the car. Once I'm done with the car I go back over the matts again just to make sure I got all the water.
Click to expand...

Right. That's typically my process in the spring, summer, and fall. Hanging them outside in the sun isn't much of an option in the winter, ha.

That's why if there was just something I could spray, let sit, and extract...it would leave the mats much more likely to dry off by the time I'm done with the vehicle.
 
I give my customers cheap paper mats. After extraction I cover back seats with same before stacking mats on top. I tell them in no uncertain terms to place inside of home to thoroughly dry if they do not want a sour smell.
 
glen e said:
vinegar works fine - also, google SALTAWAY
Click to expand...

Seems promising, but the only issue is that they don't say whether it's safe to use on carpet. Says a lot of other materials, but not carpeting. They seem to cater to boats, or marine in general. Could be worth a shot though.

Maybe I'll try it on my own car first, ha. :dblthumb2:
 
Vegas Transplant said:
I give my customers cheap paper mats. After extraction I cover back seats with same before stacking mats on top. I tell them in no uncertain terms to place inside of home to thoroughly dry if they do not want a sour smell.
Click to expand...

I do the same thing. I plastic sheet cover the seat, and leave them with a temporary floor mat.

But, still...I'd like to avoid pressure washing their mats in the winter. Cause a lot of times I have no option but to pressure wash, and they pick up their vehicle while they're still wet.

I always let them know that they need to be dried off. If they left them with me...I could dry them off over night easily. But, most people don't want to bother with that, which is understandable.
 
I've had clients to return days or weeks later with the mats still on the back seat asking me to do over. No problem- it's on me!

My ocd will not allow me to not pressure wash mats unless instructed not to do so.
 
Vegas Transplant said:
I've had clients to return days or weeks later with the mats still on the back seat asking me to do over. No problem- it's on me!

My ocd will not allow me to not pressure wash mats unless instructed not to do so.
Click to expand...

I'd rather pressure wash mats as well. Some don't need to be pressure washed though. In the winter, it sucks...cause people don't listen, and they leave their mats in the vehicle over night. Then they turn to ice cause they never took them out!

That's why I just extract, vac, and put a fan to them so they're dry before I'm done the rest of the vehicle. Makes my life easier instead of people calling me, or coming back like you said for a do over.

Every year I'm getting busier. Now, winter isn't so much of a dead time for me. As much as I want to work in the winter...I kinda don't want to, haha.
 
glen e said:
vinegar works fine - also, google SALTAWAY
Click to expand...

embolism said:
how about hot white vinegar?

I've used it at 3:1 with hot water to get rid of salt stains in carpet. I just use my shop vac as I don't have an extractor
Click to expand...

^^^^Good advice!^^^^ :props:

But IMO...
Just one of many steps for salt removal.

Here's what I do for Mid-Western road salt removal from carpets...Also for Mats...after their removal from vehicle.

I try to remember...What is Road salt?:
It's composition can be a combination of sand, rock, sodium chloride, other chloride salts such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium; and other basic salts to help counter corrosiveness.

{The one I hate most is the "Beet-Juice" concoctions!!}


1.) Vacuum up as much dry salt/dirt/debris as possible. Then:
2.) Using a stiff brush...Work-up as much embedded salt/dirt/debris as possible. Then:
3.) Re-vacuum. Then:
4.) Spray the stained areas with your carpet-cleaning solution...(I use Folex, P21S TAW, Woolite)...and agitate thoroughly.

At this time I feel it's important to note: By adding water to salt it becomes an alkaline (corrosive) solution. (Water, BTW, is introduced to salt via the carpet-cleaner solution)

5.) Neutralizing the above corrosive salt-water solution:
Use a 1:1 white vinegar:clean rinse-water mixture to rinse the carpet.Then:
6.) Extract the rinse solution. Then:
7.) Use a Wet/Vacuum again to assist water/debris removal.Then:
8.) Clean the carpet again with the carpet-cleaner. Then:
9.) Extract/Vacuum as much water as possible. Then:
10.) Special care must be taken to dry the carpet, the underlying padding, and the floorboards. Any remaining salt residue will be re-activated by moisture (water) and become highly corrosive again
11.) After everything is thoroughly dry: Application of a carpet/fabric protectant...I use 303 Fabric Guard.

A.) Seems like a lot of steps/work...and it is.
B.) Any "vinegary smell" is removed with steps 8.) & 9.)
C.) Customers must be "sold" on the extensiveness of road salt removal...Including the complete drying step.


Also:(Salt-X...saltx.com...Real good for road salt removal!)

That's all I can think of at the moment...This might be of some help. Hope so.

:)

Bob

EDIT:
Forgot to mention...Some steps, such as clean/rinse, may have to be repeated.
 
Last edited:
FUNX725 said:
^^^^Good advice!^^^^ :props:

But IMO...
Just one of many steps for salt removal.

Here's what I do for Mid-Western road salt removal from carpets...Also for Mats...after their removal from vehicle.

I try to remember...What is Road salt?:
It's composition can be a combination of sand, rock, sodium chloride, other chloride salts such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium; and other basic salts to help counter corrosiveness.

{The one I hate most is the "Beet-Juice" concoctions!!}


1.) Vacuum up as much dry salt/dirt/debris as possible. Then:
2.) Using a stiff brush...Work-up as much embedded salt/dirt/debris as possible. Then:
3.) Re-vacuum. Then:
4.) Spray the stained areas with your carpet-cleaning solution...(I use Folex, P21S TAW, Woolite)...and agitate thoroughly.

At this time I feel it's important to note: By adding water to salt it becomes an alkaline (corrosive) solution. (Water, BTW, is introduced to salt via the carpet-cleaner solution)

5.) Neutralizing the above corrosive salt-water solution:
Use a 1:1 white vinegar:clean rinse-water mixture to rinse the carpet.Then:
6.) Extract the rinse solution. Then:
7.) Use a Wet/Vacuum again to assist water/debris removal.Then:
8.) Clean the carpet again with the carpet-cleaner. Then:
9.) Extract/Vacuum as much water as possible. Then:
10.) Special care must be taken to dry the carpet, the underlying padding, and the floorboards. Any remaining salt residue will be re-activated by moisture (water) and become highly corrosive again
11.) After everything is thoroughly dry: Application of a carpet/fabric protectant...I use 303 Fabric Guard.

A.) Seems like a lot of steps/work...and it is.
B.) Any "vinegary smell" is removed with steps 8.) & 9.)
C.) Customers must be "sold" on the extensiveness of road salt removal...Including the complete drying step.


Also:(Salt-X...saltx.com...Real good for road salt removal!)

That's all I can think of at the moment...This might be of some help. Hope so.

:)

Bob

EDIT:
Forgot to mention...Some steps, such as clean/rinse, may have to be repeated.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the lengthy response. Definitely some education on road salt. Thanks!

I'll check out saltx.com. :dblthumb2:
 
I don't see it mentioned here yet, but I use my steamer to loosen up crystallized road salt, then vacuum since it's normally a mixture of salt, sand, water, etc.

Then I'll spray with some carpet cleaner usually folex agitate a little and then extract. Works wonders. The heat from the steamer really seems to loosen everything up well.
 
Working at an autodealership (with '0' space and no pressure washer, I keep getting asked 'how' to remove MN road salt from mats & carpet. Can use all the 'good' advice I can get. Tried the vinegar thing---got the smell.
soupboy
 
Working at an autodealership (with '0' space and no pressure washer) , I keep getting asked 'how' to remove MN winter road salt from mats & carpet. Can use all the 'good' advice I can get. Tried the vinegar thing---got the smell.
soupboy
 
I apoligize for the 'junior member' status. Been at this for close to 10 years, but with 'differing' makes/standards. Currently do not have access to the proper space nor equipment. Is all 'finger' power. Appreciate any/all help I can get.
soupboy
 
I know this is an old thread, but for searchers, Autoality has a new product from Germany called Road Salt Remover from Whip's Wax. There's a video online. Kills carpet salt too.
I'm not affiliated, just a guy on the fence searching whether to buy a foam gun or cannon for winter grime before an ONR RW until I came across this new spray. Leaning towards the cannon but this product would be great to use in the garage on freezing nights.
 
I have a great product for road salt. It's called a pressure washer and car wash soap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
musclecar22 said:
I know this is an old thread, but for searchers, Autoality has a new product from Germany called Road Salt Remover from Whip's Wax. There's a video online. Kills carpet salt too.
I'm not affiliated, just a guy on the fence searching whether to buy a foam gun or cannon for winter grime before an ONR RW until I came across this new spray. Leaning towards the cannon but this product would be great to use in the garage on freezing nights.
Click to expand...

Skip the cannon and foam gun. Both are a complete waste of time, money, and products. Like Swanic eluted to above. A pressure washer and 2 bucket wash is all you need. I have a foam cannon and haven't used in over a year.
 
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