Artillery fungus is commonly referred to as shotgun fungus and is typically found on house sidings, windows, and cars. These little fungi balls are a real hassle for car owners particularly in spring and fall.
Undoubtedly, these fungus spots are a nuisance, but they can be avoided. Car surfaces are exposed to artillery fungus when they are parked close to wood-chip mulch that is seen around flowers and shrubs or other plants. They can attach to surfaces within twenty feet of their surroundings, hence you need to keep your car away from them.
Now, if you have already noticed rash-like black or dark-brown specks stuck stubbornly to your car surface, do not fret because there is a solution. In this article, I’ll be explaining the various possible methods of removing artillery fungus from your car surface.
How to remove artillery fungus from car paint?
Immediate action is essential for the successful removal of these fungus stains. Artillery fungus would require a lot less effort to remove if it’s attended to promptly (within a few days to one week). If left unattended, these spots can be completely embedded in the car surface and would be difficult to remove. Some of the procedures to remove artillery fungus from car surfaces includes the following:
Plastic Razor Blades
Plastic razor blades are a must-have for car owners as they come in handy in different situations. They can be utilized in the removal of artillery fungus when it is still fresh on the car surface.
Admittedly, this is a tedious and time-consuming activity since the spots could be numerous, but the result is worth it. While holding the plastic blade at a 45-degree angle, gently scrape off the spots to avoid peeling off the paint or clear coat. To make this process easier, first, wash the stains with warm water and soap.
Clay Bars
This method should be used by professionals to avoid multiple damages to the car’s surface. Although clay bars can be effective, they shouldn’t be your go-to option for removing artillery fungus from your car surface except when other methods have proven abortive.
Wash the car thoroughly before using the clay bar. Gently use the clay bars on the fungus stains with enough lubricants and a constant kneading of the bars. Ensure to dab a fresh surface on each spot and work in small patches. After this process, wash the car again and analyze the results.
White Vinegar
White vinegar, which is used as a household cleaning agent, can also be used to purify and wash hard surfaces because of its acidic property. The application of white vinegar to artillery fungus stains can help decompose the stains and make them easier to remove.
White vinegar is relatively safe and easy to handle without fear of severe damage to the car surface. Apply vinegar generously to the fungus stains and leave for 6 to 24 hours depending on how long the stain has been on the car surface. Thereafter, rinse and wash the car.
Automotive Goo Gone And Turtle Wax Bug
Goo gone and Turtle wax bug & Tar remover are automotive products used for removing sticker residues, road tar, and other stains on the car surface. The chemical composition in these two products is enough to break down the fungus stain.
If you do not already have these products then I recommend you get them on Amazon and try them out on the artillery fungus stains. Apply the Goo gone or Turtle wax bug on the stains after washing the car. Leave them on and gently scrub with a microfiber towel, the stains might not come off immediately but would be decomposed so it is easier to remove later.
Formula 409 or Windex can be used on the fungus stains in place of Goo gone or Turtle Wax bug with the same method of application.
FAQs
How do you prevent artillery fungus?
Artillery fungus is from wood chip mulches so the best prevention is using a different mulch around your house. You could use a bark mulch or cedar mulch since both are immune to artillery fungus. If you have wood chip mulch around you, then park your car at least 30 feet away from it.
How do you clean artillery fungus spores?
A good wash with hot soapy water should do the trick, use a microfiber towel to gently scrub off the spores, and steer clear of wood mulch afterward.
How do you get mold spores off car paint?
You can wash them off with soap and detergent or use olive oil on a rag to wipe the spores. You can also apply a small amount of white vinegar on a microfiber towel to clean the spores.
Does artillery fungus go away on its own?
Artillery fungus is popular for its stubbornness on surfaces and its ability to spread widely. The fungus does not go away on its own and would need to be removed meticulously from the car surface. The longer the fungus stays on the car surface, the more problematic the removal would be.
Can you paint over artillery fungus?
Yes, it is possible to paint over artillery fungus but it needs to be done carefully. You would need to sand the surface to prevent tiny lumps under the fresh paint. It is safer to prime first using a stain-killing primer such as Zinsser’s Bulls eye 1-2-3 which is available at many automotive stores.
Conclusion
It would be best to apply good quality wax regularly on your car’s surface to protect the car’s finish from mold, spores, chips, debris, etc. Replace any mulch at your house with Cedar or decorative gravel and any material that wouldn’t support fungus.