Everything Old Is New Again: Why Acid Washing Has Come Full Circle.

Recently we've noticed growing interest in acid based cleaning products for removing iron fallout, water spots and hard mineral deposits. For us, it's a fascinating reminder that in car care, as in fashion, music and technology, what falls out of favour often finds it's way back in to the spotlight many years later.

The Rise and Fall of Traditional Fallout Removers

Before colour changing iron removers became the industry standard, mild acid based fallout removers were the go-to solution for tackling embedded iron contamination and rust staining.

Professional valeters valued them because they were:

• Effective

• Fast acting

• Economical

• Safe when used properly

For years they were the standard approach to fallout and mineral removal.

Then came along a new generation of iron removers and wheel cleaners based on thioglycolate chemistry. These products react with iron contamination and turn purple or red as they react, creating the now famous "bleeding wheel" effect. We developed our Iron Out fallout remover and wheel cleaner, a highly effective, neutral product which safely removes iron fallout and embedded brake dust while remaining totally safe on all paintwork. Meanwhile the industry quickly forgot it's older brother - Black Diamond Fallout Remover, an oxalic acid wash product which rapidly removes iron fallout, water spotting and other mineral deposits.

The Acid Washing Trend

We're seeing increasing discussion, especially online, around acid washing and its benefits. Enthusiasts are becoming more interested in understanding product chemistry and many are discovering just how capable these old fashioned acid cleansers can be. A quick wash down with our oxalic acid based Fallout Remover rapidly removes embedded iron particles, mineral staining, water spots and product residues. The result is often immediately obvious - increased paint clarity, improved gloss, a beautifully smooth finish and any existing paint protection cleared of performance reducing deposits. The finished paint surface often displays improved hydrophobic behaviour and is decontaminated and perfectly prepared for a fresh coat of wax or sealant in a fraction of the time of clay barring.

While colour changing iron removers remain an excellent, safe way to remove iron fallout and brake dust on delicate finishes or for regular maintenance cleaning, the traditional chemistry of an acid wash product is hard to beat when it comes to stubborn mineral contamination and rust staining.

What We've Learned

One of the biggest lessons from nearly 40 years in car care is that trends come and go, but good chemistry never really disappears. The products which survive the test of time usually do so for a reason. It would probably surprise most people outside the industry how much the car care world seems to follow crazes and fashions. While the gimmicks usually die out after a few years, those that count remain and inevitably fall back in favour once more.

It's been fascinating to watch interest growing in acid wash products after years of sitting in the shadows. What was once considered old fashioned is being appreciated all over again. And that's the beauty of the detailing industry. Everything old becomes new again - and we're delighted to see it happening.