diesel soot got onto the paint of a white W126, what to do?

[qualified-merc]

have a white exterior color W126 (I believe it was repainted before I bought the car). Over time, after going in and out of the garage, diesel soot from the 300D turbo has gotten onto/into the paint of the W126.

I first wet down the car using a garden hose then took dawn dish detergent and spread it over various parts of the car then used a wash glove to try and remove the diesel soot/grey matter from the paint.

The dawn dish detergent removed about a third of the diesel soot, however it is apparent the diesel soot is still embedded in or on the white paint.

I am thinking of the following solutions:

1. Use a clay bar to try and remove the diesel soot.

2. Use rubbing compound (this has worked in the past) to remove the diesel soot, then wax the car afterwards.

I realize this is not a common problem, however I appreciate any and all suggestions, advice or input. The members of this forum have come up with great solutions to common, everyday problems and I appreciate your input!

[t walgamuth]

the abrasives might damage clear coat so be careful.

[qualified-merc]

thank you for calling my attention to the abrasives issues. I am wondering which would be less abrasive? the clay bar or the rubbing compoundi?

[Sugar Bear]

I'd use a synthetic clay bar, maybe with a solution of Dawn as the lubricant.

[87tdwagen]

Give WD40 a shot first, amazing stuff for removing stuck on gunk.

[greazzer]

If the soot is granular it will behave like sand so if you rub the area it may mimic sandpaper. I would be as gentle as possible although it may take forever to clean the area

[vwnate1]

This is actually a very common issue .

I'd begin with the clay bar then the WD40 and soaps, I have a *very* soft bristle bush I use for delicate paints .

If still no joy I'd use a liquid cleaner wax -BUT- you MUST then seal the paint with some good quality wax product .

[hercules]

I like glass scrub, a cream cleaner that cuts the grime and is soft on the
paint. Wet the surface, use wet cloth. Works well, I like to polish after.
Really should wash car first.

[qualified-merc]

Originally Posted by hercules

I like glass scrub, a cream cleaner that cuts the grime and is soft on the
paint. Wet the surface, use wet cloth. Works well, I like to polish after.
Really should wash car first.

who makes a glass scrub? Is it a liquid or a scrub brush?

[ykobayashi]

I use purple power degreaser. I know this is harsh. Test it in an area you don’t care about first. It melts the stubborn soot away.

[hercules]

Glass scrub is a cream, made by Glass science, Google search will find.
Have used often, even on chrome.

[Clemson88]

Don't freak. My white 84 300SD had antique cracks in the paint. When it was clean you never saw them but when diesel soot, dust and dirt settled in those tiny cracks it looked almost gray.

[qualified-merc]

all of the ideas sound like they may work to solve my problem. I'm the type that looks around my garage to see what I have on hand, and if I have the product, try out a very small amount on a part of the car that is less visible.

Then, if it works, proceed onward, of not, stop using the product. Clay bars are not that expensive and possibly using WD-40 along with some Dawn Dish detergent which I have on hand. I'll try that first and report back.

I do have some Sam's Club purple degreaser on hand so that is also a possibility, however, like I said, I will only use it on a very small less visible part of the car first to see if it works without damaging the paint.

I appreciate everyone weighing in on this problem and if anyone has any other ideas, I am open for your input.

[qualified-merc]

I did find the Glass Renew on Amazon.com, it also looks like a good product, especially for windows.

https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Science-Renew-Removes-Debris/dp/B084HP5X4D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8MRAZXO25BV4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cjsQB9I0Hb6IcryGKB7z1sRaDh_-hof3XCdNcz48Jybwa0PZ2Y-pgdIClyIXQK-IOeQ2fSITQRV3A4RpM9oww6NoK3vAk_lxgOkkmkHbE1Z_OV6TV8jr13VQ64huvwsl5na23CSruFhmvUM3IYmhLmZwIXtvl-axo5xY-6PYOZDPHWHregXWMx9hD15AEEYkxi2awjETKe_kXRGRogJKHWEwMZh6CJ6K6zL1-UWjAO4.YxYQQJ-zKRiKlJv6xM4ZDrzL8VPGxJqFgBcEoBywfcw&dib_tag=se&keywords=glass+scrub+glass+science&qid=1734108922&sprefix=glass+scrub+glass+science%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-1

[gmog220d]

I found that Purple Power will stain light colored paints, so anyone thinking of using it should be careful to not leave it on a surface for very long.