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How do I get ginkgo tree fruit off my car?

I messed up and left my Corolla parked under a ginkgo tree. I didn’t realize that the fruit from the trees could fall on my car and stain it. Now I have a real mess on my hands. How do I get tree berry stains off my car? Please don't say I need a new paint job...

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Jessa Claeys · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your car. Ginkgo fruits splatter easily, which makes for quite the mess. But what’s more concerning is the fruit’s acidic juice can stain and damage your car’s paint.
The key to getting ginkgo fruit off your car and saving your paint job is to act quickly. Try using one of these
cleaning solutions
, which require products you likely already have on hand:
  • Lemon juice or vinegar: Use one or the other to treat the stains—but don’t leave either on your car for longer than five minutes, as the acidity could cause further damage.
  • Baking soda and a microfiber cloth: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, then wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. Just be sure to avoid scrubbing the baking soda into the paint aggressively, as it can be abrasive.
  • Rubbing alcohol mixed with distilled water: If the previous two methods didn’t succeed in getting that last bit of ginkgo residue off your car, 91% isopropyl alcohol should do the trick. Combine a mixture of one part alcohol to four parts water, give your car a quick spray, then wipe it away.
Since you clearly care a lot about your car, the fruit mishap is a great reminder to make sure your vehicle’s covered by great insurance.
Jerry
can help! The Jerry app is the easiest way to get competitive quotes on car insurance policies customized for you, and the average Jerry user saves $879 a year.”
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