Although carbon fiber in automobiles is a fancy material, it does not require the use of special maintenance equipment, materials, or processes to keep it looking its best!
In fact, when it’s about how you clean carbon fiber, it can be washed with daily use car washing shampoo, and some other things like a clay bar, tar remover, and finally polish and wax.
Actually, while cleaning, you’re not working on the carbon fiber itself but on the clear layer of lacquer that lies on top of it. Cleaning carbon fiber is much the same as polishing the outer layer.
However, this blog will show you some of the most common carbon fiber cleaning processes. Let’s have a look!
A Brief on Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber, also known as graphite fiber, is a strong, rigid, and lightweight material that has the potential to replace steel in specialized, high-performance items such as airplanes, racecars, and sporting equipment. It was first invented in 1958 near Cleveland, Ohio. Carbon fiber’s strong potential was not recognized until a new production technique was established at a British research facility in 1963.
Polyacrylonitrile (or PAN) is the most prevalent carbon fiber precursor (the raw ingredient used to create carbon fibers), accounting for more than 90% of all carbon fiber manufacturing. Common plastic and wood waste are two more alternatives for precursors. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials are the lightweight materials of the future, and they are popular in a variety of sectors, including the automobile industry.
How to Clean Carbon Fiber
Cleaning a vehicle always includes two sets; one is the outer portion which is visible to all, and the second is the inner portion which is the concern only of the rider. So, here we discuss both the inner and outer portions individually.
Cleaning the Outer Portion
There’s a way to protect it and clean the carbon fiber in one easy step, and that’s our Chemical Guys Hybrid V7. The V7 protects your vehicle’s carbon fiber from fading and discoloration.
You can easily remove the dirt and protect it in one easy step. Let’s go ahead and show you how to use the hybrid V7 on carbon fiber.
What You’ll Need:
- A Chemical Guys Hybrid V7
- A set of microfibre towel
- Wax
First, you Don’t want to go ahead and turn your hybrid V7 spray right on there. Give your hybrid V7 spray right a shake to activate it, and then it’s ready to roll now.
Second, what you have to do is spray it directly on the carbon fiber surface.
Third, take a microfiber towel and gently wipe all the dirt, dust, and fingerprints right off the carbon fiber.
Fourth, flip the microfiber towel and then buff off for streak-free shine.
Now, the carbon fiber looks great and is also protected.
However, you can also wash the carbon fiber. Carbon Fiber may be cleaned with any mild soap or cleaner. It will be safe for the Carbon Fiber if it is safe for the paint on your automobile. Use a spray-on detailer like Chemical Guys Speed Wipe in between washes. To avoid scratches, dry with a soft microfiber towel.
For Interior Portion
Polishing is necessary to clean the carbon fiber car interior. To eliminate tiny scratches or haziness caused by oxidation, polish the surface by hand or with a buffing tool if necessary. To eliminate tenacious pollutants that aren’t readily removed by washing, start with a clay bar.
For removing deeper scratches, you can use one of these mentioned polishes:
- Chemical Guys V38 a 2500-3000 grit polish
- Chemical Guys V36 a 2000-2500 grit polish
- Chemical Guys V34 a 1500-2000 grit polish
Always begin with the finer grit and progress to a more aggressive polish as needed.
And lastly, for overall protection, apply high-quality carnauba wax, such as Chemical Guys 3X wax, after cleaning to maintain UV resistance and preserve the finish from the environment.
FAQ
Here are some of the most asked questions regarding cleaning carbon fiber-
Yes, it is safe to wash carbon fibers. Though they are exotic, you can use any regular mild soap for washing carbon fibers. Just use retailer sprays like Chemical Guys Speed Wipe in between washes. It is safe for carbon fiber as it is safe for your car’s paint.
Hybrid V7 is a unique spray sealant, and it’s one of the most advanced spray sealant quick detailers. That uses Transparent Blend Technology and spray sealant technology. Which bond to the surface and protect Against UV solar rays, and contamination but also removes dirt, dust, and fingerprints from carbon fibers.
The ideal cleaning solutions for a carbon fiber composite bike frame are mild soap and water. But you must avoid aggressive solvents. The use of an aggressive solvent might harm the paint finish or, in certain situations, the frame material itself.
Pressure washers cannot harm carbon fiber materials, but they can drive water into places where it would not typically be, particularly in mechanical components like bearings and shifters. Thus, they should be used with caution.
Conclusion
So, that’s how you can quickly clean carbon fiber. Thus, you don’t have to be concerned about how you clean carbon fiber anymore. I hope you see how simple it is.
So, the lesson of the tale is not to be nervous about cleaning and caring for your carbon fiber. It, like the paint on your automobile, requires effort. When cleaning it, be patient with it, avoid harsh chemicals, and use fine-grade polishes and pads.
I have a stain on the carbon fibre roof of my car which I have failed to remove. It came from a deposit of seagull poo which happened during very hot weather and appears to be etched into the carbon fibre material.
Ca you give advice on how this stain can be satifactorily removed
Many thanks
Graham Price
Hello Graham,
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to remove stains from carbon fiber surfaces. However, here are some tips to remove any stains or ODDS from your carbon fiber surface:
1) Use a mild detergent and water mixture to remove the stain. This will help prevent future damage.
2) Use a heat gun on low heat to warm the surface up. This will also help get rid of any residues.
3) Lint-free cloths can also be used as a surface treatment; rub the cloth against the desired area for maximum removal.