Heavy traffic has been reported at car washes across the Netherlands as drivers respond to a significant layer of Saharan dust accumulating on their vehicles. This influx can be attributed to recent weather conditions that have caused fine sand from North Africa to blow across parts of Europe, reaching the Netherlands within days.
The phenomenon began on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with car wash facilities across the country noting an unusually high number of customers eager to scrub off the gritty residue. "It started already from 08:00 in the morning," reported Mehmet Eroglu, co-owner of Carwash Overvecht in Utrecht, which hosts six wash boxes and a wash hall. Eroglu explained that this particular Saturday is typically the peak washing day of the week, yet this year, they are seeing a notable number of new customers. "And all of them have a layer of sand," he added.
Saharan dust does not travel alone; pollen is also contributing to the problem, creating a perfect storm of dirt on vehicles. BBC Weather has noted that lighter sand particles can drift for extended periods, making their way to Western Europe and necessitating regular cleanup for affected residents.
Car wash companies such as BOB Autowas, which has 21 branches throughout the Netherlands, echoed the sentiment of increased demand. A representative from their Schiedam location reported, "It's very, very busy." Before 10:00 AM on that Saturday alone, hundreds of vehicles had already made their rounds through the wash, a stark contrast to the usual Saturday morning traffic they see.
A similar situation unfolded at Kwikstraat Carwash XXXL in Zeist. Staff noted that some customers had returned on March 22 after having washed their cars just the previous day, March 21, due to the persistent sandy conditions. "By 08:30, there was already a line formed," a staff member mentioned, indicating that the demand was not just from first-time visitors but also from repeat customers who were keen to keep their cars clean.
According to Weeronline, Saharan dust comes from North Africa, where strong winds lift fine particles into the atmosphere. Once airborne, these particles can travel great distances, often arriving in Europe in a matter of days. Depending on the wind's direction and strength, countries like Greece and the Netherlands can find themselves under haze-inducing dust clouds. In Southern Europe, these dust clouds tend to linger closer to the ground, which can lead to health issues for individuals in those affected areas.
The ripples of this weather event extend beyond just car cleanliness; it has sparked awareness about air quality and health. Local authorities have pointed out that such dust storms could potentially aggravate respiratory conditions, prompting citizens to take preventive measures.
The heightened activity at car washes reflects not just a seasonal routine for many but a necessity driven by environmental factors that car owners cannot ignore. Operators across the country are gearing up for what they anticipate will be a busy few days ahead as awareness of the dust continues to drive traffic.
As the days go on, the challenge for these businesses will be to manage the increasing demands of customers and ensure that they can adequately serve everyone looking to get their cars dust-free. The community's response has been nothing short of enthusiastic, and as more people familiarize themselves with the effects of Saharan dust, the spike in attendance at car washes may very well become a seasonal trend.
In summary, the Saharan dust has generated unexpected waves of activity at car washes across the Netherlands, creating a unique scenario that mixes regional weather phenomena with daily life practices. This event has shown how interconnected our environments can be, and how even natural occurrences can lead to increased business opportunities in unforeseen ways.
