Safely Removing Bugs

Brad, if you waxed the bumper, bugs should get off very easily with some water and soft soap. That's why I regulary wax the bumper and bonnet to get off the bugs easily

 

Most quality Quick Detailers (along with a nice medium-to-deep nap, folded microfiber towel) will safely remove bugs from windshields, hoods and front fascias. I currently use Adam's and Optimum brands, though Finish Kare #425 is also very good at removing bugs IME. These companies also sell waterless car wash sprays that are better cleaners (while still being easy on the wax), however QD's have other benefits.

QD's will not remove wax or diminish the shine. In fact, they help extend the base wax's life and provide about a week's worth of additional shine/gloss. Spray a moderate amount on the surface (use enough to prevent marring, but don't flood it) and wipe with light-to-medium pressure, flip the towel and wipe to clear the finish. If you're removing a lot of bugs, refold to a clean part of the towel so trapped bug debris doesn't mar the finish. Reapply if some bugs remain. For stubborn bugs, dampen a small section of a MF towel with QD then hold it on the bug mess for a minute, it will soften the residue. Then gently wipe.

There are dedicated products for really tough bug removal, though I've never used them. Many, I believe, are used as a pre-cleaner/soak before a traditional wash.

 

I have 3M which is to prevent rock chips on the paint but also helps with the bugs. I use hot soapy water and use a soft brush. then rinse with hot water. I dry with a clean soft cotton towel and then use Meguiar's Quik Detailer. I suppose you could use Meguiar's Quik Wax too.

Get those bugs off before they harden. that's why I wash right after my drive.

As I have posted previously I use Windex or GlasPlus and 0 steel wool on the windshield and dried with a paper towel to get bugs off the glass. I carry this in the car so I can clean before I get home if needed. Amazing!

Good luck.

 

The best and safest thing to use is Baking Soda on a damp cloth. Bugs come right off without removing any wax.

 

I have to disagree. Although baking soda on a damp cloth will remove bugs, tar etc..., it does in fact remove all wax. The baking soda is a very, very fine powder, which is acting as an abrasive. You can easily substantiate it's wax removal by simply spraying water on the area that you have just cleaned with the baking soda. It will NOT bead water in that area, and you will see a lot of microscratches. If your car is white, the microscratching will be very difficult to see, but it is there.

 

I have not been a big fan of waxes for quite a while due to their short life and lack of durability. I have gone to using polymer sealants now in multiple layers. Provided it is a good sealant and was cured properly a mist of a quick detailer followed by a gentle wipe with a soft microfiber will take them right off. Not even any work involved!

I also have to disagree with baking soda. It is abrasive, which is why many dentists now advise against using it long term on your tooth enamel.

Regards,
Pete

 

I have ones of these, and it works wonders for the front bumper, mirrors and crud kicked up on wheel arches.

http://www.autogeek.net/pinsafscrub.html

Clear coat safe, if you use a wax safe soap it will not affect your wax job at all either.


Good luck.

 

Use this stuff: Optimum Power Clean -- the detailers swear by it.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Optimum-OPT-M36/Power-Clean-P287/17-oz-S1/#product-description


I would not use baking soda as it will take off the wax AND introduce swirls/scratches in the paint. I have never seen a polymer sealant that can outperform wax to make the car look its best.
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I simply do what motorcyclists do to remove bugs from their helmets - wet a towel and place it over the affected area. After a few mins, the moisture will hydrate the bugs and they will easily wipe off.

 

Use Pledge furniture spray on wax - apply it thick to hydrate the bugs - then wipe off in a few minutes while it is still wet. The goopy wax is slick and will prevent scratches while you wipe the bugs off.

Once clean, a light buff will make all new once again.


Rgds,
Vincenzo

 

Same here. Typically on a road trip I keep a set of microfiber cloths. One I get some nice hot/warm water on (if available) and ring a good amount of the water off....to lightly take pass#1 at the bugs, then I'll use the "plexus" type of cleaner......which btw is safe for wax......for the final removal plus helps make the next time for removing easier.

 

get a 3M clear cover for the bumper.

 

Ha ha you guys worry too much about the detail. I know you can have some big bugs over there and lots of them, but really simple warm water will remove them - and it's virtually free

Lee

 

Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover has worked great for me. Although I'd usually never use this brand, it was recommended by a pro and does better than most. If you are worried about the wax layer, just reapply in that area or use a quick detailer product until you can do a proper wax. With all the bugs here in Florida, we spend a lot of time removing them. Some even spray non-stick cooking spray on the fronts of vehicles in advance of a trip in the really bad areas, but I wouldn't do that on my F-car.

 

I have the 3M clear bra on my entire front nose clip, when I get bugs I have a windex bottle with water inside. I mist the area with the bugs, let it soak for several minutes, then gently clean the area with a micro fiber cloth. Since I am usually wiping on the 3M bra I dont have to worry about swirling my paint. I do the same thing on areas that are not covered with the bra (which is minimal), but usually add a detail spray also.

 

WD-40 or...

down here in Florida (land of the love bug) I've heard that Bounce works well. But be careful to not rub too hard as it can scratch.