Best practices for bug removal

[exploreco]

So, just got back from vacation and washed the car today. Can someone please share their best practices with removing bugs. I did what I always did, got out the bug sponge and figured the would come off super easy since the car had a fresh coat of wax but after I dried the car, I now have fine scratches in the front and edge of the hood where i rubbed back and forth with the bug sponge. I didn't feel like I put a lot of pressure but the black paint is revealing the scratches. So, now I will need to polish/compound those out. That is how I have always removed bugs, but once again guys, that was on my light color cars so I never noticed the scratching.

Oh learning so much with this black Thanks for the help.

[davey g-force]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

Yeah, I don't use those bug sponges for that reason.

The safest way to remove them is to soak them first. Get a damp towel and let it sit on the bugs for 15-30 minutes. Warm water is even better. That should soften them right up and allow them to gently wipe away.

For the more stubborn bugs, there are Bug (& Tar) Removers you can buy, which are essentially solvents. You'll then need to re-wax the area.

[Murr1525]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

Wet dryer sheet.

[Joe Dragon]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

Do you let the dryer sheet sit on the bugs for awhile or just begin wiping them off after you wet the sheet?

[Jarhead0754]

Wasn't the old meguiars body solvent in the detailer line a good bug remover? Too bad they don't make it anymore.

[The Guz]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

How about using these. Seen them at Pep Boys.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g0200-bug-splatter-sponges/

There is also this. I have seen the review and it looks like it does a good job.

http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-bug-eraser.html

[exploreco]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

Yeah, I don't use those bug sponges for that reason.

The safest way to remove them is to soak them first. Get a damp towel and let it sit on the bugs for 15-30 minutes. Warm water is even better. That should soften them right up and allow them to gently wipe away.

For the more stubborn bugs, there are Bug (& Tar) Removers you can buy, which are essentially solvents. You'll then need to re-wax the area.

Thanks. Yeah, I didn't even think about it. Just grabbed the bug sponge and went with the normal routine. I will give this a try. Probably a microfiber I am guessing would be ok.

Wet dryer sheet.

Interesting. I have heard there are a lot of different uses for dryer sheets. Would not have guessed this as one of them. Worth a shot.

How about using these. Seen them at Pep Boys.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g0200-bug-splatter-sponges/

There is also this. I have seen the review and it looks like it does a good job.
http://www.autogeek.net/diamondite-bug-eraser.html

I'll check this out. Might not be a bad idea to have on hand. Didn't really get any bugs going because it had rained, but coming home was a different story. And they had only been on there for a day so I would hate to see what I would have done if they were really stuck on there.

Thanks as usual for all of your education

[Jbirk]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

Thanks. Yeah, I didn't even think about it. Just grabbed the bug sponge and went with the normal routine. I will give this a try. Probably a microfiber I am guessing would be ok.

Interesting. I have heard there are a lot of different uses for dryer sheets. Would not have guessed this as one of them. Worth a shot.

I'll check this out. Might not be a bad idea to have on hand. Didn't really get any bugs going because it had rained, but coming home was a different story. And they had only been on there for a day so I would hate to see what I would have done if they were really stuck on there.

Thanks as usual for all of your education

Murr which Dryer Sheets? I know the Tide and Downy have a completely different fabric softener...

I just soak them in soapy water... Adding a towel at the very least is a smart move.

[C8N]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

The safest way to remove them is to soak them first. Get a damp towel and let it sit on the bugs for 15-30 minutes. Warm water is even better. That should soften them right up and allow them to gently wipe away.

^ This

[jfelbab]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

I soak the car in foam a couple minutes and let it dwell for a while then use a Meguiar's body brush to gently loosen the bugs. No scratches. Sadly, the brush is discontinued.

[Murr1525]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

I've never checked brands... maybe just not the natural ones that are more papery. Want that white fiber kind it seems.

I just wet the area, dunk the sheet in a bucket, and wipe around. Then rinse, and wash the car after to remove any residue.

[07gtcs]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

Windex works great too

[Romad81]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

I've had the best results from Bounce. I lightly spray a sheet with distilled water and wipe off the little bug splatters. For big nasties, I spray a sheet and let it sit while I wipe the little stuff. Seems to work better than dedicated bug removers most of the time. I always lightly clay if it's a lot of bugs or the big ones.

Haven't tried it yet but thought about using a bug sponge with diluted liquid softener

[don221]

Re: Best practices for bug removal

I would agree with this. Depending on how hard they are stuck on (worse if baked on), I have had success flushing with the hose with gentle stream. Then regular wash. The exoskeletons of bugs can be abrasive - like fingernails.