Bugs on windshield and side mirrors

[atctim]

A few years ago I worked as a Auto Detailer. I thought I would share the abosolute best method of removing bug and bug guts from windshields, side mirrors, grills and front bumpers.

Once you have your wash bucket ready to go with water and soap, but before you spray the vehicle with water, take your everyday regular glass cleaner and hit up the "buggy" spots with it. Then you'll need to scrub them off. The best scrubber that won't hurt your paint or glass is one of those little sponges that have the fish net around them, They are commonly used to clean kitchen counter tops and or dishes. Use it in your soapy water and it scrubs those bugs right off.

***TIP - if washing in direct sunlight - do little sections at a time as you do not want the glass cleaner to dry as it is eating away at the bug blood and guts.

Here is what the scrubber looks like:


I am sure a bathroom loofa would also do the trick.

***NOTE*** Do not EVER use steel wool or a kitchen sponge with a scotch brite pad (green abrasive backed sponge) as it will damage paint. You can however use steel wool on your windshield glass without harming it. We used to use steel wool to remove over spray from auto glass daily!

Hope that helps - now get out there and get scrubbing!

[NW Geocacher]

The bugs in Central Washington in September in the evening are so thick that you can hear them splatter on the windshield. At highway speeds it is insane.

I will give this a try next fall.

[Pug]

Hiya atctim, and welcome to the ROC!
Sounds like a plan. I've got one of those net-sponges under the sink.

What, in the glass cleaner, makes it so effective? I've got about 4 or 5 different kinds (blue windex, antibacterial windex, orange Oxy- stuff, Stoner's...) of glass cleaner, but don't know which is more "everyday, regular". I guess it would be the blue stuff?

Nice country up your way... used to go to a friend's camp in the woods near there 40 years ago! WOW! Didn't seem THAT long ago 'til I saw it printed on my monitor!
There was alot of off-roading, back then... those roads are probably highways, by now.

Thanks for the tip!

[Chris C]

I live out in the country in Central Oklahoma. At night, during the summer, the bugs are so thick that it sounds as if it's raining as they dash their little bodies against the front of the vehicle and windshield (I just hate hearing them scream just before impact!!) So we learned about the net-covered sponges around here about 20 years ago!!!!! Just about the only way to do away with the splatters!

[atctim]

Originally Posted by Pug

What, in the glass cleaner, makes it so effective? I've got about 4 or 5 different kinds (blue windex, antibacterial windex, orange Oxy- stuff, Stoner's...) of glass cleaner, but don't know which is more "everyday, regular". I guess it would be the blue stuff?

I have only used regular blue "windex" and aerosol can type glass cleaner. Not sure what the secret ingredient in glass cleaner is - but spray it on and watch the blood come right off.

[djeaux]

For really tough Southern Love Bug deposits, I wet down the glass with a hose, let it soak for a minute & then scrub it with a fabric softener sheet. If anything remains, I used one of the nylon scrub things. And THEN I use Windex with newspaper for the final clean up. I've found that newsprint makes for a much sparklier windshield than paper or microfiber towels...

[shortykrn]

Thanks for the post...I'll have to try it seeing I just came back from a trip to Vegas and the whole front bumper and grille are covered with bugs.

[tacky1]

I use the net sponge and soap to clean bugs, cats, dogs etc. of my windscreens, I also use my old clay for claying the paint, It gets rid off the grit, sandy deposits on the window and leaves it like brand new. It gleams after just a quick polish with the clay,

Works for me..

[scottIN]

I would be extremely cautious about using a mesh sponge on paint-unless you don't mind scratches.

A good way to test anything you're going to use on your paint: take an old CD or DVD and run the cloth, brush (whatever it may be) on it. If it scratches the CD, it will scratch your paint.

[VoicesInMyHead]

One old school biker method is hot towels. Bike windshields scratch very easily, not being glass.

What I would do with my faring and windshield is to soak a towel in hot tap water right in a sink, then drape it over the bugs for a few minutes. It re-hydrates the little buggers and they wipe right off.

Here in Az, in the summer, I wouldn't even have to heat the water, just drape a wet towel on the bike and roll it in the sun! Granted, there is a lot less surface area on a bike, but a big beach towel would cover the front of the Ridge's hood.

Just another option.......