Remove bugs without a wash?

Y

Yinzer

New member
My situation is such that I periodically have to drive over 1.5 hours though bug-ridden highways and leave my car at the destination for up to two weeks. There is not opportunity to get a wash upon arrival and most bugs are love bugs so two weeks in the sun is not an option.

Therefore, I was wondering what’s the best way to remove the bugs without a wash? It needs to be a quick solution and a small kit so I can keep it in the trunk at all times. Product recommendations would be great.

Currently, I just use elbow grease and Meguires Quick Detailer and a micro fiber towel right after I park at the destination.

​​​​​​​Thanks in advance
 
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Yinzer said:
My situation is such that I periodically have to drive over 1.5 hours though bug-ridden highways and leave my car at the destination for up to two weeks. There is not opportunity to get a wash upon arrival and most bugs are love bugs so two weeks in the sun is not an option.

Therefore, I was wondering what’s the best way to remove the bugs without a wash? It needs to be a quick solution and a small kit so I can keep it in the trunk at all times. Product recommendations would be great.

Currently, I just use elbow grease and Meguires Quick Detailer and a micro fiber towel right after I park at the destination.

​​​​​​​Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

There are a few brands that you can use that you spray on and then just rinse off. I usually use Super Clean diluted and spray it on and let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe off with a little bug sponge. It works great. You also need a sealant or wax on the front so it will protect the paint and it will be lots easier to remove those bugs.

Check out these products....

https://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-bug-squash.html
https://www.autogeek.net/best-bug-remover.html

I have purchased both of these in the past and they work great.
 
I use Optimum No Rinse, diluted to my liking and use as a quick detailer + microfiber towels. It's cheaper than buying Meguiars spray bottles every time.

Best to get at any bugs before their guts bake and scar the clear coat. Same for bird doodoo.
 
If it is literally a layer, I would suggest 2 things:
- 2" painters tape and rip off at destination
- garden pump sprayer in truck with something like Optimum No Rinse (big fan) or any of the other waterless washes so that you're basically carrying a handpump sprayer for a bucketless wash.

No coin-operated car washes in this mystery town though? Not even mexican hand-washes?

A good sealant would also be helpful. I've recently learned about the magical (literally) spray and rinse off sealants. Something like Mckee's hydro blue (don't quote me) is literally the easiest way to "wax/sealant" paint. Hydrophobic layer, without the $500 ceramic applications.
 
You could consider getting a clear protection wrap on the bumper and hood... probably better than trying to clean it all the time giving you the potential for other issues or damage from not washing before de-bugging.
 
Much appreciated. This is exactly what I was looking for.

To MSRP: nope, this place is on the very tip of LA. Besides, I have to arrive at 5 am...
 
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Try using a damp dryer sheet on the headlights and grill parts. It leaves a small amount of chalky material behind which you can wash off with a wet cloth. It’s a great way to get the bug gunk off.
 
Diluted optimum no rinse is a great option. I agree with above, make sure your sealant is intact and that will help as well. More aggressive products might strip your protection and that will make it harder to get bugs off in the future. I’ve also found a long acting spray wax after each wash like aqua wax helps prevent the bugs from sticking
 
canucktrd said:
Try using a damp dryer sheet on the headlights and grill parts. It leaves a small amount of chalky material behind which you can wash off with a wet cloth. It’s a great way to get the bug gunk off.
Click to expand...
+1 for dryer sheets! They work amazingly well for dried on bugs.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
 
For the love of god do not use Solvent based chemicals such as WD-40 or acid based degreaser. You can kiss your clear coat good bye.

Wax ur car often and/or apply some hydrophobic coating. (Ex Technicians choice ceramic detail spray). The bugs won't stick to the clear coat but will stick to the ceramic coating, and can be washed away with a garden hose .
 
tjrlcr2k1 said:
+1 for dryer sheets! They work amazingly well for dried on bugs.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Yep this is the answer. Dryer sheets in hot water. Wear a rubber glove because I think the things will kill you but it most definitely THE best thing ever to remove bugs. I've driven northern Ontario 4 times in July/August... My car was not even a color and when I parked other bugs landed to eat becauee it was that bad. Just make sure to rinse the stuff off after.

As for wd I've used it for road tar and I feel it may have messed the clear a bit on the car.
 
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