How to remove dead bugs from windscreen/paintwork?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Steve R, Apr 30, 2011.

  1. Steve R

    Steve R Soil Furtler

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2008
    Messages:
    3,892
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Carer
    Location:
    Cumbria
    Ratings:
    +3,703
    As the title, what is the best way to remove dead bugs from the front of your vehicle after a long drive, any secrets out there that wont scratch paint or glass?

    Steve...:)
     
    Steve R, Apr 30, 2011
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2006
    Messages:
    1,582
    Occupation:
    Industrial carpet machinist
    Location:
    West Midlands
    Ratings:
    +77
    I have always found good old fashioned warm soapy water and a soft cloth does the trick.
     
    Lyn, Apr 30, 2011
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    I shut mine in the garage with the Aardvark. works if you haven't fed him for a day or so.
     
    Phil A, Apr 30, 2011
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2010
    Messages:
    16,524
    Location:
    Central England on heavy clay soil
    Ratings:
    +28,998
    Try some WD40 if a good soak doesn't get them off.

    Not recommended for the windscreen though as I found out when OH got the WD40 muddled up with de-icer.
     
    Scrungee, Apr 30, 2011
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    52,581
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +98,699
    I find most wash off the following winter.
     
    pete, Apr 30, 2011
    #5 Quote in Conversation
  6. terrier

    terrier Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2007
    Messages:
    1,519
    Ratings:
    +12
    terrier, Apr 30, 2011
    #6 Quote in Conversation
  7. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,669
    I use a scouring pad on the windscreen. Never know it scratch the glass ....
     
    Kristen, Apr 30, 2011
    #7 Quote in Conversation
  8. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2011
    Messages:
    36,344
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Dingwall, Ross-shire
    Ratings:
    +55,273
    You can by a bug/tar remover spray from car accessory shops. :)
     
    Sheal, Apr 30, 2011
    #8 Quote in Conversation
  9. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    64,839
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +126,955
    I let the chauffeur do it.
     
    shiney, Apr 30, 2011
    #9 Quote in Conversation
  10. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    Messages:
    30,588
    Occupation:
    Grandmother Gardener Councillor Homemaker
    Location:
    Under the Edge Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +14,127
    For the windscreen & the lights I always spray all the bugs with Mr Muscle for windows.. Leave to soak on them for about 5 mins or so.. I usually go around & do the paintwork then.. I just use an ordinary hand spray & fill with warm water & go around & spray the insect areas ( I only ever use water on paintwork).. After that I get everything together & wash as normal.. :D
     
    Marley Farley, Apr 30, 2011
    #10 Quote in Conversation
  11. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    33,053
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +51,721
    Just washed mine this evening because it was covered in sticky pollen, all the bugs came off the front with soapy water and a sponge.
     
    JWK, Apr 30, 2011
    #11 Quote in Conversation
  12. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    What about the car though ? :D
     
    • Like Like x 2
      Phil A, Apr 30, 2011
      #12 Quote in Conversation
    • Victoria

      Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

      Joined:
      Jun 9, 2006
      Messages:
      31,963
      Occupation:
      Lady of Leisure
      Location:
      Messines, Algarve
      Ratings:
      +59,039
      In the States (Alabama where bugs are king and are cling-ons) ... Coca Cola was always the best thing to wash your windscreen and paintwork with .. true ... :yess:

      It will clean a penny in a flash and also a toilet ... :love30: .. and some people drink it ... :shocked: ... but it's also good if you have an upset tummy ... :rolleyespink:
       
      Victoria, Apr 30, 2011
      #13 Quote in Conversation
    • Fidgetsmum

      Fidgetsmum Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jul 25, 2009
      Messages:
      1,592
      Location:
      Deepest, darkest Kent
      Ratings:
      +867
      I use Simoniz 'Bug Shifter' - it just does what it says.
       
      Fidgetsmum, Apr 30, 2011
      #14 Quote in Conversation
    Loading...
    Similar Threads - remove dead bugs
    1. Passport1

      Proper way to remove dead blooms from Hydrangia

      Passport1, Feb 24, 2021, in forum: Other Plants
      Replies:
      9
      Views:
      1,179
      Passport1
      Feb 25, 2021
    2. SurreyMagpie

      Remove dead moss?

      SurreyMagpie, Nov 14, 2011, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
      Replies:
      4
      Views:
      1,511
      ARMANDII
      Nov 14, 2011
    3. Shelby

      When/How to remove dead/dying palm leaves?

      Shelby, May 14, 2008, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
      Replies:
      6
      Views:
      673
      Shelby
      May 14, 2008
    4. Selleri

      How to remove a ring from paving?

      Selleri, Mar 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM, in forum: Off-Topic Discussion
      Replies:
      9
      Views:
      272
      Tidemark
      Mar 10, 2025 at 10:06 AM
    5. Michael Armstrong

      Old privet hedge, remove or repair?

      Michael Armstrong, Feb 9, 2025, in forum: Trees
      Replies:
      15
      Views:
      884
      JennyJB
      Feb 11, 2025

    Share This Page

    1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
      By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
      Accept Learn More...
      Dismiss Notice