Getting Bugs off Your Windshield

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 25, 2010)

1

One of the toughest things about cleaning a windshield is getting rid of the bug guts from all the smashed insects. Talk about gross, yuck. Cleaning those nasty messes doesn't have to be a hard or difficult process. In fact you are going to be surprised at just how easy it is. All that you have to do is use one of the methods listed below, and soon you are going to have a sparkling clean, bug free windshield again.

  • Household cleaners. One of the easiest, or should I say cheapest, ways to go about cleaning the insectile nastiness is to use things from around the house. By mixing about 3 tablespoons of a regular household cleaner with about a quart of hot water. As always, the hotter the water, the better. For some reason hot water seems to clean things easier, but do not injure yourself, only use water that is hot enough for you to put your hands into.
  • Baking soda. Making a paste out baking soda and water is another simple solution. Apply the paste using a paper towel, or a rag that you are willing to throw away after finishing. Allow the paste to dry completely before wiping away with hot water.
  • Degreaser. For those particularly sticky forms of nastiness, try using a degreasing agent like WD-40. Just spray it onto the spot, and wipe away with rags or paper towels. You may need to use a little bit of elbow grease, but the guts will be removed.
  • Car wash solution. If you are about to wash your vehicle, then try "pre-treating" the bug stains by using some undiluted car wash solution. You can purchase this at any auto-parts store. Apply the concentrated solution with a clean rag, or paper towel, and after application simply wash your vehicle as you normally would, and it is going to be clean and free of any bug debris.
  • Olive Oil. Believe it or not extra virgin olive oil will remove smashed bugs from windshields. Soak the rag in the olive oil, and then wipe away the guts using a circular motion. After you have done this, you may need to wash your windshields, so don't be surprised if this happens.

Each of the methods listed above work on your headlights as well. When you use them though, you want to make sure that you are not attempting to clean the headlights while they are on. Doing so is not going to harm the headlights, but it may in fact make it more difficult to remove the bug remains as they are getting "cooked" by the heat of the lights.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Closet Organization Systems

Closet organization systems don't necessarily need to be some formal piece of equipment—though those can indeed ...

Discover More

Maintaining a Task List

A task-list, or "to-do" list, can be a great tool in creating an organized life. That is, if it is maintained properly. ...

Discover More

Do Fog Lights Really Help in Fog?

Fog lights have become an increasingly common piece of equipment on just about every kind of four wheel vehicle there is ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

How to Detail Your Car

Why pay someone else to detail your car when you can do it yourself? Save some money, and make your vehicle beautiful at ...

Discover More

Cleaning Inside Windows

Cleaning the inside of your car's or truck's windows is just like cleaning your windows at home, and takes about as long. ...

Discover More

Steam Cleaning Your Car

Steam cleaning your car's engine is a great way to get it perfectly clean if you know what to look for prior to using ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 8?

2012-06-03 09:52:09

susan

I swear, WD-40 is good for EVERTHING!