Clean bugs without full wash? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

marticus24 · 08-14-2010, 03:52 PM

All my SS is black, garage kept, and only driven on nice days. As such, the worst I have to deal with, is dust (which I have covered), and bugs splattered on my front end. I wanted to ask what is the best and/or "proper" way to remove those buggers short of doing a full wash... Anybody have any tips or insights?

For now, I've been just trying to hit them with quick detailer (Z6) and a clean quality MF as quickly as possible (usually right after a drive) but fear that is leaving micro scratches in the paint... is there any better method?

Thanks all!

bono83 · 08-14-2010, 04:55 PM

I've been doing the same thing with the same product. I'm interested in what some of the pros on the forum have to say.

badazss · 08-15-2010, 08:50 AM

i use goo gone and you can by at any store
i would also invest in a californa duster
i have 1 and it workeds great removing duct

rydahog · 08-15-2010, 08:55 AM

For the bugs i use HOT water...on a microfiber cloth...make the water as hot as you can handle...also a lemon ..squeeze the juice and off they go...most citric will do the same.

ron10 · 08-15-2010, 09:47 AM

i use meguiars detail spray with a microfiber cloth and it does a very good job.

hrpiii · 08-15-2010, 11:49 AM

This is where I use a Waterless Wash. Spray, let it soak, wipe down with microfiber. Cleans them right up.

David79z28 · 08-15-2010, 11:58 AM

Microfiber and detailed spray for me. Works great. I'm a bit leary of using bug remover, goo gone, etc, they might remove wax....

superstockcam · 08-15-2010, 12:02 PM

as said, one micro fiber with hot water, one dry

buzzy56 · 08-15-2010, 02:32 PM

Warm water soft micro fiber towel.Rinse again and wipe down with microfiber towel.If you have a good wax/sealer base on the car they should wash off easily.Wash down immediately after returning home and they should come off easily.Re-wax/re-seal the front end once a month after cleaning and no problems.Works for me!

Junkman2008 · 08-15-2010, 06:48 PM

Washing is always better than doing it any way that has been mentioned in this thread. All of the other ways create the possibility to induce scratches.

If you have a good sealant on your paint, a shot from a high pressure hose (like at the DIY car wash), will knock bug parts and juice right off your paint if you address them soon enough. That is what I do. High pressure hose will remove all the stuff that can scratch the paint (provided you are using a quality microfiber towel), which leaves you only the residue to deal with, if any.

It is a lot of trouble to deal with your paint correctly and this is why I don't do so with my daily driver. My pride and joy however, get this treatment and my paint reflects that.

Cam 427 · 08-15-2010, 11:10 PM

I use product called Prist in between washings. It's used to clean plastic and glass aircraft windshields. It comes in spray cans (comes out foamy) or liquid is available. Spray it on and let it soak a couple of minutes and wipe off. It will streak if you don't wipe it off well. I've used this on my black 99 SS as well as my current SS and also, my motorcycle. Prist is made by PPG and can be obtained at pilot shops at local airports.

marticus24 · 08-16-2010, 06:33 AM

Lots of good info, keep it coming! Thanks everyone, I've got some new ideas to try out.

08-14-2010, 03:52 PM	#1
marticus24 Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 604	Clean bugs without full wash? All my SS is black, garage kept, and only driven on nice days. As such, the worst I have to deal with, is dust (which I have covered), and bugs splattered on my front end. I wanted to ask what is the best and/or "proper" way to remove those buggers short of doing a full wash... Anybody have any tips or insights? For now, I've been just trying to hit them with quick detailer (Z6) and a clean quality MF as quickly as possible (usually right after a drive) but fear that is leaving micro scratches in the paint... is there any better method? Thanks all!

08-14-2010, 04:55 PM	#2
bono83 Drives: 1969 Chevelle, 2010 1LT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 378	I've been doing the same thing with the same product. I'm interested in what some of the pros on the forum have to say. __________________ Order: 5/23/09 - Deposit given with order at dealer. 1100: 6/26/09 - Order placed by dealer - no allocation 2000: 8/15/09 - Accepted by GM. 2500: 8/18/09 - Preferenced. 3000: 8/18/09 - Accepted by Production Control. 3100: 9/9/09 - Available to Sequence. 3300: 9/9/09 - Scheduled for Production. 3400: 9/19/09 - Broadcast. 3800: 9/29/09 - Produced. 4000: 9/29/09 - Available to Ship. 4150: 9/29/09 - Original Invoice. 4200: 10/6/09 - Shipped. 5000: 10/13/09 - Delivered to Dealer. 6000: 10/13/09 - Delivered to Customer.

08-15-2010, 08:50 AM	#3
badazss SS-500HP Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS RJT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cranberry Twp Pa Posts: 401 View My Garage	i use goo gone and you can by at any store i would also invest in a californa duster i have 1 and it workeds great removing duct __________________ 2ssrs m6 Red jewel tintcoat Daily Driver 05 silverado ext cab z71 My Build Journal http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103089

08-15-2010, 12:02 PM	#8
superstockcam Member Drives: 2010 ABM 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Where you vacation...Tahoe Posts: 928	as said, one micro fiber with hot water, one dry __________________ .

08-15-2010, 02:32 PM	#9
buzzy56 buzzy56 Drives: 2ss summit white L99 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: paradise Posts: 1,115 View My Garage	Warm water soft micro fiber towel.Rinse again and wipe down with microfiber towel.If you have a good wax/sealer base on the car they should wash off easily.Wash down immediately after returning home and they should come off easily.Re-wax/re-seal the front end once a month after cleaning and no problems.Works for me! __________________ OLD SCHOOL / NEW SCHOOL COOL

08-15-2010, 08:55 AM	#4
rydahog Drives: camaro ss Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: usa Posts: 2,166 View My Garage	For the bugs i use HOT water...on a microfiber cloth...make the water as hot as you can handle...also a lemon ..squeeze the juice and off they go...most citric will do the same.

08-15-2010, 09:47 AM	#5
ron10 Drives: 2010 2SS IOM L99 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: LOUISVILLE,KY.. Posts: 7,545	i use meguiars detail spray with a microfiber cloth and it does a very good job.

08-15-2010, 11:49 AM	#6
hrpiii AKA "Beefcake" Drives: 2023 ZL1 Sharkskin Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indy Posts: 8,529	This is where I use a Waterless Wash. Spray, let it soak, wipe down with microfiber. Cleans them right up.

08-15-2010, 11:58 AM	#7
David79z28 Drives: 79Z28 and 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Greenville, TX Posts: 526	Microfiber and detailed spray for me. Works great. I'm a bit leary of using bug remover, goo gone, etc, they might remove wax....

08-15-2010, 06:48 PM	#10
Junkman2008 "Detailing Devil Dog" Drives: 2001 Corvette Coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 2,730	Washing is always better than doing it any way that has been mentioned in this thread. All of the other ways create the possibility to induce scratches. If you have a good sealant on your paint, a shot from a high pressure hose (like at the DIY car wash), will knock bug parts and juice right off your paint if you address them soon enough. That is what I do. High pressure hose will remove all the stuff that can scratch the paint (provided you are using a quality microfiber towel), which leaves you only the residue to deal with, if any. It is a lot of trouble to deal with your paint correctly and this is why I don't do so with my daily driver. My pride and joy however, get this treatment and my paint reflects that. __________________ "Marines - Making the other guy die for his country for over 200 years."

08-15-2010, 11:10 PM	#11
Cam 427 Drives: 2010 2SS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Washington Posts: 677	I use product called Prist in between washings. It's used to clean plastic and glass aircraft windshields. It comes in spray cans (comes out foamy) or liquid is available. Spray it on and let it soak a couple of minutes and wipe off. It will streak if you don't wipe it off well. I've used this on my black 99 SS as well as my current SS and also, my motorcycle. Prist is made by PPG and can be obtained at pilot shops at local airports.

08-16-2010, 06:33 AM	#12
marticus24 Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 604	Lots of good info, keep it coming! Thanks everyone, I've got some new ideas to try out.

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