Removing Bug Stains From Car Paint and Other Great Tips

Every car owner knows the pain of removing bug stains from car paint. Unfortunately, it’s not something we can prevent since we drive our cars to and from work and on regular outings. And, in the spring and summer months, there are a lot of bugs flying around in the air.

While bug stains are certainly annoying, they can be much more than that. In fact, bug stains can cause damage to your vehicle’s paint if they are not removed in a timely manner. Below, we will be going tips on removing bug stains from car paint and it is so important to regularly wash and wax your car to keep it looking great.

How Do Bug Stains Damage Car Paint?

You might be initially wondering how a bug stain can harm your car paint. After all, they are just bugs. The truth is some bugs internals are very acidic. Likewise, when their bodies decompose, it produces enzymes that are designed to get rid of the exterior carcass which can cause a similar breakdown to your vehicle’s paint job. Because of this, it can eat away at your paint and damage it if left long enough. After the bugs dry up, removing bug stains from car paint can become very difficult without chipping or removing paint along with it.

The key to removing but stains from car paint without damaging your vehicle comes with proper and timely removal. The quicker you can clean the bug stains the better. However, you might be left wondering exactly what steps you should take to get rid of these unsightly stains.

How To Remove Bug Stains From Your Car

Removing bug stains from paint should be done as quickly as possible. If the splat just occurred and you were able to spot it, you are lucky. Your removal is going to be easier because the stain hasn’t had time to dry. Therefore, you could simply wipe it away with a microfiber towel. If you didn’t catch it in time and it has already dried or baked in from the sun, you will need a few things to get the job done.

Materials Needed

Bug remover
Bug sponge or microfiber cloth
Water (Bucket or Water Hose)

Select a Cleaner Specifically for Bug Removal

Water alone will not remove bug remnants and stains. It’s important to use a bug cleaner. There are many types of bug cleaners that are safe for the exterior of your car. No matter which one you choose, just remember that water alone won’t do the job effectively. Here are a few that will get the job done:

There are also many DIY options for bug removal such as placing dryer sheets and a little bit of warm water in a spray bottle. Be sure to investigate before you make your own bug remover to make sure it will not harm your car’s paint.

Get A Bug and Tar Removal Non-Scratch Sponge

Ideally, you want to have the right tools for the job on hand. Having a specialized bug and tar removal sponge that is designed to not scratch your paint will give you the best chance of removing bug stains from car paint without causing damage. This type of sponge is non-abrasive yet tough enough to remove all kinds of hard deposits on your car’s paint because it is made up of synthetic polymer which gets soft after soaking. An alternative would be to use a microfiber cloth.

Get Cleaning!

Step 1: Depending on which product you are using, either spray the product onto the bug stains or apply the cleaner with your bug sponge/microfiber cloth. Be sure to thoroughly soak all the areas on your car that have bug stains with the product you selected.

Step 2: Let bug the remover product sit for a few minutes to allow it time to work. You don’t want to wipe the cleaner away too soon or it won’t have time to break apart the bug particles.

Step 3: Firmly wipe all the bug stains away from where you have applied cleaner. If there are any bug remnants left, reapply the cleaner and let it sit for another few minutes and then wipe clean.

Step 4: Repeat the process until all bug stains are gone.

Step 5: Wash your Car. To make sure that all the bug cleaning residue has been removed from your vehicle, be sure to get a good car wash. Splash and Go Express Car Wash offers several car wash packages to take care of all your car cleaning needs.

Step 6: Add a protective layer to your car by adding a coat of wax. The wax will help prevent severe bug stains and adds extra protection for your car’s paint job.

The Importance of Keeping Your Vehicle Washed and Waxed

You spent a lot of your hard-earned money purchasing your vehicle. Keeping your car clean is part of being a car owner, right? We suggest setting a weekly car cleaning routine. If you are wondering why you should spend the time and energy to keep your vehicle washed and waxed, here are a few things to think about.

The Benefits of Keeping Your Car Clean

The benefits of washing your car, as well as applying a fresh coat of wax on a regular basis has more perks than most people realize. Here are a few benefits to consider.

Dirt and grime can damage your car. Keeping your car washed helps to protect it.
Road chemicals such as road salt stick to your car and the only way to remove these chemicals is to wash your vehicle. Leaving road chemicals on your car will damage the paint and could start to rust your vehicle.
Washing and waxing your car helps keep your car looking new and helps to maintain the value of your car.
Waxing your car helps to keep your car cleaner longer and helps to limit scratches
Washing your car helps keep you safe. A dirty car can begin to deteriorate which weakens the structure of your vehicle, such as paint degradation and rust. All costly to repair.
A clean car improves fuel efficiency.

There are plenty of good reasons to keep your car bug free, washed, and waxed. Not only will it help to keep your vehicle looking new, but it can help to extend the life and value of your car. I don’t know about you, but I love my car looking clean and sparkly. It just feels Good! If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in to see us at Splash and Go Express Car Wash. while you’re here, be sure to get the best Express Car Wash in Town!