Removing Bugs Between Washes

[GoofyJames]

I have a 340 mile drive once a week and being in Texas, there are bugs splattered on the front and windshield. I know that removing the bugs ASAP is important, but also not able to wash weekly. What is the best choice for removal of the bugs without having to do an entire wash / wax? Quick detailer? Waterless wash and wax? Something else?

[Americainmuscle345]

Re: Removing Bugs Between Washes

If the car has a good wax coat the waterless wash should work.

[GoofyJames]

Re: Removing Bugs Between Washes

If the car has a good wax coat the waterless wash should work.

Thanks. I guess I'm confused as to when it is best to use the quick detailer vs the waterless wash and wax. I know the waterless is an alternative to a DBM wash if the car is not too dirty and access to water is limited. SO I Guess the detailer is very much just a "spot" cleaner? when the remainder of the car / area is clean and pristine (which probably doesn't happen very often.)

And getting even more detailed about the function of these products, when would you NOT want to use these products, and use something else? Sorry, I'm obviously new at this, but just trying to take better care of my new cars.

[Americainmuscle345]

Re: Removing Bugs Between Washes

No worries I'm still trying to find the real difference between waterless wash and QD myself, essentially I've been using Waterless wash for cleaning purposes. And QD after a Waterless or traditional wash as a final inspection or touch up for extra protection or gloss

[Nick Winn]

Re: Removing Bugs Between Washes

Hi Guys,

Couple thoughts here. Quik Detailer vs Waterless Wash. The primary intent with any of our "Quik Detailers" like our A33 Quik Detailer Mist & Wipe, Gold Class Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Detailer, D155 Last Touch, M34 Final Inspection, again, the primary intent is to allow the user in a mist on / wipe off application to SAFELY remove LIGHT dust, fingerprints, or a bird dropping. The detail spray will work to encapsulate the light dust or whatever light contaminant you are removing, and then along with proper technique & a clean, high quality microfiber towel, all working together, allow you to remove the light contaminants & leave behind a perfectly clean paint surface. Quik Detailer sprays also provide great added gloss, some more than others, & certain detail sprays of ours have other added features, like water beading protection. They are also commonly used as a "drying aid" to add lubricity to the paint surface when drying the vehicle, after washing, although I personally would be using a dedicated spray wax as a drying aid, since the vehicle is already clean, a spray wax will provide more gloss & added protection, along with added lubricity.

Waterless Wash sprays like our Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax has MUCH more cleaning & lubricating ability, able to address actual dirt & road grime. The combination of the design of the product, clean high quality microfiber towels, and proper technique, allow the user to safely clean moderate dirt & road grime from all exterior surfaces, in a waterless type application. In general, the more dirty the vehicle, the more liberal you want to spray the product, the more towels you want to use, and the more flipping & folding of the towels you want to do. Refer to the product label for more specific instruction. Yes, many users use waterless products in place of quik detailer sprays, and this is totally fine, although likely is more expensive. Technically, and especially for a contaminant like a bird dropping, a waterless wash product is a safer, more premium option. Our Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax also has actual added wax properties, which add gloss & protection.

Now, back to your main question regarding some recommendations for addressing bugs on the road, without doing a full on wash, we would recommend a couple options:

A) On a cool surface, G180515 Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover, followed by Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax.

B) On a cool surface, visit a "DIY" Wash Place with a pressure washer, spray Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover, pressure wash off, and also pressure wash entire vehicle, and then perform a waterless wash, with our Ultimate Waterless Wash & Wax, but with this approach, you have already washed off any heavy contaminants with the pressure washer, & in my experience, can work a bit quicker performing the waterless wash. You may do a second application of the Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover, and then actually physically but gently agitate, with a microfiber towel, in order to fully remove all bug guts.

Hope this helps & let me know if you have further questions.

[GoofyJames]

Re: Removing Bugs Between Washes

I guess what throws me off is the "bird dropping" recommendation on the Detailer documentation. A bird dropping can be harder to remove than bugs, especially if it bakes on in the sun. Like you said, the waterless wash would actually be a better choice to clean it off.

I terms of the Bug & Tar remover, is it removing the wax as well? Is that why you would follow it with wash an wax? There an issue with using this every week?