Whether you have a fresh layer of bugs from a recent road trip or it’s been a while (no judgement) and you never got around to cleaning them off, I will explain how to safely remove them without causing any further damage.
The first thing to keep in mind when removing bugs off your vehicle is that you want them off as soon as possible! Similar to how bird droppings can stain and etch your paintwork, so can bugs. The bug guts can be very acidic and etch into the clear coat leaving compounding and polishing as the only way to completely remove the defects.
The best way to go about removing the bugs safely is to use little or no physical agitation at all against the paint. Bugs are very abrasive and you do not want to be scrubbing them against the clear coat. It is best to always start with a simple pre-rinse to remove any large debris and loose bits first. Next, foaming the front end of the vehicle is a great way to soften the bugs and start to help break everything down. Use a regular car soap or diluted APC (all purpose cleaner) in a foamer, depending upon how long the bugs have been stuck. After the foam has dwelled for a few minutes, a high-pressure rinse will typically remove all the bugs. If not, repeat the foam and rinse steps as needed. Depending upon how long the bugs have been stuck, some physical agitation may be needed. In that case, I recommend using a soft microfiber mitt or towel and lightly agitating with plenty of soap and lubrication; again no scrubbing!
If the bugs are removed in an adequate amount of time, your paint should be clean and defect free. If staining or etching has occurred, compounding and polishing will be required. In order to prevent this from happening, it’s best to keep your vehicle maintained with your choice of protection (wax, sealant, or coating). This will give you a barrier on the paint and help prevent staining as well as making it easier to clean when needed. If you have a road trip planned, it’s always a good idea to apply a fresh layer of protection beforehand.
If you do not have access to a pressure washer or foam cannon, a great alternative is the IK Foaming Sprayers!
They can be found on Amazon and many detailing websites!