Bug removal and window cleaning?

[Mr Burns]

Firstly, I'm not a detailer... Sorry!

Basically, the front of my car is covered in bugs and I'm struggling to clean them off. I've got some Meguiar's bug remover but I may as well use toothpaste, it's rubbish!

Secondly, I know there's some funky products out there for cleaning glass (you know, that stuff that means you don't need your wipers in the rain). I'd like something that would help eliminate the streaky effect from using the wipers, if that makes sense!

Cheers.

 

[Coby.]

Something like AF Citrus Power as a pre wash will help with the bugs.

Glass G-Techniq G1... Apply correctly and should last you 18months+ iirc.

 

[Bluebeard]

Buy a bottle of IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and dilute it 50/50 with water. Use that and some wire wool on all exterior glass surfaces. It will remove bonded on crap and get rid of any wax/polishes ready for when you put your glass treatment of choice on.

 

[Mr Burns]

Thank you both, very useful

 

[Inequality Street]

Buy a bottle of IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and dilute it 50/50 with water. Use that and some wire wool on all exterior glass surfaces. It will remove bonded on crap and get rid of any wax/polishes ready for when you put your glass treatment of choice on.

Never heard of using wire wool on windows before. Does it not mark it at all? Also, assume grade 00?

 

[Bluebeard]

Never heard of using wire wool on windows before. Does it not mark it at all? Also, assume grade 00?

Been using it since I started cleaning cars back in 2001! It won't damage the glass so don't worry.

Only thing to mention, don't use it on wing mirror glass, and don't use it on the inside as if there are aftermarket tints it will ruin them.

It's fantastic though, leaves the glass like brand new.

I wasn't aware there were different grades though. Can't comment on that.

 

[Inequality Street]

Been using it since I started cleaning cars back in 2001! It won't damage the glass so don't worry.

Only thing to mention, don't use it on wing mirror glass, and don't use it on the inside as if there are aftermarket tints it will ruin them.

It's fantastic though, leaves the glass like brand new.

I wasn't aware there were different grades though. Can't comment on that.

Nice one, think I'll give that a go at the weekend. If I ruin the window the bill will be in the post

 

[Scrim-1]

Autofinesse citrus power for your bugs.

glass I would clean with autofinesse crystal then protected with autofinesse tough coat, works amazing on glass.

 

[Jack-C]

I know slightly off topic but with regards to using wire wool to clean the windows.

We use quite a rough wire wool to clean the glass on our wood burner and it doesn't do any damage whatsoever which I know might sound surprising if you've never done this before.

It's actually brilliant and the glass comes up like new every time.

 

[Bluebeard]

Nice one, think I'll give that a go at the weekend. If I ruin the window the bill will be in the post

I'll knock it off the price of the clio you enquired about...

 

[Inequality Street]

I'll knock it off the price of the clio you enquired about...

LOL

 

[Yellow Dave]

A small tip. Once you've cleaned off all the bugs, get the paintwork protected with a wax or sealant. That way most bugs and grime will simply wash off until your wax or sealant wears off.

 

[Knuckles]

If you're not into cleaning, after you've got the bugs off. Use a spray sealant.

I ended up polishing my bonnet the other day and couldn't be arsed to wax it so I sprayed af tough coat over it to protect it in the mean time. its amazing for when you're feeling lazy

 

[Daz.]

Been using wire wool for years - especially on the oven glass! Won't damage the paint and as already said gets everything off!

 

[Knuckles]

Been using wire wool for years - especially on the oven glass! Won't damage the paint and as already said gets everything off!

Orly? Typo?

 

[Daz.]

Yeah - glass paint? must have heard of it surely...

 

[Knuckles]

Yeah - glass paint? must have heard of it surely...

Is this like fords quick clear windscreen I only heard of this year?

 

[yellowbelly]

Autofinesse Citrus Power left to dwell for several minutes should help clear the bug splatter, often a couple of hits are needed.
As for glass, something like AM Details AM Glass to clean it, then a good wipe down with an IPA, then something like Gtechniq G5 for all glass. But if you want to up the anti for the windscreen use G1.

 

[Bluebeard]

As for glass, something like AM Details AM Glass to clean it, then a good wipe down with an IPA.

What does the AM details stuff do that IPA Can't do?

 

[Crybert]

Great info in here. My windscreen is old and scratched/pitted. I'm going to try this wire wool technique as it's a nightmare when it rains.

 

[Daz.]

Is this like fords quick clear windscreen I only heard of this year?

Yeah it's the same thing - but for ovens

 

[Mr Burns]

Can anyone recommend a spray sealant and where to purchase these products?

 

[Knuckles]

Can anyone recommend a spray sealant and where to purchase these products?

http://shop.autofinesse.co.uk/tough-coat-250ml

 

[Yellow Dave]

For paint and glass, GTechniq C2 or Carpro Reload.

Just paint, autofinesse Toughcoat. Can be used on side and rear glass but might smear on the front.

Just glass angelwax h2go

 

[yellowbelly]

What does the AM details stuff do that IPA Can't do?

Valid point Dan, I always like to clean the glass with a dedicated glass cleaner and so will put it down to habit and routine, But now you've mentioned that it does beg the question if there is any need IF looking to apply a glass sealant.

 

[Bluebeard]

Valid point Dan, I always like to clean the glass with a dedicated glass cleaner and so will put it down to habit and routine, But now you've mentioned that it does beg the question if there is any need IF looking to apply a glass sealant.

It wasn't a dig, I was asking a genuine question.

 

[Adamm.]

Iso will damage the rubber seals over time though surely? I'd rather use something designed for what its being used for, tried and tested etc.

 

[Bluebeard]

Iso will damage the rubber seals over time though surely? I'd rather use something designed for what its being used for, tried and tested etc.

Unless you dribble in your cereal every morning, there is no reason to spray it all over the rubbers??

You need one tiny spray in the middle of the window. The fact it's diluted means you can move it around the window. Just using pure IPA A)will evaporate very quickly and b) make the cloth stick to the glass.

But what the f**k do I know.

 

[Adamm.]

Alright calm down, was just saying. There's rubber friendly products out there that work just as well I'm sure.

The way you say though I'm sure will be fine was just stating that it can be bad for seals and that so chill.

I'm sure most people clean round the edge of the windscreen too so without being very careful it could easily make contact with rubber seals tbh.

 

[Mr Burns]

I seem to remember using Lime Prime on rubber which was excellent. I might be talking boll0cks though.

 

[Bluebeard]

I am calm but I don't understand why anyone would spray window cleaner (of any description) over the rubbers??

When was the last time you got exhaust polish on your windscreen wipers?

 

[Adamm.]

I am calm but I don't understand why anyone would spray window cleaner (of any description) over the rubbers??

When was the last time you got exhaust polish on your windscreen wipers?

Do you not clean the edge of your windows? Without being extra careful its easily done and it will dry out the rubbers.

You don't seem calm tbh, exhaust and wipers are no way near each other whereas rubber seals are in contact with the edges of the glass.

 

[Bluebeard]

It won't.

 

[Adamm.]

Iso will damage rubber lol.

Over time it could dry out and perish.

 

[Jack-C]

Most glass cleaners contain IPA just with added colour and fragrance.

It's the IPA in the glass cleaner that makes it flash

 

[Bluebeard]

Iso will damage rubber lol.

Over time it could dry out and perish.

I agree with you, it will damage it.

If you actually spray the rubbers, absolutely saturate them day in day out. After about 6 months they'll look dreadful.

 

[Adamm.]

I think as a strong cleaner it will be okay but I'd want to wipe the rubber seals clean afterwards to ensure none is left behind.

Hell I'd use daniels method on my own car if I had nothing else, was just stating a fact that iso WILL make rubber dry over time.

 

[Adamm.]

I agree with you, it will damage it.

It won't, it will, which is it? Lol.

 

[Bluebeard]

Seeing as you're struggling with the written word, i'll do a video for you tomorrow.

 

[mattjk]

Spud man is spot on with the point why pay more than you need to for a window cleaner. Besides ipa wont do any damage providing you dont saturate for hours a day 7 days a week etc. It evaporates quickly anyway