How to Get Dead Bugs Off Your Car (Without Ruining the Paint)
Learn how to get dead bugs off your car safely using common household supplies—and how to keep them from sticking in the first place
Is there anything more frustrating than running your car through a car wash, only to find dead bugs still plastered to your otherwise-sparkling clean bumper? While you may be tempted to just throw up your hands and leave the splatters for the next wash, that may not be the best idea—especially if your vehicle's clear coat is something you value and want to preserve.
Bug splatter is inevitable, particularly on long road trips in spring and summer. But the good news is there are effective ways to remove it that don't involve repeated trips through an expensive automatic car wash. In fact, there are even things you can do to help prevent future bug splatter from becoming as big of an issue.
Why bug splatter is so hard to remove
Whether you've sped through a cloud of tiny gnats or a swarm of locusts, the splatter they leave behind can be difficult to remove, especially if the splatter has had time to dry. That’s because the internal makeup of bugs is acidic and full of proteins and enzymes that can bond to your vehicle's clear coat if given the chance.
Over time, these remnants can eat into the clear coat of your paint, leaving behind a permanent stain. Some in the industry refer to this as “etching.” Bug guts also react to ultraviolet sunlight, which can accelerate the etching process—depending on the type of bug your car has hit.
How to remove bug splatter from your car
Experts recommend removing bug splats as soon as possible, but even dried-on bugs can be removed in a few simple steps using supplies you likely already have at home.
- Step 1 - Gather supplies. You'll need a clean microfiber cloth or soft sponge and a bucket of warm, soapy water. Consider using a purpose-made "bug sponge," which is designed specifically for bug residue.
- Step 2 - Soak the area. Apply a liberal amount of warm, soapy water to the bug-affected areas of your vehicle. The more dried-on the bugs are, the longer you should allow them to soak—typically one to five minutes.
- Step 3 - Wipe the bugs away. Gently scrub the area using your sponge or microfiber cloth in circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can scratch the clear coat.
- Step 4 - Rinse and repeat. Rinse with clean water. If any residue remains, repeat the process as needed.
- Step 5 - Dry and inspect. Once you're satisfied with the results, dry the area, and inspect your work. Remember, if your vehicle had a wax coating, it may have been stripped in the process—so you may need to reapply wax to any washed sections.
The best way to prevent bugs from sticking to your car
You may already know that the best way to preserve that beautiful sparkle and shine on your vehicle is regular washing, but did you know that it's also the best way to prevent bugs from sticking to your car?
That’s because the regular cleaning, especially when paired with a wax coating, helps maintain a smooth, glossy, and water-repellent surface. This finish increases surface tension, allowing water—and with it, dirt and bug splatter—to bead off more easily. In short, the smoother and more slippery your car’s exterior, the less likely bugs are to latch on—and the easier they are to wash away.
If regular washing and waxing feel like too much of a chore, you may want to consider adding a fabric bra across the front bumper or installing a bug deflector shield on the hood. While these won't protect your entire car from bug splatter, they do help shield the areas most exposed to bug strikes.
Another tip to keep the bugs off your car is to park indoors or under an awning whenever possible. This will help preserve the wax coating on your vehicle which, in turn, should make it less sticky for bugs.
Whatever method you choose for bug removal, it’s important to avoid methods that could do more harm to your paint and clear coat than the bugs themselves. Steer clear of abrasive pads or scrapers, which can scratch the surface, and avoid using harsh cleaners such as bleach, which can chemically damage your car’s finish.
Bug splatter isn’t just a cosmetic annoyance; if left on your car for too long, it can lead to permanent damage. By keeping your vehicle clean and addressing bug buildup promptly, you'll help preserve that showroom shine for many years to come.