Remove insects: How to clean dirty car windows

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Smeared car windows? How to remove stubborn insect residue

The windshield of a car collides with all kinds of insects during long journeys

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Millions of people travel by car every year. In order to reach their destination safely, it is essential to have a clear view of the road – which makes it all the more important to clean the windshield regularly. But that is not so easy.

Do you know this feeling? You’ve barely completed the first hundred kilometers on the highway and the windshield is adorned with a colorful potpourri of dead flies, dust and insect remains. The windshield wipers can hardly or not at all remove the stubborn residue, so the next gas station is used to clean the windows. But drivers usually only have a few (free) cleaning products at their disposal, such as old dishwater and a windshield squeegee. This can be used to roughly clean the glass, but it cannot really remove the residue. Below we present three ways to get sticky car windows clean again.

Insect remover & Co.: 3 tips for a clear view

Insect remover

The remains of insects are usually spread over the entire windshield and are difficult to remove with water or a normal glass cleaner. In order to remove the remains of the chitinous shells from the glass more easily, there are special cleaning agents – such as Insect remover for cars. They are supposed to be able to dissolve the proteins. According to the manufacturer, this product for example for windows, headlights and all painted, chrome and plastic surfaces. In order not to damage the sensitive paint, you should follow the exact instructions for use on the packaging.

Insect sponge

If you do not want to use chemical cleaning agents, you can use a coarse-pored Insect sponge The hard and solid surface should remove even stubborn encrustations and stickings from the windshield. It is important for you to know, however, that the sponge is only intended for glass (and side mirrors) – do not use it on the bonnet as it would scratch the paint. For dirt on paint and plastic, you can use this model which is designed not to cause scratches due to its special honeycomb structure.

Cleaning clay

Another option for removing insect remains is the use of reusable Cleaning clay for cars. It is equally suitable for window glass surfaces and the hood. It is best to soak the compound in water first or spray the affected areas with water and the desired cleaning agent. Then wipe the clay over the windshield until all insect residue has been removed. Make sure that there is no coarse dirt on the paint if you want to clean this too.

Do you already know the pantyhose trick?

If you don’t want to use any of the three options mentioned above to clean your windshield, you can use an old trick – provided you have an old pair of tights to hand that you can repurpose for this purpose: simply crumple the nylon fabric and then rub the ball over the surfaces to be cleaned until all the stains are removed. You can also achieve the same effect with a plastic net.

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These home remedies are also suitable

This household remedy is said to work similarly to an insect cleaner: All you need is water and bio-ethanol (in a ratio of 1:1) and a few drops of washing-up liquid. Put all components in a spray bottle and mix them together. You can then use the finished mixture just like a glass cleaner.

And two more tips at the end:
To prevent so many insect remains from accumulating on your windshield, you can take preventive measures. Firstly, it is advisable to use a special concentrate to the cleaning water, which removes the residue even better. It is also recommended to replace the wiper blades regularly so that they always work reliably.

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