How Do You Remove Bugs

[Wayne]

I thought this would have come up before but I can't find it. So forgive me if it is already here.

I would like to know whats is best to remove bugs without harming paint on leading edges.

Thanks

[jmvolpp]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Try spraying with Fantastik, out of the sun. Don't put on the windshield.

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Has anyone had experience with Simple Green? It seems to work for me, but I thin it down a lot. I also use water right after flying. I just use water on the windshield.

Frank D

[M Jones]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Frank,

A long time ago on the old Taylorcraft "Topica" email system, there was some talk that Simple Green was corrosive to aluminum. I've used it for spot use thinned down like you said though. I keep plain water in a spray bottle, and just wipe off the bugs before they dry too much after I put her away for the day. Water or Pledge on the windscreen has worked for me.

[crispy critter]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

pledge furniture polish works good on the windshield....simple green works great but it does leave a film when it dries.....even doluted and rinsed with water.I use simple green to help take care of those really tough jobs but it is best to take soap and water to any areas after using simple green...I do

[Wayne]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Thanks for the input guys. I worked for an hour yesterday and the results weren't good. I was using windex.

[M Towsley]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Wayne,

Regular Simple Green is supposed to be corrosive, that is why Simple Green came out with their aircraft cleaner. I have used it for over a year and like it. I dilute it 50/50 and just spray it on and wipe it off. Plexus seems to also work on the windshield quite well.

[hangarb7]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Yep, Simple Green is corrosive and although they don't discourage it's use, you should be aware of what they say on aircraft.

http://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons_faqs.php

After all, they did come out with aircraft version which is the kind that should be used if cleaning aircraft.

The previous owner of 44057 used "Purple Power" which he claimed he purchased at an Advance Auto store. I couldn't find it so I used another product made by them called Bug Wash in a green spray bottle.

It works fantastic on the T- and leaves a very light wax residue that makes the next bug splashes easy to come off. I just bought a new spray bottle and they changed the name slightly but it still works the same and is still made by Purple Power.

Jack D

[Winston L.]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Lemon pledge works well. The other benefit is the next time you remove bugs they come off easier. I almost forgot the fresh lemon scent.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

pledge works well as said above

Mike

[N95179]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Pledge has ammonia in it. Buy a new windshield and there are usually instructions with them with a list of chemicals NOT to use for cleaning them. That's one of them. I was shocked when I learned about it!

My boss has a 1967 Cessna 206 he's had since almost brand new...same original windshield. The only thing he will use is soapy water at first, then rinse with water, followed by Meguires Mirror Glaze after it's dry. (I got a good chewing out once when I used Pledge on his windshield )

Simple Green has an aircraft variety now. They had a freebie signup on their website once. It worked great on bugs!

[fearofpavement]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Well, I am not sure of the ammonia content of lemon pledge but do know that I have used it successfully on aircraft and motorcycle windshields since the early 1980's with nothing but good results. When I was flying in SE Alaska we used it on the windshield and side windows more than once a day and I never observed any damage to the plexi except the inevitable scratches on the inside from excited passenger's cameras. (my two cents)

[ClipWing_T]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

I use 409 on my Cub with the Airtech paint on it ! And it doesn't seem
to hurt it at all.
Mike

[NY86]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Bug carcasses contain a protein called "chitin". Pineapple juice contains enzymes called chitinases, which dissolve it.

[Richard Boyer]

Re: How Do You Remove Bugs

Walmart sell a product in an aerosol can called.....wait for it........."Glass Cleaner" (made by Sprayway). I has an old timey look to it and is a white can with some blue on it. It is ammonia free and "leaves no film". It foams up on contact and is the best stuff I have ever used. The bugs come right off.