Anyone who’s driven cross-country knows firsthand how beautiful the open road can be. But driving for miles through that gorgeous terrain often results in one unsightly side effect: the inevitable bug splatter that coats your car.
While you can always stop at a gas station to try to wipe down the vehicle, scrubbing away every single stain can be difficult — especially those that have been caked on and baking in the sun. But don’t worry: We have a hack that can easily solve this issue and leave any car splatter-free.
Dryer Sheets to the Rescue
You’ve probably tried dedicated bug removal products or even coated your car in WD-40, hoping the stains would slide right off. But the true solution lies within your laundry room. Dryer sheets do so much more than soften fabric and fight static — they also help to remove that buggy splatter from your car’s windshield, bumper, and grille. To try this hack for yourself, all you’ll need are some standard dryer sheets and a water supply.
Begin by pouring or spraying water onto any splatter-affected areas of the car. Then, dampen a dryer sheet with water and wipe away the insect residue. (This is important because a dry dryer sheet can leave behind residue or even scratch the surface.) You’ll be amazed at how easily the gross splatter comes off — in fact, you probably won’t need to apply any additional elbow grease. After the mess is gone, rinse the area with water and car wash soap to leave it sparkling clean. Beyond bug splatter, this method is also effective for removing tar and tree sap.
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Word to the Wise
While this trick may seem too good to be true, it does come with a major caveat. Despite their soft appearance, most dryer sheets are actually quite abrasive, which is why they remove bug splatter so effectively. For this reason, you shouldn’t scrub too hard, or you risk scuffing the paint, glass, or metallic features of your vehicle. As long as you stick to using a light touch and a damp dryer sheet, you can avoid causing damage.
A Supplementary Solution
In addition to looking quite disgusting, the acidic nature of bug splatter can damage your car’s paint job. So, before it ever gets that bad, consider applying a ceramic coating to your vehicle. You can either apply it yourself or bring your car to a local detailer for a more professional job. This coating protects the paint from breaking down easily if it comes into contact with bug splatter. Even so, it’s a good idea to wipe down the car regularly to keep the finish in good condition.
