Every now and then you discover something...bugs on your car...

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,521
edited September 2018 in The Clubhouse
I just tried a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, out of sheer age and laziness, to remove my wife's bug-pummeled front end on her 2500 Ram diesel. SUCCESS. I have tried dozens of products for this knarley chore from hell, and none of them were the holy grail. Magic eraser IS. I used it on plastic-chrome, plastic headlight lenses, and real chrome with MAJOR success and NO scratching. I even hit a couple of spots on her paint, NO scratches.

THIS is BIG. It took like 10 minutes to entirely de-bug her front end. Keep the stuff wet, and keep the magic eraser wet.

I'll be expecting a Christmas card from ALL of you for this GEM.
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Comments

  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 24,477
    Nice Steve.
    About the only time i take my vehicle to the car wash is to use the power wand on bugs on the front end.
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Thanks for the tip. I’ll be sure to send all the bug residue and remains to ya when I give it a go! :smile:
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    I'd worry a wee bit about scratching (for lack of a better word). I use 'em for many things (including, yes, cleaning record player cartridge styli, now and again). I've noticed that they can have subtle but visible effects when used on, e.g., painted surfaces on the texture (sheen) of the surface -- and I am pretty circumspect when I use one :)

    Just wanted to mention that, FWIW.
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 18,230
    They will introduce micro swirls on the paint, especially over time but this is great to use on very stubborn ones. WD-40 is what I use for those stubborn ones on paint. Works great for getting rub marks off of the paint too without scratching it.

    Every year, I will use one or two of these to clean my lawn tractor. Dang thing looks brand new when I am done. Rims, tires and all.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    What really shocked me was that the headlight lenses were not scratched. I only applied the force necessary to remove the spot. It was the easiest bug clean-up I have ever done; and her truck was loaded with them.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • I use it on windows which works pretty good too.
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 18,230
    Shoot, try using them to clean the shower. Soap scum is almost instantaneously gone.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • oldrocker
    oldrocker Posts: 2,590
    Thanks for the tip.

    Will try it on the daughters new car.

  • Hermitism
    Hermitism Posts: 4,192
    Something to be aware of... I used a magic eraser on some painted wood outdoors. Assuming that there is only one manufacturer that makes this product, I think we are talking about the same thing. It was a white pad that you add water to and then rub. Anyways, I removed a stubborn stain on some painted wood (a one square foot area), and did not wash the surface afterwards. A couple months later the area that I used the pad on had lightened up in color. Come to find out, the pad had bleach in it and ended up fading the paint over a short amount of time. Again, this wood was in direct sunlight in the late part of the day. Just thought I'd throw that out there if it is indeed the same product that I used.
  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,138
    Cummins power. My favorite!
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    WagnerRC wrote: »
    Cummins power. My favorite!

    It' has been Bev's DREAM to own a Ram 2500 HD Diesel. She loves that thing. Damn thing gets better mileage than my Charger. Doh!
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • I wouldn't recommend using Magic Eraser on chrome or a fine paint job. First hand experience tells me that paper towels will scratch triple chrome plated surfaces and Magic Eraser is no doubt much more abrasive than a paper towel. I've found the best way to get suicidal bugs off my bike's front end is lots of soaking with a hose first followed by a very light once over with simple green and a soft car wash brush.
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    edited September 2018
    I saw no evidence of scratching on either the "real" chrome bumpers or the plastic chrome front grill. I DID keep soapy water on the spots while cleaning, and I didn't use a lot of pressure, as it wasn't necessary. I do agree that using it on paint is probably not a good idea, especially on a dark car. Keep in mind these bugs were "baked" on there for over a month.

    Just passing on what I actually witnessed. I'll post some pics this evening, and you all can judge for yourselves.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • ^^^^^Sadly it took a few cleanings before I noticed the scratches the paper towels were leaving. By then the damage was done.
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    I have seen damage by paper towels on plastic lenses, that's why I only use a micro-fiber towel on my gauges, etc.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,560
    edited September 2018
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I have seen damage by paper towels on plastic lenses, that's why I only use a micro-fiber towel on my gauges, etc.

    I waited too long to dust the plastic covering my gauges which now have a visible layer of dust and now I'm scared to, even with a microfiber because I'm afraid it'll leave hairline scratches on the plastic. :(
  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    Clipdat wrote: »

    I waited too long to dust the plastic covering my gauges which now have a visible layer of dust and now I'm scared to, even with a microfiber because I'm afraid it'll leave hairline scratches on the plastic. :(

    Meguiar's PlastX or Clear Plastic Cleaner followed by Clear Plastic Polish will get them cleaned up and scratch free. Use a little soap and water on a microfiber towel first to get the base layer of dust off. Apply the PlastX or the Cleaner + Polish with a microfiber pad or towel then buff to a shine. Easy.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    It seems like auto makers have certainly improved the plastics used in the newer headlight covers. They seem far more durable and less prone to fade. My 2011 Grand Cherokee's headlight lenses were like new when I traded it in, and I never paid any special attention to them other than applying Meguiar's detail spray on them after washing.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    Clipdat wrote: »
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I have seen damage by paper towels on plastic lenses, that's why I only use a micro-fiber towel on my gauges, etc.

    I waited too long to dust the plastic covering my gauges which now have a visible layer of dust and now I'm scared to, even with a microfiber because I'm afraid it'll leave hairline scratches on the plastic. :(

    Use some canned air to remove the majority of the dust first.; then wipe.

    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,560
    Oh good call! Why didn't I think of that? Thanks man.
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 32,926
    edited September 2018
    Hermitism wrote: »
    Something to be aware of... I used a magic eraser on some painted wood outdoors. Assuming that there is only one manufacturer that makes this product, I think we are talking about the same thing. It was a white pad that you add water to and then rub. Anyways, I removed a stubborn stain on some painted wood (a one square foot area), and did not wash the surface afterwards. A couple months later the area that I used the pad on had lightened up in color. Come to find out, the pad had bleach in it and ended up fading the paint over a short amount of time. Again, this wood was in direct sunlight in the late part of the day. Just thought I'd throw that out there if it is indeed the same product that I used.

    The "plain vanilla" Magic Eraser doesn't contain any bleach-- the problem (I think!) is that, due to the relentless 21st Century urge to innovate continuously*, :p there are now a bevy of different Magic Eraser products. There are also "generic" copies of the original ME products (imagine that?!), too. Lord knows what's in them :/

    https://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-products/magic-erasers

    dttu0k5c3n0e.png


    The great regular flavor is the one to use in an application like this -- but, of course, it is still an abrasive (albeit an exceeding fine one :p ) and so, as numerous posts to this thread have mentioned, prudence is dictated. If you can't find Prudence, trust by verify. ;)

    _____________
    * yeah, yeah, I know -- there must be some punk kids I should be chasing offa my lawn, now, right? ;)


  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,521
    The one I used was the original "plain" one.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • Viking64
    Viking64 Posts: 6,646
    I bought a pair at the store today and I am already considering upgrading them.
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,056
    edited September 2018
    I will give it a shot just put 1500 miles on the family truckster, and the front end is covered in bugs. I bet it will be easier than using rubbing compound and bug and tar remover. Thanks for the heads up.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 27,968
    I drive 5k miles a month, I just go to the car wash every day with an unlimited pass.. Don't need bugs or paint!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    VR3 wrote: »
    I drive 5k miles a month, I just go to the car wash every day with an unlimited pass.. Don't need bugs or paint!


    Why ? 60k a year on a vehicle is nuts.

    Are you collecting for the mob or somethin' ?
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 27,968
    Just taking over the world one house at a time...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    So yesterday I paid the price for not addressing the tree residue on my daily driver immediately. Let that crap cook on the hood, door uppers, etc., for over a week. Rock hard solid little bits all over a pearl white paint job. What a mess. Lot's of bug/tar remover, and elbow grease! Over 4 hours getting the Acadia cleaned up!
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 18,230
    VR3 wrote: »
    I drive 5k miles a month, I just go to the car wash every day with an unlimited pass.. Don't need bugs or paint!

    You too, eh? (though my miles may be less)

    $30 smackers a month to keep my windshield clear everyday? Well worth it. Getting the truck cleaned is just a bonus....especially since Sam's Car Wash is a half a mile away...LOL

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~