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

steveinaz

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.

pitdogg2

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

Thanks for the tip. I’ll be sure to send all the bug residue and remains to ya when I give it a go!

mhardy6647

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

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

steveinaz

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.

charley95

I use it on windows which works pretty good too.

treitz3

Shoot, try using them to clean the shower. Soap scum is almost instantaneously gone.

Tom

oldrocker

Thanks for the tip.

Will try it on the daughters new car.

Hermitism

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

Cummins power. My favorite!

steveinaz

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!

motorstereo

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

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.

motorstereo

^^^^^Sadly it took a few cleanings before I noticed the scratches the paper towels were leaving. By then the damage was done.

steveinaz

I have seen damage by paper towels on plastic lenses, that's why I only use a micro-fiber towel on my gauges, etc.

Clipdat

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

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.

steveinaz

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.

steveinaz

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.

Clipdat

Oh good call! Why didn't I think of that? Thanks man.

motorstereo

Perhaps a little research before you use it on your nice paint job or chrome

https://www.autoblog.com/2016/03/31/how-a-magic-eraser-can-damage-your-car/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam

mhardy6647

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*, 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




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 ) 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

The one I used was the original "plain" one.

Viking64

I bought a pair at the store today and I am already considering upgrading them.

gudnoyez

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.

VR3

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!

tonyb

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' ?

VR3

Just taking over the world one house at a time...

verb

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!

treitz3

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