Cleaning Insect Remains from Windows

As disgusting as it is, finding dead insects on your car windshield or windows at home is pretty much inevitable. No matter how you may try to prevent this from happening, you are still likely to end up with remains of dead bugs on your windows, especially on your car. You have probably noticed that after a long car trip the windshield of your car is covered with insects. Not only is it gross to have a film of bug remains on your windshield, but it's also dangerous: your vision can be impaired and could cause an accident.

So if it is so hard to prevent bugs from splattering on your window, what can you do to get rid of them? The best thing is to learn how to most effectively clean the bug remains from the glass. There are certain helpful things you can try that are easy and quite effective.

• Seltzer Water. Seltzer water (but not tonic or club soda) can help loosen insect remains that are stuck to the windshield. To use it, pour it over the area, let it sit for a few seconds, then wipe away.
• Vinegar. Vinegar is something that most people have around the house, and it is a convenient and easy way to clean bugs away. Simply spray the vinegar on the glass and wipe. Vinegar is a natural alternative to chemical cleaners, and can be used very effectively to clean windows on your car or around the house.
• Baking Soda. Baking soda is often a useful cleaner, even for insect splatters on your window. Mix it with water so it becomes a paste, spread over the window, gently scrub, and wash away.
• Windshield Wash. You can find commercial windshield or window wash that is formulated specifically for removing things like insects from your windows. Follow the instructions carefully for best results.
• Scrape Bugs Away. If you're in a pinch and can't use cleaner to get the bugs off the windshield, there's another approach you can take. Using an object like a window scraper, try scraping the layer of insect remains off so you can see clearly through the window. If you can, wipe the window off when you're done with some window cleaner.

You can also buy a bug deflector to help reduce the amount of insects that end up hitting your windshield. However, although it can keep your glass cleaner, it won't completely prevent messes caused by bugs.