Quick Detailer (QD) questions:1. Can I use my Zaino QD to 'scrub' off insects?
2. If not, what should I do to get rid of the bugs IN BETWEEN washes?
3. Do you use a microfiber towel when QDing your rims? This makes my towels very dirty. Just making sure I am using the right tools.

Help! Just want to make sure I am not ruining my paint. I am just now getting used to using QD in between washes. Just seems like spraying on the QD and wiping off the dust would somehow scratch my car.

Thanks for your help.

 

Sure, you can use QD to get the bugs off. It's safe and when you use a MF towel, it won't scratch. Don't use one of those nasty "scrapers".

Now, having said that, there is a plus side to specialized bug cleaners which can be an advantage to someone like you who lives in the "country" where there are lots of "big juicy bugs".

The big juicy bugs are filled with yellow bug guts which is acidic and eats into the clearcoat and stains the finish. It can leave a permanent stain if left on too long. QD doesn't always remove that kind of bug gut and can't neutralize the acid so the stain keeps eating away and turning yellow. I have been using THIS all summer and have had great results.

I generally don't QD my rims. I wash them with water because it's faster. I waxed them inside and out before I installed them (Zaino) and I wash them weekly using a soft sponge on the outside rim and in the spokes and I use a foam ended bottle brush to get the inside. I will wet the wheels and then do one of two things depending on how dirty they are: 1. Dip the sponge in my leftover shampoo used from washing my car. 2. Spritz the wheels with a wheel cleaner. Usually P21S, or Einzette.

Using QD to get the dust off is fine Just use the QD liberally and use common sense. If the car is REALLY dirty, then best to wash it. I get the dust off all the time. I generally touch up my car several times between washes.

 

Thanks Brad, I knew you would pull through for me. Is it OK for me to QD the wheels instead of washing them in between entire car washes? QDing won't hurt the wheels will it? I find that QDing instead of washing the wheels really takes its toll on my microfiber towels, though.

For me, it is a much bigger task to wash just the wheels: Get hose, get bucket and water, then try not to spray the rest of the car while only washing the wheels, drying and then using QD and tire polish (I used Zaino on my FLIKs, both sides, prior to putting them on the car. Heard that one from you - great advice!

Anyway, thanks for responding. I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

 

No big deal at all. Go for it. But like you say, just a little tough on the MF's.

HINT: Get some Stain Stick at the grocery store or K-Mart or Wal Mart and pre-wipe the stains on the MF's before you wash them. This does wonders in helping remove the stains and does not harm the MF.

 

One hint as to bug removal. The exoskeletons of bugs are very hard and will scratch the paint if allowed to remain in contact with the paint. Turn the towel after every swipe to reveal a fresh, clean side, until all hard pieces are gone. Then continue cleaning the surface.

 

(quote)Now, having said that, there is a plus side to specialized bug cleaners which can be an advantage to someone like you who lives in the "country" where there are lots of "big juicy bugs".

The big juicy bugs are filled with yellow bug guts which is acidic and eats into the clearcoat and stains the finish. It can leave a permanent stain if left on too long. QD doesn't always remove that kind of bug gut and can't neutralize the acid so the stain keeps eating away and turning yellow. I have been using THIS all summer and have had great results.(quote)



Brad, Will the 1-Z bug remover strip the wax as well like a bunch of other insect removers? I've been using the Meg's in a can wipes, not really impressed with it thus far.

 

Ken,
Yes, unfortunately, it will degrade the wax a bit so you do need to touch up afterwards. That's the price you pay, I guess, keeping those nasty staining rascals off your paint.

Great tip, BTW, about the exoskeletons!

 

From the smell of it, the "Bug n Tar" remover I've been using will definately strip away the wax. It definately smells of petroleum-based solvents