How to Clean Bugs Off a Motorcycle Windshield Without Scratching It
After returning from a road run early that month, I parked my 1964 Panhead without taking the time to wash off a week's worth of road grime. The front end was covered with bugs and the rear section was smeared with oil and dirt.
Later that night, I decided I should at least wipe down the paint and chrome so the bike looked halfway clean. Since I had waited until the bugs had completely dried, I had to use an old trick to soften them up. Motorcycle windshields are easy to scratch, so you cannot just use a lot of elbow grease to clean off the bugs.
The technique I use involves a wet washcloth and a little time. It is a simple Vintage Tech road-run trick: soften the bugs first, then wipe them away gently instead of grinding dried bug residue into the windshield.
The Hot Washcloth Trick
I run hot water over a washcloth until I get it piping hot, then squeeze out the excess water and lay it out on the windshield. After a few minutes of this treatment, the bugs will start to soften and can be wiped off without heavy pressure.
Finish With Plastic Polish
Next, I like to clean the windshield with a good plastic polish like Novus Plastic Clean & Shine and a lint-free towel.
Helmet Shields and Sunglasses
You can also use this technique to clean the shield on your helmet or even a pair of sunglasses. The rule is the same: soften the dried bugs first, then wipe gently with a clean soft cloth.