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Irish2's avatar
Irish2
Explorer
May 05, 2016

Love Bugs and dryer sheets

Yesterday we drove from Mayo, Florida to Mobile, Alabama and when we arrived the front of our 5er was covered in smashed Love Bugs. This morning I was out attempting to get them all off with elbow grease, liquid RV wash and a brush when the campground owner, Angela, came by and asked if I had ever used a dryer sheet to get the bug carnage of the front cap. Armed with a wet dryer sheet she started to do a demo on the front of our fifth wheel and amazingly the little critters just came off easily. Within 15 minutes the front of the fifth wheel was sparkling again. Dryer sheets, water, small circles and the wash off. First I heard of this. Thanks Angela of Relaxing RV Resort.



  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2016
    That is really great to know. Do you put the dryer sheets in water first, then wring them out to do the cleaning? Or do you use them right out of the box?
  • Irish2's avatar
    Irish2
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    Yes wet the dryer sheet first and do small circles on the bugs and presto they come of. Wash of the residue and you are done.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    That is really great to know. Do you put the dryer sheets in water first, then wring them out to do the cleaning? Or do you use them right out of the box?


    No.

    I am here to tell you that DO NOT use the dryer sheet without wetting it.
    I guess I didn't see the post that said to wet it first. :R

    I permanently scratched the hood on my toad using the dryer sheets.
    My toad is Red. You most likely will not see the scratches in the finish on a white or light colored RV but they will be there.

    I live in Florida now and love bugs have now become part of my life. :(

    All you really need is one of those non-scratching dish sponges, soap and water. Dawn blue works the best. The bugs come right off. No need for imaginary quick fixes for just a bug. You just need to get them off as soon as possible when you come off the road.
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    The dryer sheets will work, they will leave some residue that must be cleaned off as well.
  • Tiger4x4RV's avatar
    Tiger4x4RV
    Nomad
    May 05, 2016
    A dryer sheet will fit on a Swiffer, which makes reaching much easier. And yes, wet dryer sheets do remove bugs.

    I've also tried dipping my soft RV wash brush into bug-removing windshield washer fluid and that works pretty well.

    Whatever you use, be sure to rinse the cleaned surface thoroughly.
  • tomkaren13's avatar
    tomkaren13
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    Water water and more water. If you wet them down go get yourself a drink(of water) come back. Those acidic critters come of easier with what is used to wipe them off. This advice came from a Florida detailer!
  • Gooding__R's avatar
    Gooding__R
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    Being from Florida and knowing what love bugs will do to paint, we used to spray PAM on the front of our big trucks and cars before each trip. This worked very well for about a month and then we would do it again. With this being done , you can take a water hose and just wash them off. When going to Florida now I still put it on my car before I get to the state.
  • TucsonJim's avatar
    TucsonJim
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2016
    When is "love bug" season? We're planning a trip to Florida next Autumn, and I'd like to be prepared.
  • Irish2's avatar
    Irish2
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    All great ideas! I am going to give the Pam trick a try as we head west tomorrow. Thank you all.

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