Aphids are not only annoying plant pests, their secretions also dirty windows and surfaces of garden furniture or cars. To prevent the sticky stains from drying out, you should remove them as quickly as possible.
What is the best way to remove honeydew?
To effectively remove honeydew, you can use soapy water, car paint detailer, paint cleaning clay or adhesive remover. Soapy water is best for fresh honeydew, while detailers and putty are particularly gentle on car paint and adhesive removers are used for solid surfaces.
How to remove honeydew:
- Soapy water: as the easiest method for cleaning
- Detailer: is used in the care of car paint
- Paint cleaning clay: ideal for regular cleaning of painted surfaces
- Adhesive remover: suitable for solid surfaces
Soapy water
If the honeydew coating is still fresh, you can clean the car roof, tent or garden chairs with a cloth. Use a dish soap solution and soak the cloth in it. Gently rub the sticky areas without applying pressure. If you find hardened droplets on the car paint, you should not scratch with your fingernail. This can quickly cause paint damage. Honeydew on car or window panes can be effectively removed with a glass cleaner.
Detailer
There are special products for cars that not only clean but also care for them. A paint detailer (€19.00 at Amazon) removes stubborn residues such as aphid secretions and at the same time cares for the paint with simple UV blockers. Today, most of these products contain carnauba wax and components that seal the paint. You can achieve the greatest possible cleaning effects if you rub the product on the car roof and doors with a microfiber cloth. The big advantage is that you can use a detailer at any time on the go and without water
Paint cleaning clay
The so-called clays are available in different abrasivities, with a mildly cleaning putty being sufficient to remove honeydew. You can use such products without any worries because, when used properly, there will be no micro-scratches in the car paint. This product is also suitable for painted garden furniture. A lubricant is necessary so that the malleable mass can glide smoothly over the paint. The paint cleaning putty becomes softer by storing it in warm water.
Glue remover
You can gently remove aphid secretions from plastic objects, glass surfaces or painted objects using a special solvent. The product is distributed using a spray bottle on the surface to be cleaned. After about ten minutes of exposure, you can wipe off the loosened residue with a damp cloth. The disadvantage of adhesive removers is the unpleasant smell, which can be harmful to he alth.
