A good insect remover reliably eliminates insect residues without damaging the vehicle's materials. At the same time, it should be as little of a burden on the environment and health as possible. Therefore, TCS evaluated nine products based on various criteria, considering cleaning performance, material compatibility, ease of application, and risks to the environment and health.
Three Products Receive Top Marks
Nigrin Insect Remover Bio Formulation and OK Power Insect/Tar Remover achieved the best results in the comparative test and were awarded the designation 'highly recommended.' The Nigrin remover impressed with its excellent cleaning performance. OK Power's product scored particularly with its outstanding environmental compatibility. Meguiar's Heavy Duty Bug & Tar Remover completes the top trio, also with the accolade 'highly recommended,' especially thanks to its easy application and very good adhesion on vertical surfaces.
Dr. Wack CW1:100 Insect Remover, Gyeon Bug & Grime, Koch Chemie Insect & Dirt Remover, Kuizy Insect Remover, and Motorex Insect Cleaner Pre-Cleaner received the rating 'recommended.'
The Most Expensive Products Are Not Necessarily the Best
The test indicates that price is not a reliable indicator of quality. OK Power Tar & Insect Remover, which holds the first place in the ranking, is also the cheapest product in the comparative test, costing CHF 4.95 for 500 ml. The Nigrin Insect Remover, sharing the top position, costs CHF 10.- for 500 ml and is also among the most affordable products in the test.
In contrast, Muc Off Bug & Tar Remover, measured by volume, is the most expensive product and sells for CHF 14.- for just 250 ml. Despite good health compatibility and ease of application, Muc Off's product is the only one in the comparison to receive the rating 'conditionally recommended' - mainly due to its limited cleaning performance.
Distinct Differences in Ease of Application
Ease of application was also evaluated. TCS experts examined spray quality, handling, adhesion of the product on vertical surfaces, bottle tightness, and safety features. Meguiar's insect remover performed particularly well in this area. The products from Koch Chemie and Kuizy also achieved good results.
However, other cleaners lost points due to less practical spray heads or bottles that could leak during horizontal transport. Muc Off's product is also the only one in the comparative test equipped with a child safety lock.
Significant Differences Regarding Environmental Compatibility
Several cleaners are classified as hazardous to water and must not enter water bodies or be released uncontrolled into the sewage system. OK Power Tar & Insect Remover stands out significantly in this area. It received the best environmental rating in the test and is the only product that does not carry any health or environmental hazard labels for water.
TCS recommends cleaning the vehicle front at a designated washing station, adhering to the manufacturer's specified exposure times, and wearing protective gloves and goggles to avoid skin and eye irritations.
Material Compatibility Remains an Important Criterion
Not all products exhibit the same material compatibility. During tests, where materials were exposed to the cleaners for 24 hours, products from Koch Chemie, Kuizy, and Muc Off caused cracking in polycarbonate, a material used for headlights and helmet visors.
Changes to aluminum were also detected for products from Nigrin, OK Power, Koch Chemie, and Kuizy. These results indicate that, besides the cleaning performance, a product's suitability for respective surfaces is crucial - especially for sensitive components like headlight covers or helmet visors.
Additionally, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse treated or cleaned areas with water after application to remove all product residues.
Press Contact:
Marco Wölfli, Media Spokesperson TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 03
marco.woelfli@tcs.ch