How To Clean Windshield Wipers

Clear visibility is essential for safe driving during bad weather conditions. We're here to highlight effective steps to clean windshield wipers.

• First and foremost, prepare yourself with soap or mild windshield wiper fluid, a clean cloth or paper towel, fresh water, and a soft brush or old toothbrush. 
• Lift the wiper arms off the windshield and gently wipe them with a wet cloth dipped in soap or fluid to remove all dust. 
• If dirt remains on the blades, use a light brush to scrub them off. 
• Check for any buildup on the wiper arms and wipe it off with a cloth or tissue to clean your hands; otherwise, you will have to use an old toothbrush to wash down these parts of your vehicle. 
• After cleaning, make sure both blades and arms are rinsed with clean water and dried well before reinstalling the wipers back into place. 
• Use some silicon spray if necessary to prevent excessive rusting within the joints.

Additionally, it is beneficial for you to be aware of how windshield wiper rubber can be replaced. This will make you a responsible driver, help you take proactive measures, and ensure clear visibility on the road during severe weather conditions like snow, heavy rainfalls, etc. 

4 Key Steps To Clean Windshield Wipers

Some of the effective ways to clean the windshield wipers of your vehicle are as follows:

Step 1: Gather Necessary Materials

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

• Soap or windshield wiper fluid that is not too strong
• Soft cloth
• A soft brush or old toothbrush
• Clean water

Step 2: Cleaning The Wiper Blades

• Raise the wiper arms off the windshield.
• Take a wet piece of cloth with soap or fluids and use it to wipe the blades very gently. 
• Make sure that you remove any dirt from them. Use different sections of cloth after every single swipe, and if there is more than one soiled part, keep rubbing until no dirt remains.
• If it does not come out easily due to a lot of dirt stuck, then utilize a soft brush or an old toothbrush for this purpose.

Step 3: Cleaning The Wiper Arms

At times, if wipers arms are not pressing on your windscreen well enough, they may leave streaks behind. It's because they could be clogged up with grime and become jammed. Here's what you should do:

• Check if your wiper arm has mud or buildup, especially where it pivots and the blade connects to it.
• To clean wiper arms, use a cloth.
• If necessary, wreck joints and pivots with toothbrushes to wipe off dirt from there as well.

Step 4: Drying And Reassembling

• After cleaning, rinse both wiper blades and arms using clean water only.
• Ensure they are completely dry before putting those wipers' arms back on the windscreen.
• If required, use silicon spray to prevent rusting in joints.

How Often Should You Get Your Car Windshield Wipers Replaced?

There are several factors on which the frequency of replacing your car windshield wipers depends:

Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your wiper blades for any signs that they have started wearing out, such as cracking edges or uneven edges.

Usage Frequency: If you normally drive in severe weather situations like heavy rainfall, snow, or very hot temperatures, your wiper blades may wear out faster and, therefore, require more frequent replacements.

Recommended Timeline: The general procedure is to replace them every 6-12 months, even when they look okay. This will ensure top performance and clarity during rough weather conditions.

Performance Issues: When you see missed areas or incomplete wiping while using your windshield wipers, you should change them regardless of how long you have used them.

Environmental Factors: The rubber parts of wiper blades become inefficient after a few months due to sunlight's UV rays. Therefore, the need for regular windshield replacement increases, especially in places with high pollution levels or extreme weather situations.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, keeping your windshield wipers clean for better visibility while driving, especially in bad weather, is essential. By following these key steps to clean windshield wipers, such as visual inspection, frequency of use, recommended timeline for cleaning, performance issues, and environmental factors, staying proactive, and keeping your car windshield wipers clean, you can enjoy a safe driving experience.

A reliable auto glass repair company like Blue Diamond Auto Glass has a team of experienced and certified technicians who consider the highest quality standards to ensure reliable and durable windshield wiper replacement and fix car wiper rubber services.

Important FAQ's

Q1: Why should I clean my windshield wipers?

Cleaning maintains visibility on the road, especially in harsh weather. Dust and other debris on the blades may cause streaks and decreased operational efficiency.

Q2: What should I use to clean my windshield wipers?

A cleaning solution or wiper fluid and a soft cloth placed over your windshield wipers can help you clean windshield wipers. Avoid using chemicals, as that would ruin blade efficiency.

Q3: How often should I clean my windshield wipers?

Wash your windshield wipers every few months or when they leave streaks or fail to work efficiently. If you live in an area where dirt and debris accumulate, you might have to do it more often.

Q4: Can I use water to clean my windshield wipers?

Certainly, you can use water to wipe down dirt and debris from the windshield wipers. However, water alone may not completely remove all grime, so a cleaning solution is advised for better results.