How Do You Clean Windshield Wipers?

Windshield wipers are vital for keeping your windshield clean and clear from obstructions in poor weather conditions like rain or snow. They also play a key role in removing dirt and residue from contaminants like bird poo and tree sap. 

However, over time, windshield wipers can accumulate dirt, grime, and debris which can reduce their effectiveness and lead to smears on your windshield and even small scratches if any small particles of grit or sand get stuck to the rubber blade. As a result, it’s important you take care of them and regularly clean them to maximise their efficiency in cleaning your windshield and keeping it clear of obstructions, as well as prolonging the life of your wiper blades.

In this guide, we share our expert advice on how to clean window wipers, providing you with simple step-by-step instructions, as well as top tips to keep them in optimum condition for longer.

Signs your windshield wipers need cleaning

Ideally, you should clean your windscreen wipers regularly to keep them free from dirt or debris, as a build-up of grime can make them less effective and impact their durability.

However, we know cleaning your windshield wipers is a job that can often get overlooked, so it’s important to be aware of the signs your wipers need cleaning.

Common signs your wipers are overdue a clean include :

• Leaving streaks on your windscreen
• Making squeaking noises when operating
• Skipping or jumping rather than producing a smooth wiping motion across your windscreen
• Water spots or uncleared glass when you turn the wipers off

How often should you clean your windshield wipers?

The best way to keep your windshield wipers working efficiently is to clean them regularly, ideally once a month. However, there are certain times of year when it’s especially important to make sure your windshield wipers have been thoroughly cleaned.

• At the start of spring remove any winter debris that may have built up in the poorer winter weather conditions.
• Before autumn when more frequent rain will mean you are using your windshield wipers blades more frequently.
• Regularly throughout the winter, when rain, snow, and salt can all build up and start to deteriorate the rubber or silicone of your wipers.

Steps to clean windshield wipers

The steps to clean your windshield wipers are straightforward, but before you begin, it’s always a good idea to give your car a general wash, paying particular attention to your windshield. This ensures that once you’ve cleaned your wiper blades, they won’t immediately pick up any debris from a mucky windshield.

How do you clean windshield wipers – A step-by-step guide

1. Collect everything you need to clean your windshield wipers; mild detergent or windshield wiper fluid, a clean cloth, a soft brush or old toothbrush, and clean water.
2. Lift both wiper arms away from your windshield.
3. Dampen your cloth with your chosen cleaning solution and gently wipe your wiper blades. Pay attention to any areas where there is a visible build-up of dirt and grime. Rinse the cloth before wiping the blades clean again and repeat this process until there is no more dirt coming off them.
4. For any stubborn dirt or residue, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub the wipers.
5. After cleaning, rinse the wiper blades with clean water.
6. Ensure they are fully dry before lowering them back onto the windshield. 

How to clean wiper arms

It’s also important to check the condition of your wiper arms, as they can contribute to streaks if they aren’t able to apply the correct pressure due to a build-up of dirt. To clean your wiper arms you should :

1. Check the wiper arms for any buildup or debris paying particular attention to the pivot and where the wiper blade attaches.
2. Use a clean cloth to clean the wiper arms.
3. Use a brush or toothbrush to help remove dirt from stubborn nooks and crannies in the joints and pivots.
4. After cleaning, rinse with clean water.
5. Lubricate the pivots with a silicone spray, if needed to keep corrosion at bay.

Tips for maintaining windshield wipers

Cleaning windshield wipers is a relatively straightforward process that should only take a few minutes, especially if you clean them regularly.

However, if you are keen to keep your windshield wipers in pristine condition, follow our top tips below :

• Inspect your windshield wipers regularly for signs of wear and tear.
• Only use a mild detergent, washer fluid or specilaised windshield wiper cleaner to clean your wipers to prevent damage to the rubber blades.
• Store replacement windshield wipers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Replace your wiper blades when you notice that even after cleaning, they are leaving streaks, or you spot cracks in the rubber blades.
• Consider investing in professional car detailing services by a trusted and reputable car wash specialist like Star Car Wash.

When to replace your windshield wipers

You should replace your windshield wipers at least annually or whenever cleaning them doesn’t restore their function. Other common indications your windshield wipers need replacing include :

• Broken or misshapen part on the arm of the wiper
• Corroded metal around the wiper arms
• Visible cracks and tears on the rubber or silicone squeegee

It’s important to remember that your windshield wipers undergo a lot more wear and tear in rainier months and may need replacing more regularly if they’ve been heavily used.

You can take your car to the mechanic to get your windshield wiper blades changed but it is easy to do at home. Simply pull the arm away from your windshield, unhook the old blade, and insert the new one. You can find out which wiper blades are right for your car in your manual or by searching online.

Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning windshield wipers

When you clean windshield wipers, there are some things you should avoid doing to prevent causing any unnecessary damage. This includes :

• Using harsh cleaners that could damage the rubber or silicone
• Placing the windshield wipers onto the windshield before they are fully dry which can lead to streaks

Get Professional Help

Clean windshield wipers not only work more efficiently but also ensure that you have a safe and clear view of the road ahead no matter what the conditions. Hopefully, this guide has shown you how to clean wipers effectively at home, but if you’re looking for a professional finish, let us help.

As Australia’s leading professional hand wash, our expert car detailers are dedicated to using the best car detailing tools and products to ensure your whole vehicle from windshield wipers to wheels gets unrivalled treatment and leaves us in like-new condition.

Since 2003, we’ve detailed thousands of cars, helping to restore their showroom look and feel once more. Our services go beyond an ordinary car wash, by removing blemishes, restoring paintwork, and revitalising interiors from leather seats to plastic coverings.

Book online today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.