Windshield Wiper Renewal

So many things in today's world are convenience-packaged, disposable and just plain don't last very long. And accordingly, often pricey to replace. Windshield wipers for your vehicle are no exception. But with a little effort, a set of windshield wipers can be rehabilitated and reused. Perhaps not indefinitely, but a single re-use can save you upwards of $20.00

Windshield Wiper Renewal is Easy!

Remove the windshield wipers. Check for torn or frayed edges. Any physically damaged wiper blade must be replace with OEM, but if the rubber edge is not ripped, torn or cracked, they can be cleaned and reused again.

Soaking in soapy water and cleaning with dish detergent will remove the rubber oxidation. You will notice the black water, indicating that sun-bleached rubber is being washed away.

Wipe dry and with a rag soaked in white vinegar, clean the wiper again. You will likely see even more black-water castoff from the rubber, but when you are done the blades will be squeaky clean. All the road tars and insect debris will be gone. The wiper blades are almost as good as brand new!

At this point, I like to spray the rubber wipers with any good silicone spray. This moisturizes and protects the rubber from the elements. Having just cleaned the weather-worn rubber blades, you have exposed minute porosity in the surface of the blades. The silicone will help to fill these pits and micro-tears.

If you use a product such as Rain-X, you can use this to recondition your rubber wipers instead of silicone spray, but either product is equally effective.

Allow the wipers to dry for awhile. The silicone will likely soak in a bit. Wipe the blades completely dry. Now would be a good time to clean your windshield with any good glass or counter-top cleaning product such as Windex. A solution of white vinegar and water makes an excellent glass cleaner that many say works as well or even better than Windex.

I am fond of using wadded sheet of newspaper to clean and dry the washed windshield of our car for a streak-free clean that is difficult to get using paper towels or cloth.

Re-install the cleaned and reconditioned windshield wipers and enjoy a squeak-free use that rivals any brand new wipers