Cleaning/protecting windshield wipers

Radarryan

Radarryan

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So I want to preface this by saying my car has never seen the rain, at least not yet! The only water she has seen is from the hose or, when she's been really good, distilled water :)

This evening I decided to pull up the wipers and see if they're clean... They were not. They were filthy! The gunk just poured off into my microfiber rag (not even high enough quality to be called towels). I was thinking about cleaning them with IPA until no more black stuff comes off, then protecting/nurturing the rubber with something.

What is the best process to clean and then protect windshield wipers? Clean with IPA, APC, water? Protect with Opti-Bond, 303, something with silicone, WD40? I've heard so many different things I just wanted to get some clarification. Should I even be concerned that all the black gunk came off? Maybe it's supposed to be there, but I always thought that means it's dirty... Hmm, I guess I need:

Feed back please

Happy detailing!
 
Change 'em rubber that is soft like that will always degrade. I wipe them a few good times and if they are not gator skinned and still push water, keep ,, if not,, change them.
 
beamerstrumpet said:
Change 'em rubber that is soft like that will always degrade. I wipe them a few good times and if they are not gator skinned and still push water, keep ,, if not,, change them.
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I've never used them in the rain. I just sprayed the hose on it today to make sure they worked and they are great! Perfect, clear glass. Just wanting to know how to clean/protect so I don't have to change as often.
 
Like any rubber like that, the UV (and maybe even ozone) exposure will oxidize them. There may have been dirt that came off but I'd wager some of it was oxidized rubber.

Clean them with your choice of IPA, APC, window cleaner, car wash, it really doesn't matter. 303 used to make a specific wiper product (a wet sponge that came in a foil packet) but I don't think they make that anymore. Knowing 303 it was just the regular aerospace protectant in a sponge (rather than some special wiper product). So if you have 303 just wipe some of that on, let it soak in, then make sure to wipe off the excess so they aren't greasy.
 
I've always had good luck just spraying some glass cleaner on a junk MF towel or paper shop towel that won't lint or tear apart and pinching the blade with the towel between my fingers and running it up and down a few times. Never tried any type of dressing or protectant on them though.
 
I wipe down with IPA. Spray some silicone on a rag and wipe them down. I'm not looking to protect them just clean them and condition the rubber and make it slippery
 
CarPro Eraser to clean. CarPro PERL to protect. PERL has obsoleted conventional polymer UV inhibitors for me!
 
303 Windshield Wiper Treatment
Reconditions hardening rubber windshield wiper blades 303 Wiper Treatment Stops Annoying Chattering, Skipping and Streaking!

By reconditioning hardening rubber blades. 303 Wiper Treatment restores lost flexibility and performance. 303 Wiper Treatment Keeps Wiper Blades Working Like New.

~ See Better - Drive Safer with 303 Wiper Treatment ~

Each 303 Wiper Treatment packet contains a sponge applicator. Wipe on, wait a minute and wipe dry. Nothing could be easier. Each packet will treat 2-3 wiper blades. Reapply as necessary, usually every 3-5 weeks.

And In Winter ... SNOW AND ICE WILL NOT STICK TO TREATED BLADES! And wiper blades conditioned with 303 Wiper Treatment will not freeze to the windshield overnight.

A winter must. Each packet treats 2-3 blades.

Box of six packets.
 
Rsurfer said:
303 Windshield Wiper Treatment
Reconditions hardening rubber windshield wiper blades 303 Wiper Treatment Stops Annoying Chattering, Skipping and Streaking!
Click to expand...

Where can I find this? Doesn't look like AG sells it...
 
Radarryan said:
Where can I find this? Doesn't look like AG sells it...
Click to expand...

Pretty sure I read somewhere it was just an applicator soaked in regular 303 and sold as a kit. No difference between the actual product and the wiper kit. If there was any difference, it was the dilution of the product.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online
 
Mach1USMC said:
I seal/wax my windshield specifically so I don't have to use wipers!!
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Best tip so far.

But @OP, I always wipe the blades down with the Mitt I use for washing the car.

Funny thing is despite not using them as often, I always find some black residue coming off during my weekly wash.
 
POWERMAN_ said:
But @OP, I always wipe the blades down with the Mitt I use for washing the car.

Funny thing is despite not using them as often, I always find some black residue coming off during my weekly wash.
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Same here - I still wipe them down but I only use them maybe twice a month or so.
 
I really am not trying to be rude, I find it funny that a guy with such a nice Porsche and babies it so much is having a hard time spending money on new wipers but will go buy a chemical product to put on them. wiper blades are a consumable item on a car. Just like oil. I said earlier wipe them a few good times and if they are not gator skinned and still push water, KEEP ,, if not,, change them. I can bet you will pull black at least 8 times or more. My cars have no garage, I wipe the blades once in a while. If they start talking to me (thub thub thub or cant move the water,,, well redundant redundant :) )
 
mfrickman said:
Pretty sure I read somewhere it was just an applicator soaked in regular 303 and sold as a kit. No difference between the actual product and the wiper kit. If there was any difference, it was the dilution of the product.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using AG Online
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I remember as well
 
beamerstrumpet said:
I really am not trying to be rude, I find it funny that a guy with such a nice Porsche and babies it so much is having a hard time spending money on new wipers but will go buy a chemical product to put on them. wiper blades are a consumable item on a car. Just like oil. I said earlier wipe them a few good times and if they are not gator skinned and still push water, KEEP ,, if not,, change them. I can bet you will pull black at least 8 times or more. My cars have no garage, I wipe the blades once in a while. If they start talking to me (thub thub thub or cant move the water,,, well redundant redundant :) )
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I understand how the original post sounded, but let me assure you this is not the case. The wipers have never been used by me. The car had 7 miles on it when it look delivery, so even if it was used at the factory in Germany, it couldn't have been used too much. Thus the wipers are new. When I tested them I was just surprised by the amount of silicone, grease, or whatever that came off, despite never being used by me, always being garaged kept, etc. I did not know if this was necessarily normal, thus the basis for my original post. Just wanted to get people that have experience with show cars and detailing/preparing cars for a living advice.

On my Rover I always change the wipers when I feel they need it, especially when I lived in New Orleans and it rained everyday in the summer and fall. I don't recall if I ever wiped them down like I did on the Porsche, but I found some posts that recommended doing it to ensure that the window stays clean longer. I have no problem paying $30 each for some good wipers, because it comes down to the better ones lasting longer, not streaking, and providing better safety for the driver (aka, me).

In my opinion, everything on your car should be protected, whether it's paint, wheels, leather, or, in this case, windshield wipers. I did not take your post the wrong way, I just wanted to clarify and provide more information regarding the wipers. If I felt that they were not living up to snuff, I would replace it; however, in the meantime, I want to protect them to get the longest life out of them as possible.

Happy detailing!
 
LOLOL No Worries, thanks for the clairification, It makes more sence now :)
What have you ended up using?
 
I think to keep in mind is that rubber will degrade over time. Even though I rarely use my wipers, during weekly washes when I wipe the wipers off I get at least some black residue even if I haven't used them that week. I would suggest making sure you wipe them down weekly- you should notice significantly less residue coming off. I still say either RainX or wax/seal your windows. Saves wear and tear on your wipers and greatly increases visibility.
 
beamerstrumpet said:
LOLOL No Worries, thanks for the clairification, It makes more sence now :)
What have you ended up using?
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I haven't done anything yet but wipe them down with a strong IPA solution. I was thinking about using PERL since, at least what I've read, it has rendered 303 obsolete in the eyes of many enthusiasts. I don't have PERL or 303, so at least one, if not both will be in my next order. Do you have a suggestion on a product?
 
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