How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows (With Pictures)

If you’re like most people, then you probably dread cleaning the rubber around your car windows. It’s a tedious and time-consuming task that many of us put off for as long as possible. But did you know that it only takes five minutes to clean rubber around car windows?

In this blog post, we will show you how to remove mold/mildew and oxidation from the rubber around car windows using household items.

Key Takeaway

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows

  • Mix 33oz water with five drops of dish soap.
  • Use baby wipes to remove any large debris from the rubber first.
  • Spray the mixture onto the rubber and let it sit for a minute.
  • Use a toothbrush to agitate the cleaning solution.
  • Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe away the rubber.

What is Rubber Around Car Windows Used For?

The rubber around car windows is used as a sealant to keep the weather and elements out of the car. It is also used as a buffer between the glass and the metal frame of the window to create an insulating layer. This helps to keep the inside of the car at a comfortable temperature and prevents noise from outside from entering. Finally, it also serves as a protector for the glass in case of an accident.

Without the rubber sealant, water and debris could easily enter into the car, potentially causing damage or even making it difficult to see while driving. By properly maintaining the rubber sealant around your car windows, you can ensure that your ride stays safe and comfortable no matter what conditions you face. Make sure to replace any damaged sealant as soon as possible to keep your car in top condition.

The rubber around car windows oxidizes and catches mold because it is constantly exposed to the sun, rain, wind, and other elements. The combination of heat and moisture creates an ideal environment for the growth of mold. In addition, the rubber is often not treated with a protective coating that would prevent it from deteriorating. Over time, this can cause the rubber to crack and peel away from the window frame.

You can also buy weather stripping for your car, which is a type of rubber sealant that goes around the entire doorframe to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. This is a great option if you live in an area that sees a lot of bad weather or experiences harsh temperatures year-round. Keep your car safe and comfortable with proper maintenance and by using the right products!

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows (With Pictures)

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows

The rubber around car windows is constantly exposed to the outdoor environment and it can be susceptible to mold and oxidation. The most common place for mold and oxidation to form is on the edge of the window where it meets the rubber seal. If not cleaned and treated, this can cause the rubber seal to deteriorate over time, which can lead to water leakage.

Here is how to clean the rubber around car windows:

1. Gather the required materials

  • Toothbrush
  • Bucket
  • Dish soap
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber towel
  • Baby wipes

2. Mix the soap with warm water

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows

In a bucket, mix the soap with warm water, and then fill the spray bottle with the mixture. If you are going to clean all the rubber around the windows, you are probably going to need around 33oz of water and about five drops of dish soap.

Water and dish soap mix is great for cleaning rubber. The water helps to loosen the dirt, while the soap helps to lift the dirt away from the surface of the rubber. This combination is also gentle enough to not damage the surface of the rubber.

3. Wipe away any large debris

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows

Before you get started, make sure to wipe away any dirt, grime, and debris that can be found on the rubber. The most common debris found on the rubber around car windows are leaves, stickers, and bugs. The dirt around car windows is usually made up of tiny pieces of gravel and sand. These can become embedded in the rubber and cause it to wear down over time.

Later on, we are going to use a toothbrush, so we don’t want any dirt to scratch the rubber. You can use a baby wipe to clean the dirt.

One of the best things about baby wipes is that they are great for cleaning rubber. This is because they are able to remove dirt and debris without leaving any residue behind. In addition, baby wipes are also non-toxic, so you can rest assured that they won’t damage the rubber trim.

4. Spray the mixture on the rubber around the windows

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows

Next, you will need to spray the water/dish soap mixture on the rubber. Let it soak in for about two minutes before moving on to the next step. The beauty of the water/soap mixture is that you are not using any heavy chemicals and you don’t have to worry if you get spray on the windows or on the car paint. Just make sure that all of the rubber is soaked in the mixture.

5. Use a toothbrush to agitate the cleaning solution

How To Clean Rubber Around Car Windows

Once the cleaning mixture has been sprayed and left for two minutes, it is time to use a toothbrush to agitate the cleaning solution. Agitate the cleaning solution using a toothbrush to help remove dirt and grime from the surface of the item being cleaned.

If you’re looking to clean the rubber around your car windows, it’s important that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can cause scratches and marks on the rubber, which can be difficult to remove. A soft-bristled toothbrush is the best option for cleaning rubber around car windows without causing any damage.

The agitation caused by the toothbrush will help loosen any dirt or grime that is stuck on the surface of the item. Continue agitation until all dirt and grime have been removed. This is a step where all of the mold/mildew and oxidation need to be removed from the rubber trim. Depending on how bad the rubber around the car windows has been affected, you might need to re-do this step a couple of times.

6. Dry off the rubber trim

Make sure to wipe away any leftover cleaning solution using a clean microfiber towel. The key here is to dry off the rubber trim as much as you can.

Leaving rubber wet can warp and damage it, which is why you should always dry it off before putting it away. In the worst-case scenario, water can get into the tiny cracks in the rubber and cause it to rot from the inside out.

7. Final product

This is what a clean rubber around car windows should look like. The rubber should be free of dirt, dust, and other debris. There should be no gaps or spaces between the rubber and the window and the rubber should be stretched around the window evenly. If yours is not as shown in the photo, you can go back to steps 4,5, and 6 until you get the desired outcome. Also, this is a great time to actually inspect the condition of the rubber around car windows and see if they need replacing.

How Do You Restore Rubber Around Car Windows?

Your car windows are an important part of your vehicle. Not only do they allow you to see out, but they also keep the wind and rain out. Over time, the rubber around the windows can start to wear down and become brittle. This can cause water to leak into the car and make it difficult to see out of the windows. Here is how you can restore the rubber around your car windows in 8 easy steps!

1. Gather the necessary supplies

In order to restore the rubber around your car windows, you will need a few supplies. You will need a bucket, dish soap, a sponge, a scrub brush, window cleaner, and car wax.

2. Mix water and dish soap

Fill the bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Mix together until the suds form.

3. Soak the sponge

Soak the sponge in soapy water and wring out excess liquid. Use the sponge to clean the rubber around the window. Be sure to scrub away any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the rubber.

4. Scrub any tough stains

Dip the scrub brush into the soapy water and use it to scrub away any tough stains or marks on the rubber.

5. Rinse the sponge

Rinse the sponge and scrub the brush off in the bucket of clean water.

6. Wipe the rubber with a window cleaner

Using a window cleaner, wipe down the rubber around the windows. Be sure to remove any streaks or dirt that may have been left behind.

7. Apply car wax

Using car waxOpens in a new tab., apply a thin layer all over the rubber around the windows. Let it dry completely.

8. Remove excess wax

Buff away any excess wax with a soft cloth.

Igor Iwanowski

I am a certified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) mechanic since 2018. I specialize in Brake systems, dashboard warning lights, EGRs, general engine problems, EVAP and Emissions issues.

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