We often overlook the need of cleaning the car window rubber trims, even when we are doing a thorough cleaning of the car.
Though it doesn’t seem important, cleaning the rubber trim around your car window can save you a lot of bucks in the future.
Cleaning rubber trims is an easy process. If you don’t know how to clean rubber trim around car windows, check out this guide.
Should be enough to teach you how to do it in the right manner.
Necessary Supplies for Cleaning Rubber Trim
Needed supplies for cleaning rubber trim are as follows:
- Automotive Shampoo or Soap
- A Soft Bristle Brush
- Cloth or Microfiber Towel
- Rubber Trim Protectant
In case you don’t have automotive shampoo or soap, there is a DIY alternative for that. Mixing baking soda with dishwasher soap should work.
Do not use hard brushes, they might scratch the trim. You can use a used toothbrush if you don’t have a soft bristle brush.
Rubber Trims Around Windows Cleaning Process
As we mentioned before, cleaning rubber trims is super easy. Unless the trims get muddy or grime build-up, wipe cleaning with the right cleaner should be enough.
The process we are about to show consists of 5 very simple steps, let’s get started!
Step 1 – Clean the Trims
Roll down all the windows of your vehicle and then with the microfiber cloth clean the trims. Just wiping the trims with a microfiber cloth should be enough to get rid of dust. It is mandatory to get rid of dust before applying the automotive shampoo or any other cleaning solutions.
Step 2 – Apply the Shampoo
Now apply the automotive shampoo or any other cleaning solution you brought to clean the window trims. It is okay if you have made a solution with dishwasher soap and baking soda, just apply that.
Be careful when applying, you want to use the needed amount of cleaning shampoo. A few drops should be enough for a single trim.
Apply the cleaning solution to every window trim, and then let it sit for a while.
Step 3 – Scrub with the Brush
After a few minutes of applying the shampoo or other cleaner, take the brush and start brushing the trim. As mentioned before, the brush needs to be soft, hard brush will scratch the trim.
Step 4 – Rinse
Once you are done scrubbing, wipe off the cleaning solution with the microfiber cloth and rinse it thoroughly. Then check if the trim is cleaned properly, if not, repeat the process again.
Step 5 – Apply Trim Protectant
If you see the trim is cleaned, then let it dry! In the meantime, check onto the interior trims, they are less likely to get dirty. So just a quick wipe should be enough.
Once the exterior trims dry properly you can apply the trim protectant.
Importance of Cleaning Rubber Trims Regularly
- It improves the functioning of rubber trims, hence the windows remain clean.
- A cleaned rubber trim can prevent moisture, insect, dust to get inside the door through the window.
- Well-maintained rubber trims will last longer.
What’s the Purpose of Rubber Trims around Car Windows
It is hard to find a thing in vehicles that don’t serve any purpose. Doesn’t matter how tiny or insignificant it looks, it surely comes with a purpose.
Rubber trims are meant to keep the window clean and seal the windowpane.
Vehicles are always into the dirt, insects, moisture, etc. You must have noticed that there is a gap around the window which the rubber trim seals, right? Without the rubber trim, dirt, moisture, insects, etc., would have gone inside and slowly cause corrosion.
And the worst part is, you won’t even know until you open and check inside the door.
You also know that these rubber trims keep the window a little squeezed, and that is because when the window rolls down, the trim can remove dust, dirt, or anything.
Though rubber is a long-lasting material, rubber car trims wear out and get hard sooner than expected.
When trim gets hard, it loses the ability to seal and clean the windows. One major reason behind rubber trim’s short lifespan is the UV-ray.
How Often Should You Clean the Rubber Trim?
Well, there isn’t a rule or time frame for that. You should clean the rubber trims whenever you feel the need. Check the exterior trims around the window, and if you see they are dusty or fading, then it is time for a thorough cleaning.
FAQ
Anything that reaches its threshold point starts breaking off. So, if you see your car window rubber trim has become flaky and breaking off, it’s better if you do replacement rather than restoration.
Yes! You can. But automobile shampoo is made for a purpose, and it stays longer on the surface, helping to wipe off the dirt easily. Regular shampoo can be a substitute but don’t expect the same result as an automobile one.
Rubber trims are essential for keeping your car clean and safe from contaminants. It keeps dirt out of your car and keeps the interior temperature sturdy.
Conclusion
Hope this guide was enough to help you learn how to clean rubber trims around car windows. Car trims are very important, even though they don’t seem like it; so make sure to keep them maintained from time to time.
The trim cleaning process is a breeze and shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. You just make sure to use the right cleaner, and it will be done!
