Can toothpaste be used to clean wipers that don't wipe cleanly?
4 Answers
Toothpaste can be used to clean wipers that don't wipe cleanly. Toothpaste can polish the wipers, thereby removing the aged parts. Wipers are wear-prone components made of rubber. Rubber products will age after prolonged use. There's no specified replacement time for wipers - they should be replaced whenever they fail to clean properly or produce abnormal noises during operation. Cleaning wipers with toothpaste can improve their cleaning performance. In daily use, avoid parking the car in direct sunlight as this accelerates the aging of rubber and plastic components on the vehicle.
I've been driving for ten years and have encountered situations where the wipers don't clean properly. I've tried using toothpaste to clean them, as it can temporarily remove oil stains or oily films on the rubber blades, thanks to the mild abrasives in toothpaste that slightly polish the surface. However, this isn't a long-term solution. Toothpaste can corrode the rubber blades, accelerating aging and making the problem worse. The main reasons wipers don't clean well are usually blade wear, dirty glass, or weather conditions, such as the rubber hardening in hot weather. A better approach is to first clean the windshield with a dedicated cleaner or soapy water; if that doesn't work, replace the wipers promptly. Regular maintenance is crucial—I check my wipers monthly to avoid safety issues during rainy drives. Spending a little money on new wipers is much more reliable than relying on temporary fixes.
As a car enthusiast, I often deal with wiper issues. The toothpaste cleaning method has been recommended online for emergency treatment of minor oil stains, but I really don't recommend long-term use because modern wiper rubber materials may be damaged by toothpaste. Poor wiper performance mainly comes from rubber aging cracks or dust accumulation on the glass, which happens more easily in dusty urban environments. Instead of using toothpaste, try wiper rejuvenation fluid or directly replace the rubber strips; moreover, keeping the glass clean is crucial - I'm used to regularly wiping with vinegar water. Safe driving should never be taken lightly, as wiper problems directly affect visibility, especially at night or on highways. Always address issues promptly - don't wait until it's too late to regret.
Using toothpaste to clean windshield wipers can help a bit, such as removing surface dirt, but it only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause, and may accelerate rubber blade wear. The fundamental reasons for poor wiper performance are hardened rubber blades or oily residue on the windshield. Cleaning the glass directly is more effective—soapy water or regular detergent will do; if that doesn’t work, simply replace the wipers to save time and effort. Park in the shade to prolong wiper lifespan. Ensuring safety is more important than relying on quick fixes.
