wipers bonded to windscreen

Author
Discussion

lornemalvo

Original Poster:

2,291 posts

73 months

Friday 26th August 2022
quotequote all
I have an old car that has been sitting for a long time (a really long time). The wipers appear to have bonded to the windscreen. They came away easy enough but have left a residue I can't yet shift. I've tried soaking it in heavy duty degreaser, then tried UPVC cleaner. No good. Anyone have any ideas please?

InitialDave

12,163 posts

124 months

Friday 26th August 2022
quotequote all
Could you provide a picture?

Does it appear to be all the detritus that was on the wipers, or the rubber of the wiper itself has stuck to the glass?

What I would probably try is careful use of a razor or Stanley knife blade to scrape it off, then some kind of solvent to clean up the remaining bits.

Once you've got it off, for any remaining stains/etching on the glass, I've found Glaco glass compound to be good.

Cylon2007

542 posts

83 months

Friday 26th August 2022
quotequote all
Carefully scrape off the remains using warm soapy water and a razor blade / stanley knife blade laid nearly flat to the screen.

mike9009

7,427 posts

248 months

Friday 26th August 2022
quotequote all
If it is the wipers bonded, then the above method with a hairdryer as well might help.

lornemalvo

Original Poster:

2,291 posts

73 months

Friday 26th August 2022
quotequote all
Thanks all, some decent ideas there

tapkaJohnD

1,983 posts

209 months

Saturday 27th August 2022
quotequote all
There are many products designed to help remove the sticky goo under labels.
Perhaps that might help?

Fine wire wool, used gently may help, but you may be worried about scratching the windscreen. "Flash Magic Eraser" is a sponge that must contain a very mild abrasive that is excellent for removing baked on food residue from casseroles, and does not scratch the glaze. The glaze on a ceramic bowl must be similar to glass, so it should work on a windscreen without scratching it.

John

a8hex

5,830 posts

228 months

Saturday 27th August 2022
quotequote all
Have you tried white spirit?
You probably don't want to get it on the paint work.
Years back I'd got some sticky rubbery residue on something, can't remember what, and I'd tried loads of things most of which just seemed to make it worse. My late father had been an industrial chemist and I ended up asking him as he could usually suggest the right solvent to shift things. Worked a treat just wiped the muck off as easy any anything. You'll then want some normal detergent to clean off the residue of the white spirit.

lornemalvo

Original Poster:

2,291 posts

73 months

Saturday 27th August 2022
quotequote all
a8hex said:
Have you tried white spirit?
You probably don't want to get it on the paint work.
Years back I'd got some sticky rubbery residue on something, can't remember what, and I'd tried loads of things most of which just seemed to make it worse. My late father had been an industrial chemist and I ended up asking him as he could usually suggest the right solvent to shift things. Worked a treat just wiped the muck off as easy any anything. You'll then want some normal detergent to clean off the residue of the white spirit.
Thanks, I'll try it. Not too concerned about the paintwork at this stage