To clean car door rubbers, wipe a damp rag soaked in soapy water over your rubber doorjambs to clean. After they dry, dress them with a protectant to maintain their condition.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Car Door Rubbers
Cleaning the rubber seals around your car doors, often found on the doorjambs, is an essential maintenance task. These rubber strips protect your car's interior from water, wind, and noise. Keeping them clean and conditioned helps prevent drying, cracking, and deterioration, ensuring they continue to seal effectively.
What You'll Need
- Two clean, soft rags or microfiber cloths
- Bucket or spray bottle
- Mild soap (like car wash soap or gentle dish soap)
- Water
- Rubber protectant/conditioner (designed for automotive rubber)
The Cleaning Process
Follow these simple steps to effectively clean your car door rubbers:
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of mild soap. Alternatively, you can mix the solution in a spray bottle.
- Wipe Clean: Wipe a damp rag soaked in soapy water over your rubber doorjambs to clean. Ensure the rag is damp, not dripping wet, to avoid excess water runoff. Gently wipe along the entire length of the rubber seals, paying attention to any visible dirt or grime.
- Rinse (Optional but Recommended): Use a second clean rag, dampened with plain water, to wipe away any soap residue from the rubber seals. This ensures no soap is left behind, which could potentially dry out the rubber over time.
- Dry Thoroughly: Allow the rubber seals to air dry completely. You can also use a clean, dry rag to carefully pat them dry, ensuring no moisture is left trapped.
- Apply Protectant: Once the rubber seals are dry, it's time to condition them. Dress them with a protectant after they dry to keep them at their best. Apply a small amount of automotive rubber protectant onto a clean rag or applicator pad and wipe it onto the rubber seals. This step helps moisturize the rubber, restore its elasticity, and protect it from UV rays and environmental elements.
Why Protectant is Important
Applying a protectant after cleaning is crucial for the longevity of your car's door rubbers. Cleaning removes dirt and grime, but the protectant nourishes the rubber, preventing it from becoming brittle and cracking. This maintains its flexibility and sealing capability, which is vital for keeping your car's interior dry and quiet. Regular cleaning and conditioning can significantly extend the life of these seals.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clean | Wipe with a damp rag soaked in soapy water. | Remove dirt and grime. |
| 2. Dry | Allow to air dry or pat dry with a clean rag. | Remove moisture before conditioning. |
| 3. Protect | Dress with an automotive rubber protectant. | Condition, restore, and protect the rubber. |
Keeping your car door rubbers clean and conditioned is a small task that yields big benefits for your vehicle's comfort and protection.
