How to Store and Clean Squeegees: Pro Tips to Extend Tool Life
If you work with vinyl, car wraps, signs, or window film, you know a good squeegee is very important. These simple yet powerful tools are essential for clean, bubble-free results. But even the best squeegee can become a liability if not properly cared for. Dust buildup, hardened adhesive, or warped edges can turn your go-to tool into a risk for scratches and flawed installs.
At Lidco, we believe that great tools deserve great care. In this guide, we will show you the best ways to clean and store your squeegees. This will help them give you great results every day.
Why Squeegee Care Matters
Squeegees may seem like low-maintenance tools, but they’re constantly exposed to pressure-sensitive adhesives, solvents, oils, and debris. Over time, these residues can:
Damage delicate vinyl or tint films
Cause streaks or lines in installations
Reduce tool performance and adhesive activation
Shorten the lifespan of the tool
Just like a surgeon wouldn’t operate with a dirty scalpel, an installer shouldn’t work with a contaminated squeegee. Clean tools equal clean results.
Daily Cleaning Routine: Quick & Effective
If you see streaks, drag, or rough spots while applying, it might be time for a deeper clean. This is especially true for tools used with adhesives or wet installs.
What You’ll Need:
Mild soap or dish detergent
Warm water
Soft-bristle brush or sponge
Lint-free towel or microfiber cloth
Steps:
Rinse the squeegee under warm water to remove loose dirt and adhesive.
Apply mild soap and gently scrub all surfaces, especially the edge and corners.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any soapy residue.
Pat dry with a microfiber cloth or air dry on a clean surface.
Deep Cleaning: When Residue Builds Up
If you notice streaks, drag, or rough patches during application, it may be time for a deeper clean—especially for tools used with adhesives or wet installs.
Additional Tools & Cleaning Agents:
Isopropyl alcohol (70–90%)
Plastic scraper
Non-abrasive scouring pad
Adhesive remover
Method:
Soak the squeegee in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes to loosen hardened residue.
Use a plastic scraper to remove chunks of glue or film.
Apply isopropyl alcohol to a cloth and wipe down the tool. Alcohol removes grease without damaging plastic or polyethylene materials.
If adhesive persists, apply a vinyl-safe adhesive remover sparingly, then wash again with soap and water.
If squeegee / applicator edges are damaged, nicked, pitted or rough, it may be necessary to replace the squeegee. Better safe than sorry when installing a pristine graphic.
Squeegee Care Tips
Lidco Poly Series
These premium tools are known for their firmness and resistance to chemical breakdown, but they still need TLC.
Daily: Gently brush off debris after each use. Check edges for nicks and roughness.
Avoid extreme heat: Keep away from hot dashboards or heaters.
Don’t soak in solvents: Prolonged exposure can harden or warp the material.
Store flat or upright: Warping can occur if stored under uneven weight.
Lidco Nylon Squeegees
Nylon squeegees have a harder durometer than Poly Series squeegees but need the same care and attention.
Don’t soak in solvents: Prolonged exposure can harden or warp the material.
Clean daily: Using soap and water or a white vinegar and water solution.
Check edges daily: Nicks and rough spots will introduce imperfections in installations. Sharpen squeegee edges if needed to remove nicks.
Lidco Felt-Edge Wrapped Squeegees
These are ideal for sensitive graphics and PPF installations, but the felt can trap dirt and glue.
Daily: Gently brush off debris after each use. Check edges for nicks and roughness.
As needed: Spot clean felt with minimal alcohol or soapy water.
Felt maintenance: If felt becomes too matted, replace the squeegee. Otherwise, spot clean by dabbing rather than soaking if possible.
Pro Tip: Avoid saturating the felt—gently dab with alcohol. If felt is saturated with soapy water or alcohol, rinse well and allow to dry thoroughly.
Lidco Removal Tools
Big Blade and Chizzler Removal Tools see a lot of hard use for most installers. These tools are designed to take a beating but also benefit from care and maintenance.
Follow directions for Big Blade tools: The blue and white Big Blade Removal Tools resist chemicals. You can clean them regularly with solvents or alcohol.
Follow directions for Chizzler: Polycarbonate tools like the Chizzler should be cleaned with hot soapy water. Avoid chemical cleaners, they can damage the material.
Don’t soak Big Blade tools in solvents: Prolonged exposure can harden or warp the material. It’s best to spot clean with a cloth and cleaning tools.
Proper Storage: Protecting Performance
Just as important as cleaning is how you store your squeegees between uses. Poor storage can lead to bent edges, warped blades, or contamination—all of which compromise performance.
Do:
Store in a clean, dry area
Keep flat or vertical to protect edges
Use compartmentalized toolboxes or bins
Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
Don’t:
Toss squeegees, applicators and removal tools into a tool bag with sharp tools
Leave them on adhesive-covered surfaces
Store felt-edge squeegees wet—moisture breeds mold and can damage felt
Signs It’s Time to Replace a Squeegee
Even with the best care, squeegees won’t last forever. Watch for these signs:
Nicked and rough edges
Rounded off corners that should be square
Permanent adhesive buildup
Loss of flexibility or hardening
Damaged, matted or peeling felt
Most professionals replace their main squeegees every 3–6 months, depending on use.
Clean Tools, Clean Installs
Caring for your squeegees doesn’t take much time, but the benefits are huge. Clean, properly stored tools last longer, perform better, and help you maintain the high-quality results your customers expect.
No matter which tool you use, it's important to clean and store them properly. This includes the Lidco Rounded Corner Poly Series, a felt-wrapped squeegee, a Chizzler, or a Big Blade Removal Tool. Taking a few minutes to do this will protect your tools. It will also improve your work.
Looking for Replacement Tools or Accessories?
Contact your favorite squeegee and application tool distributor and ask for Lidco by name. You can reference products on our website if your dealer isn’t currently carrying Lidco products.
Are you looking for wholesale squeegees and tool?
You’ve come to the right place if you need MOQs in the range of 500 or more pieces. Lidco offers wholesale pricing and excellent price breaks at larger quantities for all our products. Contact us today for more information!
The Lidco Difference
Lidco squeegees, applicators and removal tools are made in the USA with only the best materials and processes. A large inventory and domestic production mean customers receive orders on time with only top-quality, reliable, products.