4 Easy Steps to Restore Accurate Readings

Spring is here! You’re probably spotting daffodils and dusting off outdoor gear—but don’t forget about your weather station.

A quick spring clean can make a big difference in how accurately your system tracks local weather.

These cleaning tips for personal weather stations should apply to any of the excellent weather station choices available today.

I would like to give you some ideas that will work with your goal of always getting the most and the best from your personal home weather station.

Maintenance is a necessary thing that will help you maintain the best from your weather instruments.

Since you invested the money, I thought if you are like me, you want to get the best return on the money you spent purchasing that particular weather station for your home.

Whether you own a Tempest, or an Ambient, or a Davis Instruments scientific weather station this article will apply to you. 

Whether you own the AcuRite Atlas® or AcuRite Iris™ (5-in-1), these steps will help you clear out the grime, fix common issues, and keep your readings spot-on.

I designed this post to specifically be used if you own either an AcuRite Atlas or an AcuRite Iris 5-in-1 weather station.

1. Clean the Rain Gauge for Better Rainfall Readings

If your station shows 0.00 inches after a rainy day, there’s a good chance the rain gauge is clogged.

For AcuRite Atlas:

• Remove the batteries.
• Detach the black rain bucket from the sensor.
• Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to clear out debris and cobwebs.
• Wipe the tipping cups with a damp cloth.
• Rub on a little car wax—this helps water flow through smoothly.
• Reassemble and reinstall the batteries.

For AcuRite Iris:

• Remove the four outer screws on the bottom.
• Brush out insects, webs, and dirt.
• Clean the tipping cups and apply car wax.
• Put the screws back in place.

Pro Tip: Tape a mothball near the tipping cups to keep bugs out.

And always remove the batteries before cleaning—this prevents false readings from being sent to your app or display.

2. Check the Wind Cups and Wind Vane

Wind speed and direction rely on smooth, free-spinning parts.

• Use a damp rag to wipe down the cups and vane.
• Check for stuck-on dirt, ice, or damage.
• If needed, replace worn or cracked wind cups or vanes—AcuRite sells them individually.
• Consider upgrades like a wind extension or lightning sensor if you're already doing maintenance.

Pro Tip: Mount your sensor at least 5 feet above ground with no nearby obstructions.

Higher is better (the National Weather Service recommends 33 feet!), but any improvement helps.

3. Wipe Down the Solar Panels

Dirty solar panels reduce the power going to your internal fan, which can distort temperature and humidity data.

• Use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft cloth to gently clean them.
• Make sure they’re facing due south (Northern Hemisphere) or due north (Southern Hemisphere).

Pro Tip: Clean panels mean more consistent airflow inside the sensor—less chance of false heat spikes from sunlight buildup.

4. Make It a Habit: Maintain Year-Round

Set a reminder to clean your weather station at least twice a year. Spring and fall are ideal times.

• Wipe the whole unit with warm, soapy water.
• Check battery contacts and swap in fresh batteries.
• Use lithium batteries if winter temps drop below -4°F (-20°C), or alkaline for milder climates.

Pro Tip: Clean the battery compartment before installing new batteries, and recycle old ones according to local guidelines.

Bonus Tip: Use a Radiation Shield for Temperature Sensors

If your station's temperature or humidity readings seem unusually high, the sensor might be getting too much sun. A radiation shield fixes that.

• It blocks direct sunlight but lets air circulate—ideal for accurate readings.
• Great for both standard temp/humidity sensors and AcuRite lightning sensors, which measure temp too.
• Just remember to clean the shield occasionally—it’s a popular hideout for bugs.