Recipe for Washer Fluid?

Hello all,

Does anyone have a clever home recipe for washer fluid that doesn’t include dish soap, chlorine, or ammonia?

No dish soap because it says in the manual not to use soapy water. And no chlorine or ammonia (i.e. bleach or Windex) because those chemicals embrittle the plastic tuning.

If/when you reply, please state whether or not you’ve actually used the recipe, and if it’s effective.

Thanks,

Spalding

 

https://www.dealerautoglass.net/aut...allon of soft,solution won't freeze overnight.

Vinegar with Distilled Water
While the smell of vinegar can be unpleasant in warmer climates, it’s a very effective and popular alternative to chemical glass cleaner. In fact, it can also be used to remove hard water spots from your windshield.

On the other hand, you might choose to use two additional cups of vinegar to prevent freezing in colder climates. Our specific recommendation is to use white vinegar with distilled water, in the proportions mentioned in the how-to section.

How to Make Vinegar Windshield Washer Fluid
Combine ¾ gallon of soft, distilled water with four cups of white vinegar in a two-gallon container. Shake vigorously until well mixed, and then test on a portion of your windshield. As mentioned previously, you may choose to experiment with additional vinegar to confirm that your solution won’t freeze overnight.

Rubbing Alcohol to Prevent Freezing
Isopropyl alcohol is very effective in keeping your homemade windshield washer fluid from freezing. It can also be used to defrost your windshield in a pinch.

The type of rubbing alcohol you use will vary depending on the temperature. Generally, 99% rubbing alcohol is ideal for very cold environments, while 70% rubbing alcohol is perfectly fine for just under freezing temperatures.

How to Add Rubbing Alcohol to Homemade Windshield Washer Fluid
After mixing one of the recommended homemade solutions, add a cup of your appropriate choice of rubbing alcohol. Pour a test amount into a closed container and leave it out overnight to test its ability to prevent freezing. If it’s too cold, either add an additional cup of rubbing alcohol or switch to the 99% variety.

How to Make Homemade Windshield Washer Fluid Safely
Keeping your windshields clean is an important part in road safety and even things like preventing windshield fog. In terms of personal health, it’s important to mix your solution in a well-ventilated area. As part of choosing the appropriate container for the job, also label each of your solutions clearly, as we are dealing with toxic components.

To protect your vehicle’s windshield washer system, we also recommend using distilled water over conventional tap water. Using the freezing preventative measures is important, as well as draining any remaining fluid in your vehicle’s reservoir before adding your homemade solution. Another useful tip is that you can add blue food colorant to your mixtures to help your vehicle’s sensors determine fluid levels.

 

Okay, I have to ask. Why?

A gallon of the Rain-X stuff is less than four bucks at Wally world.

 

Plus, vinegar freezes at 28F, so it’s not a good cold-weather option without the alcohol.

 

I use Nexzett Kristall Klar and mix it with distilled water.

 

I think @Captain Spalding is upto some nogood

Side note:
Reminds me of my recent research for homemade laundry detergent

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

You think I’m made of money or something?

This may be the solution I’m looking for. It works out to 86¢ per gallon.

Now what would make you think a thing like that? (When I was a kid we would turn our windshield washer nozzles sideways and spray people at the bus stop. >;^P

 

Not if you use distilled water to mix it, distilled water is over $1 a gallon alone.

That being said that product is formulated to mix with tap water according to their website.


"Formulated to mix with regular tap water, Kristall Klar contains water softeners that prevent hard water mineral build-up which can cause spray jets to clog and cause stress and corrosion on the windshield washer pump"

 

Keep in mind I’m in SoCal so there’s no real concern of freezing.

 

Water from the dehumidifier will do. The cost of electricity probably negates much of the savings, but I'm running it anyway.

 

Sometimes $3/gal DIY windshield washer fluid made from a home dehumidifier is more fun than a $2/gal jug from wallyworld.

 

My wife and I park outdoors near some messy trees. The windshield washers get used daily and we go through the stuff.


@Borracho Loco have you used that vinegar recipe? Is it effective?

 

And here I thought you were setting up a clandestine wiper juice empire, mixing batches in a trailer in the desert. The drips of tree sap are annoying, but I need a more robust solution since the trees also drop big acorns from 80 feet. Hence the 4R gets the garage and our Outbacks are banished to the driveway.

 

Only distilled water goes in my vehicles.

 

Ahhh getting liquid from 'daStill....good plan. Just don't over do it.

 

[Pssst! Hey kid …the first gallon is free …]

 

Fun fact, Walter White created the first blue washer fluid!

 

I use deer urine in mine.

Not the best at cleaning the windshield but it does help to deter rodents.

 

Nope. I Googled your question and found the answer that I posted.

I'm made of money, so I buy the fancy stuff from my local O'Reilly's whenever I need some.

 

High roller.

 

We’ve got nationwide store bought, WallyWorld, rainwater/dehumidifier/self collection, animal piss, Krystal vinegar isopropyl pure water formulas
I’ve heard of booze ran inside through the wiper system
But this thread is becoming rather suspect…
AKA
NEXT MOD

 

@Captain Spalding after mixing up a batch of wiper fluid for the kids...

 

$2.66 / gallon at Walmart here. Plus I get a free gallon jug for used oil with every gallon I purchase.