Homemade Windshield Washer Fluid Save Money Windshield Washer Solution Isopropy Alcohol
In this time of austerity measures, many people are looking to save money wherever they can. One of those ways is by making through making windshield washing fluid. Not only is it a cheaper alternative to standard products bought at the hardware store, but it helps the environment too.
Homemade windshield washer fluid can be made from several ingredients other than the standard water and methanol mix found in most washer fluids on the store shelves. While methanol can be purchased at industrial supply stores, water and methanol aren't the only ingredients to make an eco-friendly product.
The base is mostly water. Distilled water is better than tap water as it is free of impurities and won't leave mineral deposits in the washer reservoir. Ammonia or rubbing alcohol mixed with the water will help prevent freezing and damage to the reservoir if all it contains during the cold winter months is water. Alcohol along with a small amount of dish detergent with water is easy to make and cheap, but it's necessary to test the mixture first under cold climate conditions.
Vinegar is another ingredient that helps prevent the windshield from frost and leave it streak-free after every spray. It can be incorporated into the windshield washer solution or used directly on the windshield. A solution of 3 parts distilled white vinegar to 1 part water applied directly to the windshield will prevent frost and make it easy to drive without having to wait for defrosting to occur.
The climate is an important consideration that determines just what needs to be put into the washer reservoir. For the summer months, homemade solution is as simple as:
- using 25% Windex cleaner with 75% of water and a teaspoon of dishwasher liquid
- A gallon of distilled water and one cup of any good glass cleaner
- or 9 cups of water with 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1 tablespoon of dishwasher fluid
Cold climates require a different formula that helps fight frost and is strong enough to clear away dirty snow and ice. Washer fluid can be made with:
- a gallon of distilled water, one cup of a good glass cleaner (Windex) and a half cup of isopropyl alcohol. Ethanol is an alternative.
- three parts of water mixed with one part of white distilled vinegar
Before using, test the homemade mixture in the freezer overnight. If it doesn't freeze, it can be safely used for an eco-friendly windshield washer.
Making homemade windshield washer fluid is not a complex procedure. Learning to make it for daily use can save money in the long run and will do just as good a job as standard washer fluids on the market today.
