Make your own Windshieldwasher Fluid
Making homemade windshield wiper fluid can not only lower the cost of maintaining a vehicle, it can be good for the environment.
When pouring that blue liquid into the washer fluid reservoir little thought is usually given to its possible danger to the environment. Store bought windshield wiper fluid should be treated with the same care as automobile antifreeze.
By using a homemade solution, the problems associated with most wiper fluids on the market can be alleviated. There are inexpensive items in the home that are completely environmentally friendly and easily obtained. By using these ingredients an effective and environmentally safe windshield wiper fluid can be easily made.
Ingredients like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) are very low priced and only need to be added to the mixture in cold weather to act as an antifreeze. It is diluted enough by the amount of plain water in the mixture that it is harmless to paint and rubber and will evaporate from the mix before it can be consumed by any animals. There is no residual alcohol to soak into concrete or dirt. The only ingredient that will reach the water table is the pure water that was used.
Dish washing detergent comes in formulas that are totally non-toxic and biodegradable. This mixed with alchol and pure water create a harmless mixture for cleaning automobile windows.
Some chemicals commonly used in commercial windshield wiper fluid are blamed for environmental damage and can be poisonous to animals. They can remain in the environment for long periods and can work their way into the food chain and water table. Others can damage paint and rubber seals on the vehicle.
Many commercial windshield wiper fluids require being diluted with water before they are used. This is only one step away from mixing fluid from scratch. All that is required is a plastic bottle or jug to hold the mixture, and three simple ingredients. Caution should always be taken to clearly mark containers that are being used to hold liquids other than their original contents.
The formula for the mix is not very critical, with biodegradable dish washing liquid being the least amount of fluid in the mixture. The dish washing liquid is measured in spoonfuls to the gallon and can be adjusted to conditions. Isopropyl alchol (common rubbing alcohol) is measured in pints to the gallon. The colder the climate the more alcohol is needed, as its only purpose is to act as an antifreeze. Water is the largest component and finishes off the mix.
With a little experimentation,a safe inexpensive substitute for commercial windshield wiper fluid can be mixed to suit personal needs.
