Windshield Wiper Fluid

The windshield is a crucial part of your vehicle. It gives you a clear view of the path ahead while blocking the wind and harmful substances from directly affecting you. It is vital to keep the windshield spotless. Blurry and dirty windshields affect your vision while driving.

You might find it easy to grab a windshield wiper fluid or washer from the market and use it on your vehicle. But this solution is full of chemicals and not entirely safe. That’s why many people have shifted to homemade windshield washers. The DIY solutions are easy to prepare, cost less, and are safe to use. You don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals affecting the vehicle, your health, or the environment.

Let’s learn how to prepare a homemade windshield wiper solution with a handful of ingredients. You can prepare different solutions based on seasonal changes.

Tips and Tricks for DIY Windshield Wiper Fluid

The following tips will help you before reading about DIY windshield wiper fluids.

• Use distilled water instead of regular water. This is important, especially in the freezing winter climates. The windshield washer will freeze if you use regular tap water.
• Distilled water will also prevent the natural minerals in the water from affecting the windshield (and the container). For example, groundwater with excess lime content will cause white scales on the walls of the container and block the nozzles.
• Prepare the windshield wiper solution in small to moderate quantities when trying a recipe for the first time. Test the liquid to confirm that it really works. Then transfer it to an air-tight container/ bottle. This will save you money and effort.
• Stirring the ingredients doesn’t always give the best results. Shake the container to mix everything properly. Ensure that the lid is tight before you start shaking it.
• Use clean containers and bottles to prepare DIY windshield washers. A dirty container will contaminate the liquid and make it inefficient.
• If you are using chemicals or ingredients with a strong smell, mix the solution in an open space with proper ventilation. But be careful not to leave powdered chemicals outside. Wind can blow it onto your face.
• Wear eye protection and gloves if your DIY windshield washer recipe includes chemicals. Put on a face mask to avoid breathing in the fumes.
• Don’t allow kids anywhere near you when preparing the DIY windshield wiper fluid. Store the liquid in a dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Keep it far from children’s reach.
• Don’t use ingredients that cause too much lather. It will get hard to remove the lather’s remains from the windshield.
• Regularly replace the fluid in the washer reservoir to avoid sediments. Furthermore, you should drain the existing liquid completely before refilling the reservoir with fresh windshield wiper fluid.

9 Homemade/ DIY Windshield Wiper Fluid Solutions

DIY windshield washers and wiper fluids are easy to make at home. In most instances, the ingredients will be found in your kitchen pantry.

Hot Weather Windshield Wiper Fluid Solutions

Hot weather generates heat, which can lead to fire accidents if you use ingredients that can combust when exposed to a hot climate. Since the windshield wiper fluid will be stored in the vehicle’s reservoir tank and left in the open, it is not worth the risk. Here are a few summer-friendly solutions to prepare.

Diluted Glass Cleaner for Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Use a glass/ window cleaner that doesn’t leave any residue.
• Add one cup of glass cleaner to one gallon of water. You can choose any brand of glass cleaner, though Windex is a better choice.
• Mix the solution in a container and shake it thoroughly.
• Add a few drops of this liquid to the windshield and wipe it with a soft cloth. This is to test if the solution will leave a residue. If it doesn’t, it’s good to go.
• Add more water if you see any streaks or residue. The best thing to do would be to use a glass cleaner you are familiar with.

Soap-Based Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Sometimes, diluted glass cleaner won’t be enough for dirty windshields. You can add liquid soap to this solution for effective cleaning.
• Remember to buy non-toxic, biodegradable liquid soap that doesn’t leave any residue or lather.
• You should not add more than three or four drops of mild liquid soap to the diluted glass cleaner mix. Shake the solution before using it.
• Liquid castile soap is a perfect choice as it is made from vegetables and doesn’t contain synthetic or animal fat.

Mixed Weather Windshield Wiper Fluid Solutions

White Vinegar Solution

• White vinegar is a famous cleaning ingredient. It works very well in removing stains from different materials.
• However, vinegar is acidic in nature and is more suited for the spring and autumn seasons.
• Ideally, vinegar should be mixed with water in a ratio of 1:3 or 2:4, depending on how strong the vinegar is.
• Mix them properly in a clean container and use them as a windshield wiper fluid.
• Vinegar can freeze in cold conditions. Add a bit of alcohol to prevent it from freezing.

Alcohol and Soap Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Alcohol and liquid soap/detergent is a mild solution suitable for regular cleaning in most weather conditions. It won’t be effective if the windshield is too dirty.
• Add one cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or vodka to one gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and add one tablespoon of mild dishwater liquid. Mix the solution again.
• Do a dab test and add more alcohol if the liquid leaves a residue on the glass. Do the freeze-test if the temperatures are cooling down and add some more alcohol.

Ammonia and Soap Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Ammonia is also an anti-freezing agent. Use only additive-free and surfactant-free ammonia. It should be too foamy as foam results in residue. When preparing this solution, wear protective gear like gloves and a face mask.
• Add one tablespoon of mild liquid soap or detergent to one gallon of water. Close the lid and shake well. Now, add half a cup of ammonia, close the lid, and shake again. Perform the dab test and dilute the solution if necessary.
• This mix can easily wash off mud and dirt compared to other solutions.

Winter Windshield Wiper Fluid

The cold winter weather causes most liquids to freeze. You need to use anti-freezing agents like alcohol. (Alcohol should never be used in summer DIY windshield wiper fluids as it can combust.)

White Vinegar- Rubbing Alcohol Windshield Wiper Fluid

• The vinegar-alcohol solution is not only antifreeze but can also melt ice. First, you need to prepare the vinegar-water solution using the ratio we mentioned previously.
• Then, add one cup of rubbing alcohol or vodka to one container mix.
• Don’t forget the dab test to check for residue.
• Pour the solution into a cup and leave it in the freezer overnight. If it freezes, add more alcohol to the solution and do the freeze-test again.
• The actual quantity of alcohol will depend on the temperatures in your region.
• Sometimes, the solution will continue to freeze even with more alcohol. Switch to another DIY recipe in this case.

Glass Cleaner- Alcohol Windshield Wiper Fluid

• A glass cleaner will freeze in colder weather. That’s why we add rubbing alcohol as an antifreeze agent.
• Prepare diluted glass cleaner solution (as mentioned in the summer recipes) and add one cup of alcohol to the mix.
• Shake properly and do the dab test and freeze test.
• Add more alcohol if necessary. In addition to this mixture, you can add a few drops of liquid Castile.

Why Use DIY Products?

Why should you use DIY windshield wiper fluids instead of store-bought ones? We’ve already talked about health and environmental concerns. So what are the other advantages?

• Homemade windshield washers are cheap. They can save you a lot of money, especially during winters when you need to use the liquid more than once a day.
• The liquid doesn’t have any high concentrations of harmful chemicals. In most instances, the container can be handled by children (under adult supervision).
• The same solution works for the rear window and remaining window glasses. Imagine the amount you can save on glass/window cleaners for the vehicle.

You can make the liquid in large quantities and store it for months. Carry a small bottle or two with you in the car and leave the rest in the garage. The windshield washer will be readily accessible if the reservoir gets empty.

Final Words

The windshield will get dirty one way or another when you drive through the cities or off-roads. Using a homemade DIY windshield wiper fluid is a safe, economical, and easy way to keep your vehicle clean and prevent dirt from damaging the windshield and other glasses.