How to Make Your Own Windshield Wiper Fluid

Why pay for windshield wiper fluid? It's easy and inexpensive to make.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Window Cleaner
• Window Cleaner
• Water
• Mixing Sticks
• Plastic Bucket
• Plastic Bucket
• Water

1. Combine 3 c. household window cleaner with 1 gallon water in a pail.

2. Mix well.

3. Open the hood of your car.

4. Pour the fluid in the windshield wiper fluid reservoir. (Use a funnel to avoid spilling fluid.)

5. Close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to dilute the window cleaner or it will leave streaks.
• Compare prices to make sure you spend less on window cleaner than you would on formulated windshield wiper fluid.
• If you live in a cold climate, make sure the homemade fluid won't freeze in the tank, as this can damage cars. Make a small batch of fluid and place it in the freezer overnight. If the fluid freezes, don't use it.

[ahoier]

on 12/18/2008 the article can be kind of confusing, since the directions state, to add 3 cups of window cleaner per 1 gallon water - and then in the Warnings, it says to dillute well.

Is that saying 3cups window cleaner is too much? too little?

What about vinegar? I've had bad luck with window cleaners leaving streaks....on my house windows that is (but I don't dillute it, just straight out of the bottle which could be why).


Another point, RainX has a "Glass Cleaner" spray, anyone tried this? Sure, it's a bit more pricey than a "Windex" or other equivalent generic, but it may be better suited since it's specifically for "Automotive" - and well, you'd only use 3cups of the bottle.

[tadphoto]

on 7/21/2008 I wasn't responding to Moltke, by the way, I was responding to "anonymous" who keeps insisting that alcohol and water and water don't mix.

[tadphoto]

on 7/21/2008 That's idiotic. Rubbing alcohol itself is not pure alcohol, it is alcohol and water.

[Moltke]

on 9/16/2007 In dilute solution some detergents are acidic and could give rise to corrosion of metallic parts of the automobile. Best beware cheap alternatives and stick with approved proprietary products.

[reneejperez]

on 1/1/2007 If you accidently put the washer fluid in the power steering resevoir, is this a major problem?