How to Make Windshield Washer Fluid

Several combinations of common household items will clean windows. If there’s no risk of freezing there are several cost effective ways to make windshield washer fluid. Some freeze resistant mixtures are great for windows, but harmful to rubber hoses and pump parts. To make windshield washer fluid that doesn’t freeze or eat rubber is more expensive than buying a gallon from a store. Yet if necessity outweighs cost, it can be done.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Ammonia
• Dishwashing liquid
• Anti-freeze or methanol

1. Pour 3 cups of water into a 2 quart bottle. Distilled water is better for the system than tap water.

2. Add a touch of liquid dish soap--use no more than a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Any brand will do.

3. Add 1 cup of ammonia. Cap the bottle and gently rotate to stir.

4. Keep it from freezing. Add 1 cup of undiluted antifreeze or methanol. If freezing is not a consideration, simply add another cup of water. Stir gently as in step 3.

Tips & Warnings

• If the mixture freezes, add more antifreeze or methanol. Test the solution by leaving a small bottle outdoors overnight.
• Avoid isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. A 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water cleans windows and never freezes, but it breaks down rubber. Hoses, seals and pump parts are compromised by alcohol contact.
• When working with ammonia, be sure to be in a well-ventilated area.

[Honest]

on 1/13/2009 Never use anti-freeze in washer fluid, not even a tea spoon! Anti-freeze has oils and lubricants in it. It will make your window very difficult to clean at all and reduce visibility to almost zero.