How to make your own windshield washer fluid

Windshield washer fluid is easy to make with common ingredients. Homemade washer fluid can be more environmentally friendly than regular washer fluid.

Many people choose to make windshield washer fluid at home due to the safety concerns associated with commercially produced washer fluids. Most commercially sold windshield washer fluids contain methanol, which is not only poisonous and potentially harmful to humans, but also harmful to the environment.

If you follow these steps, you can make your own safe and inexpensive washer fluid that can be used in both warm and cold weather.

• Attention: Be aware of changing weather conditions and keep different liquids on hand for different seasons. When changing from warm weather fluid to cold weather fluid, be sure to drain all old fluid before adding new fluid.

If your warm weather fluid contains vinegar, be sure to flush the fluid reservoir and lines with clean water as vinegar and dishwashing detergent can clog washer fluid lines.

• A warning: When storing homemade washer fluid, be aware of children and pets and keep it out of their reach. Also be sure to label your formula and keep it out of the reach of children.

• Attention: Be sure to mix potentially harmful liquids such as ammonia and rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area.

Rubbing alcohol, soap, and ammonia can be very harmful if ingested. As with any mixture, it's best to store your homemade washer fluid in a safe, constant temperature area. Storing washer fluid in the trunk or rear seat can cause it to spill, which can damage carpet or vehicle seats.

Method 1 of 5: Prepare a warm weather washer fluid mix.

This mixture is intended for use in moderate temperatures and may need to be modified for use in colder weather.

• A warning: This mixture is not recommended for very high temperatures as warm/hot vinegar will give off a strong odor.

• Functions: This mixture is one of the most effective for places where pollen is a concern.

Necessary materials

• Distilled water
• Large pitcher

• white vinegar

• Functions: Use large containers such as milk jugs or large soda bottles to store and measure windshield washer fluid. Be sure to thoroughly clean the storage bottle before use, as residue can reduce the effectiveness of your homemade washer fluid.

Step 1: Take distilled water in a pitcher. In a large vessel, add distilled water until the vessel is about ¾ full.

For a gallon jug, this would mean 12 cups, and for a 2-liter bottle, just over 6 cups.

• Functions: Distilled water works much better than tap water as tap water deposits will eventually clog your car's spray nozzle.

Step 2: Add White Vinegar. Fill the rest of the vessel with white vinegar. Leave some space in the container to mix the water and vinegar.

• Functions: Be sure to use only white vinegar. Other types of vinegar may leave unwanted residue.

Method 2 of 5: Prepare a washer fluid mixture for hot weather.

This mixture is best for warmer temperatures, as window cleaner doesn't smell as bad as vinegar.

Necessary materials

• Distilled water
• Large jug or vessel
• Wiper

Step 1: Take distilled water. In a large vessel, add distilled water until the vessel is about ¾ full.

Step 2: Add window cleaner.. Add 8 ounces of window cleaner to water and mix well.

• Functions: It is best to use a window cleaner that does not leave streaks, as this can affect the cleanliness of the windshield.

Method 3 of 5: Prepare a washer fluid mixture for cold weather.

People who live in areas with extreme weather conditions may not be able to use washer fluid in warm weather all year round. Both vinegar and window cleaner will freeze in extreme cold and can damage your car's hoses and nozzles.

Fortunately, warm weather blends can be easily modified for cold weather conditions. The easiest way to change a warm-weather mixture to a cold-weather one is to add alcohol. Because alcohol freezes at a much lower temperature than water, it can be more effective in cold weather.

Although medical alcohol is recommended, it can also be replaced with strong vodka. Adding a cup of alcohol to warm weather washer fluid can prevent the mixture from freezing.

Necessary materials

• Distilled water
• Large pitcher
• Medical alcohol or vodka
• white vinegar

Step 1: Take distilled water in a pitcher. In a large vessel, add distilled water until the vessel is about ¾ full.

Step 2: Add White Vinegar. Fill the rest of the vessel with white vinegar. Leave some space in the container to mix the water and vinegar.

Step 3: Add Rubbing Alcohol. Add 1 cup of rubbing alcohol or vodka and mix well. Test the alcohol mixture by putting it outside overnight. If the mixture freezes, you may need to add more alcohol.

Method 4 of 5: Prepare all-weather washer fluid by mixing ammonia and dishwashing detergent.

If you're looking for a more versatile windshield fluid that can be used in any weather, try the following steps to make a mixture that won't freeze and is effective in warm weather.

Necessary materials

• ammonium
• Dishwashing liquid
• Distilled water
• Large pitcher

Step 1: Mix water and dish soap.. In a large vessel, add one gallon of distilled water. Add a tablespoon of dish soap to the water and mix well.

Be sure to use dishwashing detergent that does not leave streaks, as this can affect the cleanliness of the windshield.

Step 2: Add Ammonia. Add ½ cup of ammonia to the mixture to clean the windshield and prevent freezing.

• Attention: While this mixture may not work in extreme cold, it should be effective in cooler temperatures.

Method 5 of 5: Prepare all-weather washer fluid by mixing it with alcohol.

In colder climates, washer fluid/alcohol mixtures can also be effective de-icers. Using commercial washer fluid to remove ice can be expensive, making homemade mixtures a more economical choice.

Necessary materials

• castile soap
• Distilled water
• Large pitcher
• Medical alcohol

Step 1: Mix water and rubbing alcohol.. Pour one gallon of distilled water into a large vessel. Add approximately 8 ounces of rubbing alcohol to the water and mix well.

Step 2: Add Castile Soap. For this mixture, try using castile soap instead of dish soap. Castile soap contains more natural ingredients and may be safer for your car's paint.

• Functions: At lower temperatures, increase the amount of alcohol used to avoid freezing.

Before pouring fluid into your car washer reservoir, always test your homemade mixture on your windshield to make sure it's effective. Apply a small amount of the mixture to a clean cloth and wipe the windshield of your car. You can also use a homemade mixture to clean other side and rear windows of your car.

Before attempting to top up fluid, make sure you have identified the washer fluid reservoir. The filler neck is usually located in the engine compartment and is identified either by the words "Washer Fluid Only" or by the windshield fluid symbol on the reservoir cap as shown above.

• AttentionA: As with any do-it-yourself project, you should be aware of the potential problems that can arise when adding non-vehicle specific fluids to your vehicle. If you notice that the liquid does not spray properly or leaves streaks, discontinue use immediately.

If you notice that the washer fluid does not flow freely onto the windshield, you may have a clogged washer tube. If you have problems, have a certified mechanic, such as your mechanic, have your washer system inspected and tubing replaced if necessary.