Creating eco‑friendly windshield washer fluid at home

Surely, we've all experienced the frustration of running out of windshield washer fluid at the most inconvenient time. Fortunately, preparing your mix at home is easier than it seems. In this article, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step.

Homemade windshield washer fluid is an economical and ecological solution. The cost of purchasing the ingredients is much lower than buying ready-made products in stores—winter fluid can cost up to $12 for 5 litres. Additionally, by making the fluid at home, you avoid harmful chemicals in commercial fluids and reduce plastic waste by reusing containers.

To make homemade windshield washer fluid, you need only a few easily accessible ingredients. The first one is demineralized water, free from impurities, ensuring it won’t leave streaks on windows.

The next ingredient is dish soap, which provides the necessary cleaning properties. You will also need vinegar, which acts as a preservative and prevents mould formation. The last but very important element is isopropyl alcohol, which ensures the fluid doesn’t freeze even at low temperatures.

Before beginning, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. You need 3 litres of demineralized water, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 100 millilitres of vinegar, and 250 millilitres of isopropyl alcohol. Demineralized water can also be replaced with water from a filter.

First, pour the water into a large container as a base. Then add the dish soap and vinegar, mixing thoroughly. Finally, add the isopropyl alcohol, preferably quickly, to prevent it from evaporating. The resulting mixture is now ready to use.

One popular substitute for isopropyl alcohol is spirit. Spirit can be used instead while maintaining the same proportions, preventing the fluid from freezing and offering similar degreasing and cleaning properties.

Glycerin is an additional ingredient you can add to homemade windshield washer fluid. Adding one tablespoon of glycerin to the mixture will make windows less dirty by forming a protective layer on their surface. You can also use fabric softener, which contains glycerin.

Remember to handle the mix carefully. Isopropyl alcohol is flammable, and vinegar, while safe, can irritate the skin and eyes. Use protective gloves when mixing ingredients.

To keep your windows in top condition, remember to clean your car's windshield wipers regularly. Use homemade windshield washer fluid in the right proportions and store it in a safe, airtight container.