Can Windshield Washer Fluid with Dish Soap Remove Oil Film?
2 Answers
Windshield washer fluid with dish soap can remove oil film. However, it is not recommended to add dish soap as it may produce foam that could obstruct the driver's view. Drivers can purchase windshield washer fluid that has oil film cleaning functionality. Below is relevant information: Composition of windshield washer fluid: Windshield washer fluid, commonly known as car windshield cleaning fluid, is a consumable in automotive use. It mainly consists of water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and various surfactants. Function: Windshield washer fluid typically has wetting, penetrating, and solubilizing properties, which help in cleaning and removing dirt. Additionally, due to the presence of alcohol and ethylene glycol, it significantly lowers the freezing point of the liquid, providing antifreeze properties and quickly dissolving frost.
Since I was young, I've often encountered the issue of oil film on the windshield. The accumulation of dust and exhaust fumes would blur my vision, and I tried adding dish soap to the washer fluid tank to save money and effort. Dish soap does remove grease because it contains cleaning agents, but that stuff is highly corrosive. It hardens the rubber on the wiper blades and can even freeze in winter, clogging the nozzles. The wipers on my car would crack within a few months, and replacing them ended up costing more. In the end, I wisely switched to a dedicated oil film remover, which worked much better. Now, I also recommend regularly using a soft cloth and glass cleaner to manually wipe the oil film-prone areas. Prevention is simpler and safer—don’t cut corners by mixing in dish soap and ruining car parts. Oh, and driving at high speeds with an oily windshield can be dangerously blinding, so take maintenance seriously. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish.
