How to Make Windshield Washer Fluid for Cars?

[MaciLynn]

The method for making windshield washer fluid for cars is as follows: 1. Prepare medical alcohol, a beverage bottle, and dishwashing liquid; 2. Fill a 2.5L mineral water bottle with approximately 2 liters of purified water; 3. Add about 500ml of medical alcohol to the mineral water bottle; 4. Add a bottle cap's worth of dishwashing liquid; 5. Gently stir until well mixed. The functions of windshield washer fluid are: 1. Cleaning debris off the windshield; 2. Lowering the freezing point of the liquid; 3. Ensuring the windshield remains clear and transparent for unobstructed visibility; 4. Eliminating static charge on the glass surface; 5. Reducing friction between the wipers and the glass to prevent scratches.

[VanJasmine]

I drive quite often, and for windshield washer fluid, a simple solution is to use purified water with a few drops of neutral dish soap—about one bottle cap of soap per 10 liters of water is sufficient. Remember not to use soapy water or laundry detergent, as they can leave water stains and damage the rubber wiper blades. In winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, add antifreeze by mixing 95% medical-grade alcohol and water in a 1:3 ratio; this will prevent freezing even at -15°C. If you can't find windshield washer fluid in an emergency, mineral water can be used temporarily, but avoid long-term use as it may clog the spray nozzles. A money-saving tip is to keep a large bucket to collect rainwater—filter it, and you’ll have ready-to-use soft water that cleans the windshield exceptionally well without costing a dime.

[Bethany]

As a seasoned long-distance driver, I recommend buying ready-made windshield washer fluid, but you can also mix your own in emergencies. A basic formula is purified water plus neutral dish soap, which works fine in summer. For winter antifreeze protection, medical alcohol is safer than industrial alcohol as it won't corrode the pipes - use 200ml alcohol per liter of water. The key is never to add any granular cleaners, or a single nozzle clog repair could cost more than a year's supply of washer fluid. When spray performance declines, first try clearing the nozzle with a fine needle - it might just be clogged with dirt.

[DiGenevieve]

My family has made a living by driving for three generations, and we've always made our own windshield washer fluid. In summer, it's simplest: just mix sun-warmed tap water with a few drops of dish soap—use mineral water in areas with hard water. The winter formula is more particular: for every 2 liters of water, add half a bottle of medical alcohol and 1 tablespoon of dish soap. An alcohol concentration of about 15% provides the best antifreeze effect. Avoid using white vinegar or citric acid for descaling, as they can corrode metal parts. Homemade fluid should be stored in a sealed, light-proof container to prevent mold growth; if you see flocculent matter, replace the entire batch.