DIY Windscreen Washer Fluid - Anyone Tried Making Their Own?

Car Maintenance & Repairs
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Making your own windscreen washer fluid can be a simple and cost-effective way to keep your car windows clean—plus, it’s a great opportunity to be a little eco-friendly! Here’s a quick and easy guide to get you started on making your own DIY windscreen washer fluid.

What You’ll Need:

  • Distilled water (1 gallon)
  • White vinegar or rubbing alcohol (1 cup)
  • Dish soap (a few drops; optional)
  • Essential oils (like lemon or lavender for fragrance; optional)

Instructions:

  1. Choose Your Base: Start with a gallon of distilled water. This helps prevent minerals from leaving deposits on your windshield.
  2. Mixing It Up: Add 1 cup of white vinegar, which works great for removing dirt and grime, or you can use rubbing alcohol if you want a solution that works better in freezing temperatures.
  3. A Touch of Soap: If you like, add a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power—just make sure it’s not too soapy, or it might leave streaks.
  4. Scent It Up: For those who like a nice smell, a few drops of your favorite essential oil can make a difference.
  5. Final Touch: Stir the mixture gently to avoid creating too many bubbles, and then pour it into your washer fluid reservoir.

Tips:

  • Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in a cool, dry place, making sure to label them clearly.
  • Test it Out: Before a long drive, test your homemade solution to ensure it works effectively.

Give it a try and see how it goes! Have you made your own washer fluid before? What ingredients did you use? Let’s share our tips and experiences!

6 Likes
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I’ve been making my own windscreen washer fluid for a while now using a mix of water, vinegar, and dish soap. The standard ratio I use is 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar and a few drops of soap. It works great and is super affordable!

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Sounds great! What kind of soap do you use? I’ve heard some do better in colder weather.

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I use a biodegradable dish soap. It helps the environment and it works well. Just make sure to use it in small amounts. Too much can leave a residue on the windscreen.

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This is really helpful! I never thought about the residue before. What else can be added to improve cleaning power?

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Adding a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol can help improve cleaning efficiency, especially in winter. It prevents the solution from freezing and boosts the cleaning power.

3 Likes
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Good to know! I’ll have to try that. Is there a specific type of vinegar that’s better for this?

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White vinegar works best because it’s inexpensive and has a strong cleaning property. I wouldn’t recommend using apple cider vinegar – the smell might linger!

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Haha, good point! Any alternatives for those who might want to avoid vinegar altogether?

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You can use lemon juice as an alternative! It has antibacterial properties and leaves a fresh scent, plus it’s a natural cleaner. Just mix it like you would with vinegar.

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That sounds refreshing! What ratio would you suggest for lemon juice to water?

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I’d recommend a similar ratio—about 1 part lemon juice to 4 parts water. It’s less potent than vinegar, so you need a bit more.

5 Likes
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That sounds good! I’m also curious if anyone has tried essential oils in the mix. Are they safe?

4 Likes
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Essential oils can be added for fragrance, but make sure they’re diluted properly! Only a drop or two since they can leave a film if too concentrated.

7 Likes
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Thanks for the tip! Is there any reason not to use fabric softener instead?

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Valid point! A clear view is a priority. Overall, this DIY approach sounds fun and effective. Can’t wait to try it out!

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Using fabric softener is contentious; while it may smell nice, it can leave a film on the windshield which hinders visibility. Stick with the tried-and-true options!

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I’ve made my own DIY windscreen washer fluid, and it’s super easy! You just need water, dish soap, and a bit of vinegar. Perfect for cleaning windshields!

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That sounds simple! What ratios do you recommend for mixing it all together?

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For a basic mix, I usually do 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar, plus a splash of dish soap. Just make sure not to use too much soap!