Don’t think that would be enough in cold climate since it’s just a bit mixed in with other liquids. I think they use special antifreeze stuff in those liquids that make the whole thing resistant (like the one in this image is rated to -54°).
1 tablespoon dish soap (mild, non-foaming like Dawn)
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70% or higher — helps prevent freezing)
Instructions:
Pour the distilled water into a clean gallon container.
Add the dish soap and rubbing alcohol.
Mix gently to combine — avoid creating too many suds.
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir.
❄️ Winter/Freezing Weather Version:
If you live in a cold area, increase the amount of rubbing alcohol:
Use 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol (or more, depending on how cold it gets — up to 99% alcohol works best below freezing).
You can also substitute methanol (Heet gas line antifreeze in the red bottle) for better freeze protection — just handle with care and avoid breathing the fumes.**
You can also just make your own washer fluid. Look up a recipe online.
It’s something like combining water, a bit of rubbing alcohol, and a little dish soap. Super cheap and eco friendly.
That sounds like it would freeze, no?
Oh good point. I live in temperate climate.
But perhaps the rubbing alcohol keeps it from freezing.
Don’t think that would be enough in cold climate since it’s just a bit mixed in with other liquids. I think they use special antifreeze stuff in those liquids that make the whole thing resistant (like the one in this image is rated to -54°).
Rather than me making uneducated guesses, I found an interesting article about just this topic: https://blending.globecore.com/composition-antifreeze-washing-liquid-windshields
🧪 Basic Windshield Wiper Fluid Recipe (All-Season) Ingredients: 1 gallon distilled water
1 tablespoon dish soap (mild, non-foaming like Dawn)
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70% or higher — helps prevent freezing)
Instructions: Pour the distilled water into a clean gallon container.
Add the dish soap and rubbing alcohol.
Mix gently to combine — avoid creating too many suds.
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir.
❄️ Winter/Freezing Weather Version: If you live in a cold area, increase the amount of rubbing alcohol:
Use 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol (or more, depending on how cold it gets — up to 99% alcohol works best below freezing).
You can also substitute methanol (Heet gas line antifreeze in the red bottle) for better freeze protection — just handle with care and avoid breathing the fumes.**