Car glass cleaner is an important part of your car's maintenance. most commercial car window cleaners contain methanol--a toxic chemical even in small amounts. Because of the dangers of methanol to both health and the environment, some people choose to make their own car glass cleaner at home. This homemade cleaning fluid is also easy to make with ingredients you have at home, and can help you save money in the long run.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Diluting Window Cleaner
Step 1. Put one gallon (3.8 liters) of distilled water into a clean, empty container
Choose a container that is easy to pour and can hold at least 1.25 gallons of water. Always use distilled water to prevent mineral build-up in the pump and glass cleaner spray in your car.
You can use tap water in an emergency situation. However, remember to replace this cleaning fluid as soon as possible to prevent damage to your car
Step 2. Add one cup of glass cleaner
Choose a glass cleaner that you like. Make sure to choose a good brand so it doesn't produce a lot (better if it doesn't produce any) foam (or streaks). This option is good enough for everyday use, especially throughout the summer.
Step 3. Mix the glass cleaner with water by shaking the container, then put it in your car
If it's your first time making it, try using a little bit first. Dab a small amount of the solution onto a rag and wipe it into the corner of the windshield. A good windshield cleaner is able to clean the surface without leaving marks.
Method 2 of 4: Mixing Dish Soap and Ammonia
Step 1. Put a gallon of distilled water in a large pitcher
Use a funnel if you have difficulty pouring water. This teapot will make it easier for you to pour liquids and can hold more than a gallon of water. Be sure to have a lid on the teapot so you can mix and store liquids easily.
Step 2. Pour a tablespoon of dish soap, and put it in the water
Don't use too much soap, or the washing-up liquid will be too thick. Use whatever dish soap you have. Make sure the soap doesn't leave streaks or residue on the glass surface. If the foam is too much, try a different soap. This option is most suitable if you are going to drive through muddy areas.
Step 3. Add 1/2 cup of ammonia
Use ammonia that does not foam and is free of additives and other surfactants. Be careful when doing this step, because concentrated ammonia is quite dangerous. Work in a room with good airflow, and wear protective gloves. Ammonia is safer to use as a cleaner once it dissolves in water.
Step 4. Put the lid on the teapot and shake until well combined
Test your cleaner before using it for the first time. Dab a little liquid on a rag and wipe it into the corner of your windshield. If the cleaning fluid is able to remove dust without leaving a trace, you can put it in the car.
Method 3 of 4: Adding Alcohol to Prevent Freezing
Step 1. Add one cup of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to all of the above if the air temperature drops below zero
If winters in your area are not very snowy, use 70% alcohol. If winters in your area are very cold, use 99% alcohol.
In a pinch, you can use high-alcoholic vodka instead of isopropyl alcohol
Step 2. Put the cleaning liquid you made in a small package outside the house overnight
If the liquid freezes, you will need to add at least one cup of alcohol to it. Test the cleaning fluid again. This step is very important to prevent the liquid from freezing and perforating the cleaning fluid hose in the car.
Step 3. Mix the cleaning liquid evenly by shaking the container
Discard any cleaners you made for warm weather before adding cold-weather cleaning fluids. Leftovers from the old cleaning fluid in the container can dilute the alcohol in the new cleaning liquid. If the alcohol content is too runny, your new cleaning fluid will freeze.
Method 4 of 4: Making Cleaning Liquid with Vinegar in Cold Weather
Step 1. Pour 12 cups (3/4 gallon) of distilled water into a clean, empty pitcher
Make sure the pitcher you are using can hold more than a gallon of liquid. If the mouth of the pitcher is small, use a funnel so you can pour it more easily. Mark the teapot with a permanent marker.
Step 2. Add 4 cups of white vinegar
Use only white vinegar. Other vinegars will leave marks or stains on your clothes. This option is best used for cleaning flower pollen.
Do not use this option in warm weather, because in hot conditions, vinegar will give off a sharp, pungent odor
Step 3. Mix the liquids evenly by shaking the pitcher
If the temperature in your area is below zero, test first to see if the liquid will freeze before putting it in your car. Put a small cup of liquid outdoors overnight, and check again in the morning. If it freezes, add two cups of vinegar to the pitcher and try again. If it's still freezing, add a cup of alcohol and try again.
Tips
- Refilling car glass cleaner is easy. You just need to open the hood and look for the glass cleaning fluid canister. This tube is large white or clear at the front of the car. Most of these tubes have a small lid that can be opened without the aid of a tool. Use a funnel when pouring the cleaning liquid so it doesn't spill.
- When replacing warm-weather cleaners with cold-weather cleaners, be sure to discard any remaining cleaning fluid. The easiest way to get rid of old cleaning fluid that contains methanol is to suck it up with a vacuum bottle.
- As a substitute in an emergency, plain water can be used without adding any ingredients. However, water can not clean the windshield well. In addition, water can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
- Reuse your box of milk, vinegar, and laundry soap to make and store windshield cleaning fluid. Make sure to rinse thoroughly before use.
- Mark your cleaning fluid clearly, especially if you are using an old container. You can also make it blue with food coloring to make it look like a commercial cleaning liquid.
- Although safer than methanol, this household cleaning liquid is still dangerous if swallowed. Be sure to keep this liquid out of the reach of children and your pets.
- Always use distilled water when making windshield cleaning fluid. The minerals in tap water can form scale that clogs your vehicle's sprayers and pumps.
- Do not mix vinegar with soap. The two can react and clump together, clogging your hose.
- The cleaning fluid here can be used as an all-purpose cleaner for both the glass and all parts of your car.
