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Cleaning Car Windows
How to Make Windshield Washer Fluid Download Article Choose the right ingredients to clean windows during hot or cold weather Co-authored by Ed Beery
Last Updated: June 2, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Diluting Window Cleaner
|
Combining Dish Soap and Ammonia
|
Adding Rubbing Alcohol to Prevent Freezing
|
Making Fluid with Vinegar in Cool Weather
|
Video
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Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,187,492 times.
Windshield washing fluid is an important part of maintaining your car. Most commercial windshield cleaners contain methanol, a poisonous chemical dangerous even in small amounts.[1]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Because of methanol's danger to both health and the environment, some people elect to make their own methanol-free windshield washing fluid at home. Custom washing fluids are also easy to make out of ordinary household ingredients and save money in the long run.
How to Make Your Own Wiper Cleaner
Transfer 1 US gal (3.8 L) of distilled water to a clean jug, along with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of dish soap and 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of ammonia. Recap the jug, give it a shake, and pour the mixture on a rag to clean your windshield.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Diluting Window Cleaner
Download Article
1 Add one gallon of distilled water to a clean, empty container. Pick a container that is easy to pour and holds at least one and a quarter gallons. Always use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits from building up in your car's spray nozzles and pump.
Tap water can be used in an emergency. Just remember to replace the fluid as soon as possible to keep from damaging your car.
2 Add one cup of glass cleaner. Pick the commercial glass cleaner of your choice. Make sure to choose a cleaner that produces minimal (preferably no) suds or streaks. This method is good for everyday use, especially during the summer.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Mix well by shaking the container and add the solution to your car. If this is your first time making it, test it on your car first. Dab a little solution onto a rag and wipe a corner of the windshield. The ideal cleaner should wipe away dirt without leaving any residue.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 4:
Combining Dish Soap and Ammonia
Download Article
1 Add one gallon of distilled water to a clean jug. Use a funnel if you have difficulty adding the water. The jug should be easy to pour and capable of holding a little over a gallon. Be sure to save the container's cap for easy mixing and storage.
2 Measure one tablespoon of dish soap and add it to the water. Don't use too much soap, or your washing fluid may be too thick. Use whatever kind you have on hand. Make sure the soap doesn't leave behind streaks or residue on glass. If it foams too much, try a different soap. This method is best if you anticipate needing to drive through muddy terrain.[3]XResearch source
3 Add 1/2 cup ammonia. Use a non-sudsing ammonia that is free from additives and surfactants. Be very careful with this step, as concentrated ammonia can be dangerous. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Once the ammonia is well-diluted by the water, it becomes relatively safe for use as a cleaner.[4]XResearch source
4 Recap the container and shake to mix well. Test your cleaner before using it for the first time. Dab a little onto a clean rag and wipe a corner of your windshield. If your cleaner removes grime without leaving a residue, it's ready to put in your car.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 4:
Adding Rubbing Alcohol to Prevent Freezing
Download Article
1 Add one cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to any of the first three methods if temperatures drop below freezing. If your winters are mild, use 70% rubbing alcohol.[5]XResearch source If you experience extreme cold weather, use 99% instead.
In a pinch, you can use high proof vodka instead of isopropyl alcohol.[6]XResearch source
2 Leave a small container of your solution outside overnight. If the fluid freezes, you will need to add at least another cup of alcohol. Test your solution again. This step is very important to prevent the fluid from freezing and rupturing your car's washer fluid hose.
3 Mix thoroughly by shaking the container. Drain any warm weather washing fluid before adding the cold weather cleaner. If there is enough warm weather fluid left, it may dilute the alcohol in the cold weather cleaner. If the alcohol is diluted enough, the solution will freeze.
Advertisement Method 4 Method 4 of 4:
Making Fluid with Vinegar in Cool Weather
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1 Pour 12 cups (3/4 gallon) distilled water into a clean, empty jug. Make sure the container's capacity is a little more than a gallon. If the rim of the container is narrow, use a funnel to make pouring easier. Label your container with a permanent marker.
2 Add 4 cups white vinegar. Use white vinegar only. Other types of vinegar may leave behind residue or stain your clothing. This is the best type of cleaner for removing pollen.
Do not use this method in warmer weather. Hot vinegar creates a foul, pungent odor.
3 Mix the solution thoroughly by shaking the container. If the temperatures in your area dip below freezing, do a freeze check before adding the cleaner to your car. Leave a small cup of the solution outside overnight and check in the morning. If it has frozen, add another two cups of vinegar to the jug and try again. If it still freezes, add one cup of rubbing alcohol and check again.
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Community Q&A
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Question How much bleach should I add to the mix if I want it to be more effective at cleaning? Community Answer None. Bleach will damage your car's paint. Generally, you should never use bleach or strong chemicals on your paint. It will strip off the clear coat, and wash out the pigment in your paint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 30
Question Can you add 90% rubbing alcohol to windshield washer fluids to keep it from freezing? Community Answer Yes, you can. In fact, it is the preferred method. How much to add depends on your climate. The more isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) you use, the lower the freeze point. Normally this type of alcohol is readily available in the pharmacy in 70% and 91% solutions. The cost per ounce of pure alcohol is almost exactly the same, so use the 91% for easier mixing of ratios. It's not possible to suggest a ratio of alcohol to water, since that depends on your climate. The last thing you want is for the fluid to freeze and burst the fluid reservoir, so more is better––up to 50% in extreme situations. Stay away from vinegar and ammonia because this fluid touches the paint and can cause problems. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 44
Question What can I do if using distilled water interrupts the capability of my car's system to measure the amount of washer fluid in the container and show that the fluid is empty? Community Answer Add a little blue food coloring; it is likely an optical sensor and is seeing through the clear fluid. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17
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Tips
Clearly label your washing fluid, especially if you're reusing a container. You can also dye it with blue food coloring to make it look like commercial cleaner.[7]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Always use distilled water when making windshield wiper fluid. Minerals in tap water can form deposits that will eventually clog your vehicle's spray nozzles and pump. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
These solutions can be used as all-purpose surface cleaners for windows and the rest of your car. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
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Co-authored by: Ed Beery Automotive Specialist This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. This article has been viewed 1,187,492 times. 66 votes - 91% Co-authors: 22Updated: June 2, 2025 Views: 1,187,492 Categories: Featured Articles | Cleaning Car WindowsArticle SummaryX
To make windshield washer fluid, dilute a cup of glass window cleaner in 1 gallon of distilled water. Then, shake the mixture thoroughly and add it to your car. You can also make windshield washer fluid by adding a 1/2 cup of ammonia and 1 tablespoon of dish soap to a gallon of water and then shaking the mixture thoroughly. To learn other ways you can make your own windshield washer fluid, like using vinegar or rubbing alcohol, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ed Beery Automotive Specialist Co-authors: 22Updated: June 2, 2025 Views: 1,187,49291% of readers found this article helpful. 66 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote
Bruce Zhao
Oct 8, 2025
"Really helpful and informative."
DeAnne Carr
Apr 20, 2017
"I have no money right now but I need windshield cleaner for my car. I have a lot of cleaners & greenies under my kitchen sink. I found the article on how to make windshield fluid. Yay!"..." more
Beth Jason
Aug 20, 2017
"If I'm going to the store to buy distilled water, I might as well buy commercial washer fluid. The article helped me learn that there's not an easy solution at home."..." more Rated this article:
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Jun 8, 2017
"I was out of windshield washer fluid and wanted a less toxic product, and found it here. Thanks for the good ideas." Rated this article:
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"I had on hand a natural, all purpose cleaner, and only used a small amount for 2 quarts of water. Love it." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Choose the right ingredients to clean windows during hot or cold weather Co-authored by Ed Beery 
How toCheck Windshield Wiper Fluid 
3 Best Methods for Cleaning Mirrors and Treating Tough Stains 
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Co-authored by: Ed Beery Automotive Specialist This article was co-authored by Ed Beery. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. This article has been viewed 1,187,492 times. 66 votes - 91% Co-authors: 22 Updated: June 2, 2025 Views: 1,187,492 Categories: Featured Articles | Cleaning Car Windows Article SummaryX
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1 Add one gallon of distilled water to a clean, empty container. Pick a container that is easy to pour and holds at least one and a quarter gallons. Always use distilled water to prevent mineral deposits from building up in your car's spray nozzles and pump. 
2 Add one cup of glass cleaner. Pick the commercial glass cleaner of your choice. Make sure to choose a cleaner that produces minimal (preferably no) suds or streaks. This method is good for everyday use, especially during the summer.[2] Advertisement 
3 Mix well by shaking the container and add the solution to your car. If this is your first time making it, test it on your car first. Dab a little solution onto a rag and wipe a corner of the windshield. The ideal cleaner should wipe away dirt without leaving any residue. Advertisement 
1 Add one gallon of distilled water to a clean jug. Use a funnel if you have difficulty adding the water. The jug should be easy to pour and capable of holding a little over a gallon. Be sure to save the container's cap for easy mixing and storage. 
2 Measure one tablespoon of dish soap and add it to the water. Don't use too much soap, or your washing fluid may be too thick. Use whatever kind you have on hand. Make sure the soap doesn't leave behind streaks or residue on glass. If it foams too much, try a different soap. This method is best if you anticipate needing to drive through muddy terrain.[3] 
3 Add 1/2 cup ammonia. Use a non-sudsing ammonia that is free from additives and surfactants. Be very careful with this step, as concentrated ammonia can be dangerous. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Once the ammonia is well-diluted by the water, it becomes relatively safe for use as a cleaner.[4] 
4 Recap the container and shake to mix well. Test your cleaner before using it for the first time. Dab a little onto a clean rag and wipe a corner of your windshield. If your cleaner removes grime without leaving a residue, it's ready to put in your car. Advertisement 
1 Add one cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to any of the first three methods if temperatures drop below freezing. If your winters are mild, use 70% rubbing alcohol.[5] If you experience extreme cold weather, use 99% instead. 
2 Leave a small container of your solution outside overnight. If the fluid freezes, you will need to add at least another cup of alcohol. Test your solution again. This step is very important to prevent the fluid from freezing and rupturing your car's washer fluid hose. 
3 Mix thoroughly by shaking the container. Drain any warm weather washing fluid before adding the cold weather cleaner. If there is enough warm weather fluid left, it may dilute the alcohol in the cold weather cleaner. If the alcohol is diluted enough, the solution will freeze. Advertisement 
1 Pour 12 cups (3/4 gallon) distilled water into a clean, empty jug. Make sure the container's capacity is a little more than a gallon. If the rim of the container is narrow, use a funnel to make pouring easier. Label your container with a permanent marker. 
2 Add 4 cups white vinegar. Use white vinegar only. Other types of vinegar may leave behind residue or stain your clothing. This is the best type of cleaner for removing pollen. 
3 Mix the solution thoroughly by shaking the container. If the temperatures in your area dip below freezing, do a freeze check before adding the cleaner to your car. Leave a small cup of the solution outside overnight and check in the morning. If it has frozen, add another two cups of vinegar to the jug and try again. If it still freezes, add one cup of rubbing alcohol and check again. Advertisement 
Community Answer None. Bleach will damage your car's paint. Generally, you should never use bleach or strong chemicals on your paint. It will strip off the clear coat, and wash out the pigment in your paint. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 30 
Community Answer Yes, you can. In fact, it is the preferred method. How much to add depends on your climate. The more isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) you use, the lower the freeze point. Normally this type of alcohol is readily available in the pharmacy in 70% and 91% solutions. The cost per ounce of pure alcohol is almost exactly the same, so use the 91% for easier mixing of ratios. It's not possible to suggest a ratio of alcohol to water, since that depends on your climate. The last thing you want is for the fluid to freeze and burst the fluid reservoir, so more is better––up to 50% in extreme situations. Stay away from vinegar and ammonia because this fluid touches the paint and can cause problems. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 44 
Community Answer Add a little blue food coloring; it is likely an optical sensor and is seeing through the clear fluid. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17 
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