Can I add some detergent into washer liquid?

[itsmyways]

Hi all,

I am wondering could I add some kind of detergent into my washer liquid? I don't know it's because my windshield blades are not good or it's because road grease splatters on the glass (I assume it's because of the latter one.)? Anyone could give me a suggestion? Appreciate it!!

Thanks.

[KorruptioN]

Don't. You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner. Get the proper fluid for the season.

[itsmyways]

Don't. You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner. Get the proper fluid for the season.

Thanks for your reply. It looks like I only can clean my windshield more often. :)

[IoannI]

Canadian Tire has some windsheild washer fluid that has detergent mixed into it. I've never tried it and most likley will never, but if your interested in getting something with detergent in it they have it.

[itsmyways]

Canadian Tire has some windsheild washer fluid that has detergent mixed into it. I've never tried it and most likley will never, but if your interested in getting something with detergent in it they have it.

Thanks for your information. I will go to CT to take a look. Another question: could you explain why you'll never use this kind of antifreeze washer fluid? It might hurt the windshield or is just because you don't have the same problem I have?

Thanks a lot!!

[skidz88]

How old are your wipers? Consider replacing them if they're leaving streaks.

[l69norm]

All washer fluid has some detergent in it. There's also a small bottle of additive you can add to your existing fluid. It's meant for people who need to strengthen old/ cheaper washer fluid. It's cheaper to buy premium fluid in the first place.

[selpats]

There is some stuff called 2010 which is exactly what you are looking for. I have used it for 20 years. Just look at Crappy Tire or an auto parts store. It comes in a green bottle.

http://www.2010products.com/MSDS/auto.htm

You can get smaller bottles that this...:cheesygri
http://www.2010products.com/images/products/windshield-cleaner-small.gif

[itsmyways]

Thanks for the information from you all kind guys.

I just bought my car 6 months ago so I don't know how old my blades are. I will try to use the washer fluid with detergents first. If it's not improved, I think maybe it's time to get new blades (usually how often I should change them?).

Thanks a lot!

[skidz88]

You should change blades every 4-6 months.

[selpats]

I change mine every 6 months to a year. It depends on the quality of the blade...

[itsmyways]

wa.... Then I gotta change my blades first... Maybe that's the main reason.
Thanks for your great help.

[gh05t]

I know some people do use dish washing detergent with water in some countries where they don't use windshield washer fluid but I guess as the one poster said, it may strip the wax over your paint etc.The dried soapy residue to the side of your windshield might make visibility worse or look unsightly plus you might put too much detergent too.

Most windshield washer fluids should already include a non soapy detergent to take care of the normal levels of grime but I suppose you can clean your windscreen more often too like at the Gas station while filling up or at home use a soapy solution specifically on the windshield alone making sure to hose off any residue from your paint.

Then maybe try some rain-X solution on the windshield or maybe invest in the more expensive Rain-X washer fluid.

As most have already suggested, maybe you need new wiper blades as the old ones may be worn or damaged. Even a cheap pair from Wallymart is better than worn damaged ones.

[selpats]

Rain-X is definitely hit and miss. Some people love it, some people absolutely hate it. Personally I can't stand it.

Nothing replaces really good quality blades.

[ES_Revenge]

Hi all,

I am wondering could I add some kind of detergent into my washer liquid? I don't know it's because my windshield blades are not good or it's because road grease splatters on the glass (I assume it's because of the latter one.)? Anyone could give me a suggestion? Appreciate it!!

Thanks.

You could, but it probably wouldn't be a great idea. If you're talking about dish soap or laundry soap or something, I think it would cause more problems than it solves. It would be all foamy and stuff and if your wipers don't work well at "squeege-ing" then the bubbles may make it even harder to see out of the windshield.

If you replace your wipers and find that the performance isn't all that great, you may want to check into replacing your wiper arms/springs as well. Particularly if the vehicle is older, the springs in the arms can be worn out and that would put less pressure on the blades and result in poor wiper performance.

You should change blades every 4-6 months.
Seems a bit excessive to me. I change mine like every 2-3 years...

[majic]

Hi all,

I am wondering could I add some kind of detergent into my washer liquid? I don't know it's because my windshield blades are not good or it's because road grease splatters on the glass (I assume it's because of the latter one.)? Anyone could give me a suggestion? Appreciate it!!

Thanks.

go to wamart and get viewmax wipers, or to costco and get the michellin ones.. they are the CT reflex wiper equivalents (frameless) but are much cheaper, i believe $16 and $13 respectively vs $20+.. then get some winter (yellow) rain-x.. this combination works amazingly well on my car and that's all i've used in the 3 years and 110K+ km.. i find i wipe (lol) much less frequently as the water/grime just beads right off

right now i am using valeo wipers from tirerack's 2for1 promotion (http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/valeo/ultimate.jsp).. they work well too.. 20bux for both.. fast shipping and no extra duties on top of what you pay at tire rack..

also adjust your windshield nozzles so that they don't spray your roof but do cover the far ends of your windshield bc if they windshield is dry no wiper will clean the gunk off..

[malecoke]

Rain-X is definitely hit and miss. Some people love it, some people absolutely hate it. Personally I can't stand it.

Nothing replaces really good quality blades.

rainx is like god to me.....i swear by it :D

[skidz88]

Seems a bit excessive to me. I change mine like every 2-3 years...


2-3 years is wayyyy too long, but whatever works for you. I just like to keep my wipers(Rain-X) new so they don't leave any streaks.


Oh and I also use the yellow Rain-X washer fluid.

[itsmyways]

I learned a lot~ Thanks all!

Today I changed a Michelin's wiper blade (driver's seat). It's amazing!! compared to my old one! I think that's the problem. Feel so happy to get this problem solved~~ YA~~ I think I should get another blade for my passenger's seat side :)

Thank you all once again~~~

[craftsman]

I learned a lot~ Thanks all!

Today I changed a Michelin's wiper blade (driver's seat). It's amazing!! compared to my old one! I think that's the problem. Feel so happy to get this problem solved~~ YA~~ I think I should get another blade for my passenger's seat side :)

Thank you all once again~~~

Did you get the actual blade or the refill?

Too many people think that they need to purchase the whole assembly when only the rubber part needs to be changed every so often (depending on wear). The rubber part is usually only 2 to 3 bucks a piece where the whole assembly is 10 to 15 bucks each.


As for your original question - I've noticed that a lot of people say "I wouldn't" or "that's probably not a good idea" or "that could hurt the paint". It seems that very few who responded are speaking from what they believe and not actual experience....

Automobile windshield washer fluid has two active ingredients - detergent and anti-freeze. Detergent to clean and anti-freeze to keep it from freezing. The rest of it is water. About a year ago, there were many reports stating that high levels of anti-freeze fumes were found in passenger compartments of cars particularly in the winter time. Where did these fumes come from? Windshield washer fluid. Excessive use of the stuff combined with the air drawn in from the vents (usually near the front of the windshield) caused high levels of Ethylene Glycol to be found in the air blown into the car... Ethylene Glycol causes crystals to form in the kidneys and may result in kidney failure.

Since the anti-freeze part of washer fluid is needed in the winter time only, reducing it's use in the summer time will reduce our exposure to the stuff. I've used water mixed with a little hand dishwashing soap in the late winter/spring/summer and early fall. For the rest of year, I use the regular washer fluid in order to get the freezing point of the fluid back down to cover the windchill freezing the stuff on the windshield.

How much dishwashing soap? A very small amount is needed - a couple of drops per cup or two of water. Enough so that it cuts the grease from the roads but not enough to sud up the place. However, not all dishwashing soap is the same according to my findings from postings on the net. Most industrial window washing crews use "Dawn" for it's low cost and effectiveness. So, I use it as well.

Does it strip the paint? Nope. After all if it does, it's not really food safe now is it. Does it bubble up? Only if your concentration is too high. Does it lower my exposure to anti-freeze? I hope so. Is it a greener solution? Yes since less anti-freeze is in the environment.

[IoannI]

Thanks for your information. I will go to CT to take a look. Another question: could you explain why you'll never use this kind of antifreeze washer fluid? It might hurt the windshield or is just because you don't have the same problem I have?

Thanks a lot!!

I had a similar problem with my Corolla but I replaced my windshield wipers and it fixed the problem. Right now normal washer fluid is cutting it for me with my Corolla as well as my Uplander Work Van.

Also I've never ever used any washer fluid with detergent in it. Of course there is a tiny bit in but not as much. Like KorruptioN mentioned above "You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner". Plus I've worked way to hard on my Corolla to have the paint and/or finish ruined, since its a pretty fresh paint job. As well as my Uplander work van, its not mine. Its a company vehicle, I get in trouble if I damage it in any sort of way. Plus I don't even know what it would do to my wiper blades.

I also think that its just a money making thing. That its just the same thing as your ordinary washer fluid only with a differnt color. I believe this because I've used many different brands of Washer fluid. From the dirt cheap stuff that I've picked up for a buck to the more expensive washer fluid. And they have done pretty much the same job, I have not noticed much of a difference in performance.

[robertalan]

Rain-X is definitely hit and miss. Some people love it, some people absolutely hate it. Personally I can't stand it.

Nothing replaces really good quality blades.

I bought a case of Rain-X on sale at Cdn Tire based on the rave reviews in an earlier thread this winter here at RFD.

It sucks.

Leaves such goopy streaks on the windshield, that I gave the other 3 bottles away to an enemy of mine, and went back to the standard fluid, and I can see again!

[l69norm]

.....Does it strip the paint? Nope. After all if it does, it's not really food safe now is it. ....

I think he really means "strip the wax from the paint" and yes; since dish soap is great at removing any oil based product, it can take wax off of paint if the concentration is high enough.

[itsmyways]

Did you get the actual blade or the refill?

Too many people think that they need to purchase the whole assembly when only the rubber part needs to be changed every so often (depending on wear). The rubber part is usually only 2 to 3 bucks a piece where the whole assembly is 10 to 15 bucks each.



Hi, craftsman. Many thank for your info and experience. It really helps.

What you do is what I wanted to do at the beginning. But, I am living in Toronto and the weather changes a lot so my friends suggested me not to do that. But, I think I might try to do that in the summer.

About your questions, I bought a whole assembly from Costco. I didn't see any blade rubber refill for sale. Where can I buy it? I would like to try that for my passenger side to save some money~~

[robertalan]

Hi, craftsman. Many thank for your info and experience. It really helps.

What you do is what I wanted to do at the beginning. But, I am living in Toronto and the weather changes a lot so my friends suggested me not to do that. But, I think I might try to do that in the summer.

About your questions, I bought a whole assembly from Costco. I didn't see any blade rubber refill for sale. Where can I buy it? I would like to try that for my passenger side to save some money~~

Walmart used to sell the refills, but I haven't seen them there in a year or so.

[itsmyways]

I had a similar problem with my Corolla but I replaced my windshield wipers and it fixed the problem. Right now normal washer fluid is cutting it for me with my Corolla as well as my Uplander Work Van.

Also I've never ever used any washer fluid with detergent in it. Of course there is a tiny bit in but not as much. Like KorruptioN mentioned above "You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner". Plus I've worked way to hard on my Corolla to have the paint and/or finish ruined, since its a pretty fresh paint job. As well as my Uplander work van, its not mine. Its a company vehicle, I get in trouble if I damage it in any sort of way. Plus I don't even know what it would do to my wiper blades.

I also think that its just a money making thing. That its just the same thing as your ordinary washer fluid only with a differnt color. I believe this because I've used many different brands of Washer fluid. From the dirt cheap stuff that I've picked up for a buck to the more expensive washer fluid. And they have done pretty much the same job, I have not noticed much of a difference in performance.

HA~ My car is also Corolla. But one thing I noticed is that the rubber of Michelin wiper is much thicker than the one on the car and it really works well. So I think the quality of wipers really has a difference.

[tugzy]

Don't. You don't know if it'll strip paint or harm the finish in some manner. Get the proper fluid for the season.


Ummmm, you should research that household detergents are no where near as harsh as detergents used in touchless carwashes. Go into a touchless wash and you will find solvents that have very high alkalinity and are very corrosive. Destructive for your plastic trim, vinyl and tires...

TO the OP: change your wiper blades for best results. You can add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to your washer fluid and it may help in cleaning road grime, bugs and bird droppings. Dont add too much dish detergent as it might blow bubbles as you spray the windshield.

[Robmic]

wa.... Then I gotta change my blades first... Maybe that's the main reason.
Thanks for your great help.

Try cleaning them with alcohol first

[craftsman]

I think he really means "strip the wax from the paint" and yes; since dish soap is great at removing any oil based product, it can take wax off of paint if the concentration is high enough.

Ahhh... Thats why I stated a little bit of dish soap. If you add too much, you will also get bubbles across your windshield. Neither the stripped paint or a bubble bath is something you want when driving...

[craftsman]

About your questions, I bought a whole assembly from Costco. I didn't see any blade rubber refill for sale. Where can I buy it? I would like to try that for my passenger side to save some money~~

Almost any automotive store will sell refills. Just ask them for wiper refills. They will come in assorted lengths and two thickness. Just get the right length (you might have to cut it to the right size) and the right thickness.

[IoannI]

HA~ My car is also Corolla. But one thing I noticed is that the rubber of Michelin wiper is much thicker than the one on the car and it really works well. So I think the quality of wipers really has a difference.

The quality of the wipers always makes a difference. The quality of anything in general always make a big difference.