Rinse aid in my washer bottle

[Mark R]

I had long used dishwasher rinse aid in the final rinse water when washing my cars (it makes the water run right off, avoiding water marks and makes drying a lot easier). After all, how do you think dishwashers get your glassware so crystal clear; it's just clever chemistry in the rinse aid.

Anyway, I realised that rinse aid is primarily made from neutral non-ionic surfactants, which are incredibly benign and safe compounds. Unlike most domestic detergents (which are anionic surfactants) which necessarily contain sodium which is a major promoter of corrosion (and some detergents notably dish-soaps contain large amounts of salt to thicken and stabilise the mixture), non-ionic surfactants don't need to contain corrosive cations.

So, I thought I'd try a tablespoon in half a gallon of washer water. I have to say I was impressed; less streaking and a smoother wipe than generic screenwash solutions, plus it's a load cheaper than buying proper screenwash concentrates.

Only issue is that there's no anti-freeze in it, but that's fine for the Summer months.

 

[Throckmorton]

Interesting... is that what they use for the spot free rinse at car washes?


I hate methanol because it's extremely toxic. You could use isopropyl or ethanol (everclear) instead but I would check that it doesn't react with the dishwasher stuff.

 

[disappoint]

Most rinse agents are just acid. You can use white vinegar in the right proportions to accomplish the same thing. It's safe if you dilute it enough. How effective it is depends on how hard your water is. You can also use water filters to prevent spotting.

 

[Gillbot]

I was going to suggest vinegar.

 

[phucheneh]

I just use the jug of blue stuff that costs a dollar. It's got blue in it.

Seriously, though, the cheap stuff has always worked fine for me. Doesn't streak, even with crap wipers. Just don't use straight water, and watch out for shops doing the same*.

*it's, technically, according to someone, 'washer fluid.' But it is had one of two ways: either they fill a big ~55 gallon drum with water, and put in a pint or two of additive, tops...or they have a jug of concentrate and everyone mixes their own, a gallon at a time. Usually in a ratio of about 1:100 (tops).

I don't feel either is adequate. Way too dillute, even when mixed to supplier's spec. And most people make it weaker (they just want it to have a blue tint and not look like water).

 

[kitatech]

Clorox Green Works All Purpose Cleaner works for me...a couple ounces to a gallon of water....in Florida here, the no freeze zone.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Whatever VW uses as a factory fill smelled really good, the BMW one is not far off.

Otherwise Rain-X Bug Off FTW (Living in Florida anyway)

 

[olds]

I've always used Rain X on the windshield. I have to reapply it a couple times a winter but I seldom even have to use my wipers. The water just runs off the windshield.

 

[Throckmorton]

I just use the jug of blue stuff that costs a dollar. It's got blue in it.

Seriously, though, the cheap stuff has always worked fine for me. Doesn't streak, even with crap wipers. Just don't use straight water, and watch out for shops doing the same*.

*it's, technically, according to someone, 'washer fluid.' But it is had one of two ways: either they fill a big ~55 gallon drum with water, and put in a pint or two of additive, tops...or they have a jug of concentrate and everyone mixes their own, a gallon at a time. Usually in a ratio of about 1:100 (tops).

I don't feel either is adequate. Way too dillute, even when mixed to supplier's spec. And most people make it weaker (they just want it to have a blue tint and not look like water).

Except it's extremely toxic. Even breathing the fumes is toxic. Methanol destroys the optic nerves... it's just a question of how much you get exposed to.