Why go spending money and buying chemicals when you don’t have to? I show you how to make liquid deicer easily and discuss the different recipes.
Here on my site, I want you to stay safe, and, one way to do that is to ensure your vision is not obscured by ice on the windshield. Save yourself some money by using my homemade de-icer while you’re enduring the cold and frosty winter months.
Forget all about those store-bought products, my homemade windshield de-icer mixes work just as well.
Read on for how to make your own deicer.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Homemade De-Icer For A Windshield
Although homemade deicer fluid may not work as quickly as the spray or ice melts you can buy online, it does work. Allowing you to save money, while still reducing the amount of scraping that you have to do. Maybe you’ve woken up to a layer of snow instead of just the forecast frost, check out my blog on how to melt snow faster.
Does Homemade Windshield De-icer Spray Really Work?
We all know about using rock salt, sand, and even kitty litter to help either melt ice or give you traction on the paths and driveways.
But what about the cars, can it be just as simple, Yes, but there are some basic guidelines you need to follow when using a DIY windshield defroster.
Do
- Always use a spray bottle for an even distribution of the solution
- Keep your ice scraper handy for the extra thick layers of ice
- Wipe off any excess
- Clearly label the homemade windshield de-icer spray
Don’t
- Personally, I always avoid using salt as this can corrode the car’s bodywork
- Never use hot water on your car windshield, this can cause it to crack
- Avoid spraying too much
- Remember Isopropyl alcohol vapor (rubbing alcohol) is highly flammable. Always keep away from sparks and naked flames
How To Prevent Ice From Forming On A Windshield
I have heard it said that the oil created by rubbing onions on glass windows will stop ice forming, I’m not too sure. Personally, I have never tried this method, it sounds far too messy for my liking.
Truth be known, there are no foolproof methods to prevent ice 100%, but there is a way to reduce the chances of it happening.
If the weather forecast is for freezing temperatures make up a mixture of 3 parts apple cider vinegar and 1 part water. Because vinegar actually freezes at a lower temperature than water, by spraying this solution on your windscreen you may reduce the chance of ice. Of course, that’s if it doesn’t rain or dry too quickly.
Homemade de-icers can also be used to prevent ice dams and are a good alternative to using roof rakes on solid ice on your roof or in your gutters.
Another good tip for helping more than preventing is to park facing east. If the sun is up before you then it will have started the deicing process for you.
The best preventive measure you can take is to cover your windshield with an automotive snow and ice cover. These are not too expensive and some are also great for protection from the sun during the summer months.
How To Make Liquid Deicer
These are the DIY windshield de-icer recipes that I use personally, depending on what I have in the house at the time.
Rubbing Alcohol & Water For Your Windshield
Rubbing alcohol and water for a homemade de-icer spray is probably the most popular solution. It is effective,
- Wear protective gloves when mixing the ingredients
- Mix one part water to 2 parts rubbing alcohol, add 1 tsp dish soap in a spray bottle
- Spray evenly onto the windows and wait a short while
- Use a plastic windshield scraper or squeegee to wipe away the melting ice and any excess mixture.
Vodka
Yes, I am serious, vodka can act as a replacement for isopropyl alcohol, the higher the proof the better. And, because it naturally contains less alcohol, you can use a less diluted mixture.
Definitely, an emergency option as this is not the cheap method, but if it’s all you’ve got, why not.
- Mix 2 parts vodka with 1/2 part water and 1 tsp dish soap in a spray bottle
- Spray evenly over the windshield and wait for it to take effect
- Use a plastic ice scraper or squeegee to remove any excess
Salt Water Vs Baking Soda
To be honest, using rock salt (or any calcium chloride) is not my favorite method. It can be toxic to plants and cause corrosion on vehicles.
Baking soda is a less corrosive alternative but you will have to wait longer for it to take effect.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
I hope you have a wonderful winter and Jack Frost doesn’t bite too hard. To help you further, I will answer a few of the questions that I get asked the most concerning deicers for windshields.
Does vinegar melt ice on a driveway?
Pouring vinegar on your driveway will not melt any ice that is formed. But, although this may not be a de-icing solution for your driveway, it can help prevent ice from forming.
Is liquid deicer bad for your car?
In general, a liquid deicer is not bad for your car. However, always check the list of ingredients as prolonged use of salt or rubbing alcohol may cause damage to the surface of your paintwork.
What is the liquid they put on the roads?
In most states, the liquid used on roads for ice is a solution of rock salt and magnesium chloride (brine). However, more and more states are now experimenting with less harmful alternatives.
Not only can this brine affect the local flora and fauna from runoff, but it may also cause corrosion to vehicles.
Conclusion
Winter can throw all types of ice and snow our way causing us to pull out the snow blowers and snow shovels. In fact, we can find ourselves doing all sorts of hard work that we are not accustomed to. Make sure you avoid injury while clearing snow and stay safe on the road by fitting tire chains.
It’s always a good idea to know a recipe for homemade deicing sprays ready for the icy winter weather. By doing this you will not only avoid using harsh chemicals but, reduce plastic waste and be eco-friendly.
