Can You Make DIY Windshield Washer Fluid with 2-Butoxyethanol?

[DumDum82]

I've been thinking of making DIY Windshield washer fluid. I was planning to source some 2-Butoxyethanol and mix it in with a 1% dilution with distilled or demineralised water (whichever I can get my hands on). Do you think that should make a good summer windshield washing fluid or am I missing something?

Is there something better than the 2-butoxyethanol I can use?
Thanks.

 

[SteamKing]

I've been thinking of making DIY Windshield washer fluid. I was planning to source some 2-Butoxyethanol and mix it in with a 1% dilution with distilled or demineralised water (whichever I can get my hands on). Do you think that should make a good summer windshield washing fluid or am I missing something?

Is there something better than the 2-butoxyethanol I can use?
Thanks.

Why this particular chemical? This stuff is hazardous to handle.

If you just got to make your own, here are some alternatives:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Windshield-Washer-Fluid

 

[DumDum82]

Thanks for the response!
Well, I'm also considering coming up with my own product to sell to my detailing clients. I want it to be professional - grade. If it turns out great, I'll package it and offer it to my customers.

 

[SteamKing]

Thanks for the response!
Well, I'm also considering coming up with my own product to sell to my detailing clients. I want it to be professional - grade. If it turns out great, I'll package it and offer it to my customers.

You should do more research on the chemicals you plan to use.

Your potential customers would not appreciate being exposed to a suspected carcinogen, I expect:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/butoxyethanol/

 

[rbelli1]

2-Butoxyethanol has been used in many household and industrial cleaning products including Windex and the various knockoffs. Windex has been switched to 2-Hexoxyethanol. Does anyone know about this new solvent?

RE Carcinogen:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427404004655
There is evidence that it causes cancer in rats. They (the EPA) have yet to determine if it is a valid mechanism in humans.

BoB

 

[symbolipoint]

Thanks for the response!
Well, I'm also considering coming up with my own product to sell to my detailing clients. I want it to be professional - grade. If it turns out great, I'll package it and offer it to my customers.

You should do more research on the chemicals you plan to use.

Your potential customers would not appreciate being exposed to a suspected carcinogen, I expect:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/butoxyethanol/

Companies already exist which are prepared to do this.

 

[AgentSmith]

I've been thinking of making DIY Windshield washer fluid. I was planning to source some 2-Butoxyethanol and mix it in with a 1% dilution with distilled or demineralised water (whichever I can get my hands on). Do you think that should make a good summer windshield washing fluid or am I missing something?

Is there something better than the 2-butoxyethanol I can use?
Thanks.

Add some vinegar to water, add a fragrance. Try different mixing ratios. No carcinogens. Can you imagine trying to sell windshield washer fluid with 2-butoxyethanol in it in California?

 

[rootone]

Yeah, dilute white vinegar, add just a dash of some detergent/surfactant (washingup liquid), and why not, sure, a bit of fragrance for the feelgood factor, if this is to be a commercial product.

 

[symbolipoint]

Add some vinegar to water, add a...Can you imagine trying to sell windshield washer fluid with 2-butoxyethanol in it in California?

Easily! It is called "butyl cellosolve" and is very common in window cleaners.