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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the creation of DIY windshield washer fluid using 2-Butoxyethanol, with a proposed dilution of 1% in distilled or demineralized water. Concerns arise regarding the safety of 2-Butoxyethanol, as it is considered hazardous and potentially carcinogenic, prompting suggestions for safer alternatives. Participants recommend using a mixture of vinegar and water, possibly with a small amount of detergent and fragrance, to create a non-toxic product. The conversation also touches on the intention to develop a professional-grade product for detailing clients, emphasizing the importance of researching chemical safety and consumer health implications. Overall, the consensus leans towards avoiding 2-Butoxyethanol due to its risks and exploring safer, effective alternatives for windshield washer fluid.
DumDum82
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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.
 
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DumDum82 said:
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
 
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.
 
DumDum82 said:
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/
 
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
 
DumDum82 said:
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 said:
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.
 
DumDum82 said:
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?
 
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.
 
AgentSmith said:
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.
 

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