So the little formula I created has caused me nothing but problems in terms of windshield washing. I thought it was ok for the first few days, but the combined smell of the isopropyl with the vent open and the lack of washing ability (the main criteria) has led me to think I need to leave the engineering to the pros. So until someone spends the time to figure out what you really need to get the job done well, then we'll be at the mercy of the blue stuff.
Posted by ramk at June 14, 2003 11:23 AM
macgyver aint got nothin on the captain!!
May want to try:
32 oz bottle + 12 oz Isopropyl Alcohol + 1 oz distilled white vinegar + auto shampoo (dishwashing detergent is bad because if the liquid gets onto the painted parts of your car it strips the wax off).
I have nothing to say for this formula, I just saw it on the car detailing website I'm on. I'm sure the smell issue won't go away, but it may clean better. Also, you have to consider the impact of the wipers on your tests. You need to try wiping them off and maybe even replacing them.
Posted by: Akash at June 18, 2003 03:50 AMWow, that's 37.5% alcohol. Interesting with the vinegar though. Maybe I'll have to miz some up sometime. I'll have to find some auto shampoo though...
Posted by: Ram at June 20, 2003 10:06 AMHere's something you could try:
1 14-1/2-oz. can chicken broth
3/4 cup frozen Florida Orange Juice Concentrate, thawed
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. Jamaican jerk seasoning
4 tsp. cornstarch
Green onion brushes (optional - see note)*
In a nonmetallic bowl, stir together chicken broth, orange juice concentrate, vinegar, and jerk seasoning. Cover and chill half of the mixture for sauce. Rinse fluid container; pat dry. In a plastic bag set in a shallow dish combine remaining orange mixture. Close bag and chill for 2 to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally to distribute washer fluid.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine the remaining chilled orange mixture with cornstarch. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Combine with fluid prepared above. If desired, garnish with green onion brushes. Serves 6.
* To make green onion brush garnish, slice roots from end of a green onion and remove most of the green portion. Make slashes at both ends of the onion piece for fringes. Place in ice water to curl the ends.
I hope this helps. I've never worried about dirty windows since!
Posted by: Jane Goodall at June 22, 2003 02:38 AMSomeone stole a recipe without even citing the source! Bad Alex (or Martin).
http://www.gourmetspot.com/recipes/chicken/caribbeangrilled.htm
Posted by: Ram at June 24, 2003 05:25 PMI found out how to make washer fluid. I dont remember where I found this. I also, havn't tried it yet, so I'm not sure if it works. If you get to try it before me, please email me and let me know if it actually works. Thanks.
2 cups
(500 ml) rubbing alcohol
70% isopropyl alcohol mixture
1 cup
(250 ml) household ammonia
2 Tbsp
(20 g) dishwashing liquid
3+ quarts
(3000+ ml) water to make
1 gallon
(or 4 liters)
3-4drops
(1 ml) bluing (just for color)
may be omitted
1) Mix all ingredients in a 1 gallon (4 liter) plastic jug.
2) Done. Use liquid to fill window washer fluid tank on cars.
RATING
Difficulty: easy.
Time: 2 minutes.
Precision: approximate measurement OK.
I wonder what the ammonia would do to car wax/paint? Just a thought.
Posted by: wuz2blu at March 25, 2004 04:19 AM