Splat! A bug has landed on your windshield while you are driving, and now you need the best windshield washer fluid to clean the mess without leaving a smear that blocks your view. With all the windshield washer fluids available on the market, it can be challenging to choose which is best for bug removal. Well, not anymore because we did the research and created this list for you.
Among commercial windshield washer fluids, the following are some of the best at removing stuck-on bugs:
- Gunk M506 Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent
- Nextzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid
- Preston All-Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
- Sanco Industries Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
- CAF Outdoor Cleaning SEMPER Quick Dissolve Windshield Cleaner Mix
- Preston Bug Wash Summer Windshield Washer Fluid
- 303 Products Instant Windshield Washer Tablets
Stuck-on bugs can be tough to wipe clean, so keep reading as we describe why the washer fluids listed above are the best at removing splattered bugs from your windshield. We'll also explain how to refill the washer fluid reservoir and provide some alternatives to keep your windshield bug-free if washer fluid is not available.
Bug Removal Washer Fluids
Washer fluids keep your windshield clean for optimal visibility and safe driving. All the washer fluids we've recommended here contain ingredients to cleanse bug debris from your car's windshield. Additionally, potent cleansers remove bird droppings, dust, and grime. Several types of washer fluid are also freeze-resistant or include a de-icing ingredient for extreme winter temperatures.
All of these windshield washer fluids are 100% safe, take seconds to leave the screen spotless, and may be harsh on the bugs, but are gentle on your car's windshield and exterior finishes.
1. Gunk M506 Concentrated Windshield Washer Solvent
Concentrated windshield washer fluid by GUNK contains ammonia that dissolves bugs, as well as dirt and grime, to provide a streak-free shine. Follow instructions to dilute with either water or another type of washer fluid. GUNK is tough on bugs but gentle enough not to damage your car's finish, exterior metals, or exterior rubber.
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2. Nextzett Kristall Klarr Washer Fluid
This fluid, available on Amazon by German company Nextzett, is all you need. It's 200 times more concentrated than other washer fluids. A single bottle of Kristall Klarr can make over 12 gallons of super-reliable washer fluid. Unlike our first option, it's phosphate and ammonia-free to keep your car's plastic, paint, rubber, and chrome surfaces safe from fading or corrosion. Enjoy the fresh scent of citrus every time you spray the windshield with Nristall Klarr.
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3. Preston All-Season 3-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid
Aside from getting rid of those pesky insects, Preston's nifty product also works on ice, dirt, snow, mud, and dust. It contains de-ice components that protect against freezing down to -27 degrees Fahrenheit and melt ice fast.
You won't have to worry about glare or streaks when choosing this product because it contains a water repellent. Its mild ingredients are easy on your car and won't damage the paint. Also, its patent-pending, advanced water-beading technology makes driving even in the most severe weather possible.
Its thick, no-drip consistency makes pouring it into your ride a walk in the park on a sunny day. With an all-season guarantee, heck, get a one-time purchase, and you're good to go!
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4. Sanco Industries Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate
Sanco introduces a concentrate that can last you through numerous reservoir fillings. The Aqua Charge Windshield Washer Ultra Concentrate can create a whopping 55 gallons of premium washer fluid. A couple of ounces of the washer is all that's needed to make a powerful cleaning solution. Follow the exact instructions on the label to create the ideal ratio.
The concentrate is made of proprietary components, allowing it to power through bug residue, as well as bird droppings, road dirt, and tree sap from your windshield while providing you with a squeaky-clean windshield. Yet, since it contains no methanol, it's incredibly gentle on the glass.
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5. Qwix Mix Biodegrable Windshield Cleaner Mix
Powerful ingredients of this windshield wash combat even the most impenetrable bug stains plus grime, filth, and other remnants that are notorious for clinging to windshields without irritating your delicate glass.
This mix is environmentally-friendly, with one bottle mixing to create 55 gallons worth of washer fluid.
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6. Preston Bug Wash Summer Windshield Washer Fluid
The Summer Windshield Washer Fluid ensures that your windscreen stays bug-free throughout the summer's elements. Apart from clearing bug residue, this product is also equipped with water beading technology to keep you driving smoothly even on a rainy day. It's got a distinct and pleasant citrus scent. With the convenient lock on its cap, you can safely store this washer fluid without spills.
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7. 303 Products Instant Windshield Washer Tablets
Unlike most washer fluids, 303 comes in highly concentrated tablets that mix directly with water. Each package contains 25 tablets. For that powerful washer fluid, pop a single tablet into your reservoir. The tablets are safe to use for rubber and paint, are non-toxic, and biodegradable. It does a great job eliminating road film, dirt, and grime from your windshield too.
However, it came last on our list due to its low capacity to work some magic on bug splatter. With a little more fluid, though, you can restore cleanliness to your glass.
Click here to view this product on Amazon.
Can You Use Any Washer Fluid?
No, you can't use just any washer fluid. Some washer fluids are designed for specific environments and climates, such as the Prestone AS250, meant for winter but not the best choice for bug-removal.
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When you walk into the parts department or any automotive store searching for your vehicle's washer fluid, please read its label first. The label specifies whether the washer fluid is all-season and other particular cleaning functions. It should also show the lowest temperature the specific liquid can perform.
Can I Put Rain-X In Washer Fluid?
Yes. You can put Rain-X in washer fluid. Rain-X is an additive that you can add to your existing water fluid. It keeps your windshields clear by repelling water, thanks to the water beading technology.
How To Refill Windshield Washer Fluid?
First of all, purchase a container of windshield wiper fluid at a gas station, your local auto parts store, online, or even a big box store. Next, consult your owner's manual for any suggestions or instructions on refilling windshield fluid for your specific vehicle. You can also check the manual to determine where the wiper fluid reservoir is located.
Follow these steps:
- Pop the hood of the car.
- Locate the washer fluid reservoir, and remove the lid.
- Fill the reservoir to the fill-line by using a funnel to pour washer fluid slowly.
- Close the lid, and close the hood of the car.
- With the ignition on, or engine running, press the windshield washer fluid button to make sure fluid is running smoothly through the nozzles onto the windshield.
What Can I Use Instead of Windshield Washer Fluid?
If you are looking for an environmentally-friendly solution to windshield washer fluid, or don't have commercial fluid easily accessible, there are several options for you to make washer fluid by using ingredients found throughout your home.
Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol (or rubbing alcohol) is freeze-resistant and clears dirt off windows effortlessly. It's highly flammable, so please dilute with water; combine three cups of alcohol with a gallon of water. Rubbing alcohol does not freeze so that you can use this in cold climates.
Water
Water can be used only in climates that do not experience freezing temperatures. If you're using it in a freezing climate, a bit of isopropyl alcohol can keep it from breaking your fluid tank.
High Proof Vodka
Vodka works similarly to isopropyl alcohol. It does not freeze and should be diluted with water.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is an effective glass cleaner. It also won't freeze in cold temperatures. However, due to vinegar's acidity, it can potentially damage your car's mechanical parts or paint. Dilute one part distilled white vinegar to three parts water.
Household Glass Cleaner
Combine one part of glass cleaner to three parts water, and add a spoonful of dishwasher fluid for extra cleansing capability. This recipe is not recommended for cold climates because these ingredients can freeze.
In Closing
Hopefully, this list will help you to narrow down the available options for windshield washer fluids that contain tough, bug-removing cleaning ingredients. As you have learned, several of these fluids also contain freeze-resistant ingredients to be used as an all-weather windshield washer fluid. Do take care to read the labels before purchasing windshield washer fluid. In a pinch, you can use water and add rubbing alcohol, high proof vodka, or distilled white vinegar to create an anti-freeze fluid.
