Many drivers are always on the lookout for ways to cut down on motoring costs—and one trick that often comes up is swapping proper screen wash for plain water. It might seem like a harmless shortcut, especially if you're low and just need a quick top-up. But is it really a good idea?
You may know that UK law requires your washer fluid to be capable of keeping your windscreen clear—so, is using plain water enough to do this?
In this blog post, we’ll unpack the risks of using water as screen wash and answer common questions we often see, like: “Can I use water as screen wash?”, “Is antifreeze a screen wash?”, and “What can I use if I have no screen wash?”
Let’s get into it.
What Is Screen Wash For?
The purpose of screen wash is simple: to help clear your windscreen and maintain visibility while driving. It’s the fluid sprayed through your washer jets to help wiper blades remove dirt, bugs, road grime, and other obstructions.
Can I Use Water as Screen Wash?
To put it simply: no. Using water alone might help remove light dust or loose dirt, but it’s not effective against traffic grime, grease, insect splatter, or oily film, as water lacks the ingredients that make screen wash work—like surfactants and degreasers.
That being said, water on its own is neither sufficient to clean the windscreen effectively, nor does it perform the other essential functions of screen wash. That makes it both a poor cleaning choice and a risky one.
The Real Problems with Using Just Water as Screen Wash
Using plain water instead of screen wash can cause more harm than good. Here’s why it’s a risky shortcut:
1. It Can Freeze and Damage Your Washer System
This is the biggest issue. Water freezes at 0°C, which is common during UK winters. When that happens, it can block washer jets and pipes—or even crack the reservoir. To avoid this, it’s best to use screen wash with antifreeze properties. That’s why our tablets are made with anti-freeze salts to keep things running smoothly in colder months.
2. It Lacks Lubrication
Screen wash helps your wipers glide smoothly across the windscreen. Water doesn’t. Without it, the wipers may jerk, squeak, wear out faster, and leave annoying streaks behind.
3. It Can Clog Your System
Regular tap water contains minerals that leave behind limescale. Over time, this can block your jets, reduce spray pressure, and affect the performance of your windscreen washer system.
4. It Breeds Bacteria
When water is left sitting in your washer bottle, stagnant fluid can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. This doesn’t just cause foul odours—it may pose a health risk, especially if spray droplets are pulled into your car’s air vents.
Now That We’ve Cleared That Up…
Let’s bust a few other common questions around screen wash.
Is Antifreeze a Screen Wash?
No. Antifreeze for engines and screen wash for windscreens are formulated differently. Engine antifreeze is toxic and can damage paint, rubber seals, and your washer system. So always use a proper screen wash product that’s safe for automotive glass and designed for washer systems.
Can I Use White Vinegar as Screen Wash?
It might sound like a natural alternative, but we don’t recommend it.
White vinegar is acidic and may damage paint, rubber, or the internal components of your washer system over time. Plus, the smell isn’t exactly pleasant when sprayed onto your screen.
What Can I Use If I Have No Screen Wash?
If you're in a pinch and don’t have any proper screen wash left, avoid using just water or homemade alternatives. Instead, consider using windscreen washer tablets—they’re compact and easy to store. Just one dissolves in water to make 5L of high-performance screen wash.
End Note: Is Water an Effective Alternative to Screen Wash?
It may clear light dirt—but it’s a bad idea. Screen wash does a lot more than just rinse your screen. It contains cleaning agents and antifreeze components designed to break down oily residue, dissolve stubborn dirt, and prevent the fluid from freezing in cold temperatures. Proper screen wash also helps extend the lifespan of your car’s windscreen washer system.
Next time your washer bottle is running low, don’t reach for the tap. Reach for proper screen wash—or even better, get ahead of the problem with eco friendly screen wash tablets from Screen Wash King that can be delivered free, straight to your door next day. Or you may also subscribe for a refill plan so you never have to worry.