A frozen windscreen can throw a wrench into your day as you’re scrambling to get out of the house in a hurry. You don’t have time to wait around for the defroster to thaw it, but you can’t hit the road until you can see clearly.

That’s why you need a quality car de-icer. But if you don’t have one on hand, will windshield washer fluid work in a pinch? It’s possible. You need to understand the nuances between de-icer vs windshield washer fluid, though.

We get asked all the time: can you use windshield washer fluid as ice melt? What about vice versa? The short answer is that each of these products is designed for a specific purpose and should be limited to that application.

But whether you need car screenwash or windscreen de-icer, Jennychem has you covered with top-tier formulations. Shop today and make sure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way on the road!

What is De-Icer?

This chemical solution helps you get on the road quickly and safely when winter’s freezing chill takes a grip on your windshield. It can also be used on other windows and even locks when your door is frozen shut.

De-icer lowers the freezing point of water, melting the ice on contact and preventing it from re-forming in freezing conditions. But is it safe? Is de-icer bad for your car? Not at all!

It contains alcohol-based compounds like ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol, each of which works rapidly to dissolve ice without damaging glass. In fact, understanding how to de-ice car windows can save time and prevent unnecessary scraping, so you don’t have to stress about scratched glass.

You’ll find it in different forms, including aerosol sprays, liquid sprays, and concentrated solutions. Aerosols provide even coverage, while liquid sprays give you more control. Some formulations even come with hydrophobic additives to repel future frost buildup.

What these formulations don’t do, though, is clean your windscreen. That’s where car screenwash comes in, so let’s look at the other half of the de-icer vs windshield washer fluid comparison below.

What is Windshield Washer Fluid?

A dirty, streaky windscreen can be just as dangerous as one that’s frozen solid. It still compromises your vision, especially when the sun hits it just right. 

That’s why all modern vehicles are equipped with a windshield washing system, and the fluid you put in that system is known as either screenwash or windshield washer fluid. 

Whatever you call it, it serves the same purpose of removing dirt, bugs, grime, and road debris from your field of vision so you can drive safely. It contains cleaning agents, detergents, and solvents to break down tough, caked on grime that the sun may have baked into the glass.

One of the most frustrating things is when you go to use your windscreen washer during winter, though, only to discover your screen wash frozen.

So can you put antifreeze in screenwash to prevent this? You don’t have to - there are winter formulas that contain methanol or ethanol-based antifreeze to help you avoid this problem altogether!

Meanwhile, summer-specific formulas do a better job of eliminating dirt, pollen, and bugs. There are also all-season blends for a balance between each style. 

Be clear, though. These winter washer fluids do not contain strong enough de-icing agents to melt thick ice. Applying it to your windscreen when it’s frozen solid won’t make a difference. That said, let’s highlight the differences between de-icer vs windshield washer fluid below.

De-Icer vs Windshield Washer Fluid: Key Differences to Consider

Ultimately, you need both de-icer and windshield washer fluid in your vehicle maintenance arsenal. They serve distinct purposes and should not be used interchangeably. Comparing the two formulations makes it clear why that is.

Formulation and Ingredients

De-icer is highly concentrated in alcohols like methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol to lower the freezing point of water and rapidly dissolve ice. 

Some formulas even contain hydrophobic agents to prevent refreezing, allowing you to apply the product before cold conditions are expected so that you can wake up in the morning to a clear windscreen.

In contrast, windshield washer fluid contains water, detergents, and solvents that help remove grime, bug splatter, and road salt. It’s true that some winter blends contain a low level of alcohol to prevent the product from freezing in your screenwash container, but not enough to melt ice. 

Performance in Cold Weather

De-icer is specifically designed for sub-zero temperatures so you don’t have to wonder how it works in these conditions. Our Frost Fighter spray can work down to as low as -9°C! You can get out on the road fast without compromising on vision, and in turn, safety.

On the other hand, windshield washer fluid doesn’t always work in cold weather. Freezing temperatures can turn it to ice in the reservoir or washer nozzles since water is a main ingredient. 

That’s why UK drivers need to invest in winter-specific formulas that can keep working in even the coldest conditions. There are plenty of situations where you need to wash road salt film off your windscreen during the winter, and these formulations allow for that.

This is to say you need both windscreen de-icer and screenwash for safe, convenient winter driving. You can’t afford to go without either when winter’s chill creeps in.

Safety Considerations

Just as we get asked if antifreeze is flammable, we commonly see confusion on the safety profile for de-icer and screenwash. You have nothing to worry about with most screenwashes. 

Technically, though, de-icer is somewhat flammable since it contains alcohol-based ingredients. It should be stored away from open flames or extreme heat.

It’s also more irritating if inhaled or touched compared to screenwash. You should make sure you’re handling it carefully and using it in a well-ventilated area.

Impact on Car Components

Both de-icer and washer fluid are safe for automotive glass - they’re literally designed for use on this surface. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful in some cases. Prolonged exposure of certain chemicals can take a toll on vehicle components.

For instance, de-icer can strip away protective wax coatings on your car if oversprayed, so be careful about where you’re applying it - especially if using it on door locks. 

For what it’s worth, some of these contain anti-corrosion additives to prevent any adverse impact on metal components, but others may accelerate wear on rubber seals and plastic trims with repeated use.

Meanwhile, washer fluid is gentler since it’s just a cleaning solution. Really, the only risk is streaking if it’s used improperly, especially if the wiper blades are worn. Other than that, there’s nothing to worry about.

Cost and Availability

Be clear, both of these are essential so you can’t really choose to go without one just because it’s more expensive than the other. However, there are cost discrepancies between the two.

De-icer is typically more expensive per litre than washer fluid because of its high alcohol content. Screenwash, on the other hand, is cheaper and also avialble in bulk quantities.

But either product is really accessible - remember, the best de icer for car AND the best car screen wash are right here waiting for you at Jennychem! 

Can You Use Windshield Washer Fluid as Ice Melt?

Hopefully you have a better understanding of the differences between de-icer vs windshield washer fluid. But can you technically use screenwash as ice melt? Particularly if it’s a winter blend? We still don’t recommend it.

You’re not necessarily going to cause any damage, you’re just going to be wasting your product and your time. The ingredients simply are not designed to melt thick ice efficiently. You may be able to clear out a light frost, but ice is a different story.

Can You Use De-Icer as Windshield Washer Fluid in Summer?

What about the other side of things - can de-icer be used to clean a dirty windscreen? Definitely not. The fact that it’s a liquid solution might help clear up some dirt, There are no detergents in it so you’ll find most road grime, insect residue, and grease stays put.

But aside from not seeing results, this could actually cause more harm than good. The high alcohol concentration could evaporate quickly in summer weather and leave behind streaks that limit visibility further.

The key takeaway from our comparison of de-icer vs windshield washer fluid is this: use de-icer for melting ice, screenwash for cleaning your windshield. Don’t overcomplicate things!

Wrapping Up Our De-Icer vs Windshield Washer Fluid Comparison

While both de-icer and windshield washer fluid play important roles in keeping your vehicle safe and driveable in various conditions, those roles are very distinct. The two products should not be used interchangeably. 

You can learn more about where to put screen wash or how to create homemade de-icer in our blog if you’d like - but with the best solutions right here at Jennychem ready to help you maintain safe driving conditions year-round, it’s time to stock up.  

Keep your car ready for anything with high-quality de-icers and washer fluids from Jennychem. Browse our selection to find the perfect formula for tackling ice, frost, bug guts, road grime, and anything else you encounter behind the wheel!