Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Mark on December 14, 2009, 07:49:44 AM

Title: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 14, 2009, 07:49:44 AM
I went to get a bottle of screen wash from the cupboard in the bathroom yesterday. I don't know why but I looked at the ingredients and saw that it contained anti-freeze  :scared:. I normally keep the cupboard closed but willow has got in there a few times  :scared: - it was winter screen wash so I'm not sure if they all contain it?

Anyway, I put the empty bottle in a public bin in the High Street.

I just wonder how many other products it is in?  I know they put it in some snow globes.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Millys Mum on December 14, 2009, 10:41:45 AM
Its abig worry at this time of year  :scared:
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: maryas on December 14, 2009, 10:43:33 AM
Thanks Mark - I'll check mine.

Mary  :hug:
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 14, 2009, 12:09:35 PM
Hmmmmmmm, I dont remember seeing contents on mine but will look............also a winter one and keep in car
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Bazsmum on December 14, 2009, 13:23:12 PM
Not 100% sure but I think its just the winter one.....Scary though!  :hug:
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Manc Cat on December 14, 2009, 13:26:30 PM
Most screen washes contain anti-freeze.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 15, 2009, 09:16:24 AM
I was also thinking there must be an easier way to de-ice the windscreen. I am terrified of using de-icer now so spent minutes with a scraper this morning - ditto at 1.20am when I went to pick OH up from the station.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Millys Mum on December 15, 2009, 10:59:05 AM
Cold water? I dont drive so dont have the worry yet.
My dad covers his windscreen
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 15, 2009, 11:03:57 AM
I haven't tried that - I wonder if it works?

The ideal thing would be to put something on the screen to stop it happening in the first place  :evillaugh:

It would probably get stolen though.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Millys Mum on December 15, 2009, 11:07:34 AM
Would they steal an old blanket or something?  :Crazy:
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 15, 2009, 11:23:14 AM
After a bit of googling, I found this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anti-Frost-Windscreen-Cover-Large/dp/B000WOV6LG/ref=pd_cp_lp_1 - There is also a cheaper PVC version. I will have to measure the windscreen but basically, they have a bit at each end that you shut the car doors on to stop it getting nicked keep it in place (especially if there is a gale  :scared: )

I saw some suggested newspaper or an old sheet but I have visions of them being blown away or sticking to the screen.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Millys Mum on December 15, 2009, 11:25:34 AM
Worth a go  ;D
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 15, 2009, 11:29:08 AM
It has to be worth a fiver to save having to stand in the freezing cold scraping ice - which at the moment is at least twice a day. Even worse when there is thick snow & ice.

Only a couple of months ago I saw something in Lidl that looked like an oven glove with a scraper attached - I thought it was ridiculous but now not so sure  :shify: - anyway, prevention has to be better than cure?

Also anything that avoid having to use antifreeze has to be worth a go. Not sure about the back and side windows though  :evillaugh: - We don't have a garage and a full-size cover probably isn't practical.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Millys Mum on December 15, 2009, 11:47:33 AM
Autotrader says

Quote
If you run out of de-icer spray, you can use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar as an alternative.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 15, 2009, 13:24:51 PM
Autotrader says

Quote
If you run out of de-icer spray, you can use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar as an alternative.

I bet Kim & Aggie say white vinegar  :evillaugh: (I bet it doesn't smell either  :evillaugh: )
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Karon on December 15, 2009, 15:23:17 PM
Would they steal an old blanket or something?  :Crazy:

Yup, someone took a striped sheet off our car - it was held in by the doors, too, so they must have made some effort to get it off.  I drove round the corner to find my sheet covering someone else's car.   :censored:  I noticed they didn't offer to scrape the ice off my car though!  I don't like using the de-icer spray on the windscreen so usually try to get OH to do any scraping needed.

If I'm taking the newer car I just put the heater on and wait about 1 minute ;)   But if I'm taking the other, older car I think I'll have to start it an hour before I want to drive it so it thaws out.   Must remember to cover them both over this week - I'll have to see if I can find something even more tasteless than a stripey sheet to put over them.
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: clarenmax on December 15, 2009, 15:42:02 PM
Just using cold water does work just fine, I do that when its really icy, as long as you get the windscreen wipers going front and back, it doesn't re-freeze.

I tried using an old bath sheet once, what a bad idea, it stuck loads of hairy micro-bits to my windscreen, which was more annoying than the ice  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Antifreeze in Screenwash
Post by: Mark on December 15, 2009, 15:42:30 PM
Found a betterware one that has suction cups - worth gambling £5 to see how long it stays put  :evillaugh: http://www.betterware.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?pid=035641&cid=192&language=en-GB