Smelly Squirters

[sanzomat]

One of my windscreen washer jets was aiming badly. This was pointed out at my recent MOT but only a verbal. Whilst re-aiming it today I couldn't help but notice the fluid was stinking! It struck me that I hadn't topped it up so the fluid in there came with the car. I'm guessing this may be an issue for many of us who tend to mostly use the car in fine weather so don't get through a lot of fluid. I'm always reluctant to squirt whilst the top is down and I'm glad I hadn't!

Looking into the lid of the washer reservoir there was actually strands of black gooey stuff growing in there and the stench was awful, like something had crawled in there and died. I removed the whole reservoir, emptied it, sterilised it with Milton fluid (left it to soak for half an hour), rinsed out several times in case the Milton bleaches the gel coat, tank back on and filled up with fresh fluid.

All works nicely again and smells sweet.

If you've not checked the state of your fluid for a while it might be worth having a sniff - can't imagine what the health risks might be of spraying that stuff in your face (or, one of my pet hates when riding a motorcycle) the face of a following biker...

I'm fully expecting a string of innuendo related replies so let rip...

[benchmark51]

It isn't a windscreen washer at all. It's a cyclist squirter 

[longtimecoming]

I've always said it is not good practice to squirt with your top down. The wind could easily blown it back in your face. 

[Facial Hair Optional]

Easy solution... get aeroscreens and get rid of the windscreen, the wipers, the motor etc, Think of the weight saving, it could knock at least 2 seconds off your 0 to 60 time!!
Alternatively I find Davidoff Joop or Extreme by Paul Smith rather nice, plus they take the skin off your face so your car will smell gert lush babs and it may keep the pipes clean as well!! 

['The Gaffer']

Smelly Squirters

[longtimecoming]

A small amount of a well known  floor washing liquid does the same job and smells like a . In fact anything with Ammonia in it will do it.

[Iancider]

Here's a more complicated answer....

That was Black algae in there and exactly the stuff you get in showers - it will actually feeds on detergent and become gelatinous - enough to actually bock jets as happened on my wife's car. 

Domestic detergent is really bad stuff because housewives like lots of foam.  It has long chain molecules to make lots of bubbles which have nothing to do with being good detergent and that stuff turns into GOO with the action of Bacteria.  AJax Floor cleaner is excellent for washers because it is strong detergent with ammonia and it cuts grease and fly swats brilliantly and you can enjoy Lavendar or Lemon scents. 

The worst possible is Fairy Washing up liquid.  There will be more foam than an airport fire engine - you will obviously loose all vision crash and die in a sea of Bubbles.  But hey look on the bright side - it will be a clean death and you wont need embalming!

Ian