DIY Rain-X

It feels like we have had a lot of rain dumped on us recently. I know, it's normal for spring, and we do need the rain, but as weather goes, it's not my favorite.

I'm especially not a fan of driving in the rain. Somehow, even with wipers that work well, headlights, and a clean windshield, it feels like my vision is definitely compromised. 

A few weeks ago I got my car washed (while it was nice and sunny) and upgraded to the package that included a little more detail. Naturally, within hours, we were in the middle of an unpredicted shower, and I noticed that my visibility was much better than usual. Turns out that the extra service had included treating my windshield with Rain-X. I was an instant convert. I barely needed my wipers as the rain just beaded up and rolled away.

The Rain-X treatment kept my windshield looking great in all kinds of weather for a while, but during yet another rainy day I noticed that it was starting to wear off. I had meant to pick some up, but never got around to it, and now I felt like I needed it now. 

Can you make DIY Rain-X? 

Turns out you can. Just a little bit of research turned up plenty of recipes, from complicated mixes that looked like you'd need to be a chemist, to rubbing a potato over your windshield (didn't try that one) to simple and easy. I started with one of the easiest mixes. It's cheap, it's easy, most of us have everything we need already at home, and it's just as effective.

1. Make a solution of two cups water and one cup baking soda. Mix well.
2. Make sure your windshield is CLEAN and DRY. 
3. Apply some of the solution to a microfiber cloth and rub onto the windshield.
4. Use the microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess.