My front washers appear blocked. Checked for leaks etc could see anything. BMW forum suggests Milton baby fluid to clear and flush out any blockages? Is this a good/safe idea??

Milton is effectively bleach. While my kids were tiny I ruined several items of clothing. Eventually we moved to a steam steriliser. After that I just got the odd scald.....

In my experience you need to first sort out what's causing the problem.

If it's just gunk in the jets then a fine needle should clear them.

Is the washer bottle clean and unobstructed?

If there's algae or gunk that looks like paper tissue in suspension then you need to drain it. If you cannot remove the bottle then syphon it out, refill and flush again. Having done that you need to check the pipes working forward from the pump. If needs be separate them and pump clean water through.

If there's a need to kill off algae or other gunk then if you're careful Milton or bog standard bleach in a well diluted solution will do. Stuff sold in homebrew shops for sterilising brew kegs is better though.

Either way the gunk will probably hide somewhere and need re treating several times.

Took us three goes at least to stop stuff that looked like water soaked bog roll from populating the washer tank of the late Mother in Law's Astra.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 25/11/2020 at 13:59

Washer systems need to be emptied, flushed and refilled every year or two, to remove the fluffy white crud which grows in the reservoir. Bugs like to eat the screenwash/ antifreeze which garages like to charge you for. Not only do the jets get blocked, the stuff leaves smears on the screen after wiping. Probably an idea to use plain water with a bit of Fairy until frost becomes a worry.

The best screenwash stuff I've found is the one VAG dealers sell. It prevents freezing, smearing anf formation of gunk, and surprisingly (given the source) isn't much more expensive than what you;d get at Halfords.

I would very strongly advise against using plain water in the screen wash system. This nothing to do with gunk, or frost but something much more harmful. The same matter as people have been told to flush water systems in buildings that are not being used - toilets, sinks, showers etc. Same applies to hotel showers if the rooms are not used often.

Stagnant water can accumulate harmful bacteria and these can cause diseases eg Legionnaires disease if breathed eg from spray. For cars a little screen wash is all that is required to kill the bugs.

My front washers appear blocked. Checked for leaks etc could see anything. BMW forum suggests Milton baby fluid to clear and flush out any blockages? Is this a good/safe idea??

I tried washing up liquid in my 2005 Golf and the washer jets never wrked again. Had to buy new ones.

Try taking the jet(s) off and see if it squirts

I'm also in the 'never heard of this issue' camp. Supermarket's own brand ready mixed washer fluid keeps everything moving nicely.