De-Ice Your Windshield And Windows The Easy Way

Four low-cost hacks to make frosty mornings much easier.

Scraping ice off your windshield, windows, and mirrors is a tedious way to start the day. Sure, you can buy products to deal with the issue, but these DIY money savers are just as effective.

1. Make your own ice-melting spray. Get an inexpensive spray bottle (you can usually find them at the dollar store) and a bottle of rubbing alcohol (16 ounces of isopropyl alcohol usually costs about $8). Mix one part water with two parts rubbing alcohol (e.g., mix 1/3 cup of water with 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol) and pour into the spray bottle. Spray it on your iced-over windshield and windows and watch ice disappear. Why does this work? Isopropyl alcohol freezes at about -130°F. So even if it’s mixed with water, it will still remain liquid under most circumstances.


2. Use kitty litter. Do you already carry a bag of litter in your car in case you have to add traction to a slick surface? Then you’re ahead of the game because the solution to condensation that freezes to the inside of your windshield is right inside your vehicle. Give yourself bonus points if it’s the type of litter that has silica – it’s one of the most efficient materials for reducing ambient moisture in an enclosed area. Pour the litter into a nylon stocking to make a long tube, then put the filled stocking inside another stocking to keep dust from escaping. Place the filled stocking on your dashboard where it meets the windshield. It will help absorb the ambient moisture and reduce or eliminate frost.


3. Recycle plastic bags. Save your shopping bags and tie them over your outside mirrors and windshield wipers. The frost/ice will form on the outside of the bag and leave your mirrors and wipers clear.


4. Repurpose a food container. Skip the spend on one of the new round ice scrapers. A small, sturdy plastic food container from your pantry that fits in your hand works just as well and is a whole lot cheaper.

These cheap, fast, and efficient ways to deal with frosted-over glass on your vehicle can shave a few minutes off your day and keep your money in your pocket. And just as important, you’ll have a clear field of vision for safe driving.

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