Lemons, onions and salt: the household hacks to de‑ice your car this winter
Motoring experts at comparison site LeaseLoco.com say everyday items such as lemons, onions, salt and even sandwich bags can help motorists save time on cold mornings.
Kitchen cupboard solutions
Among the tips shared are some unusual but effective tricks:
- Onions or potatoes – Rub half an onion or potato over car windows the night before. Both contain compounds that help stop ice sticking to glass.
- Saltwater spray – Mix salt and water in a spray bottle. The solution lowers the freezing point of water and helps melt ice quickly.
- Lemons – The citric acid in lemons can break down ice. Squeeze half a lemon onto the glass and rinse with tepid water.
- Vinegar solution – A mix of vinegar and water sprayed on windows in the evening can prevent ice forming overnight.
- Sandwich bags – A viral TikTok hack suggests filling a sandwich bag with lukewarm water and dragging it across the windscreen to melt ice in seconds.
- Beach towels – Covering the windscreen overnight with a towel secured in the doors can stop frost forming.
- Rubbing alcohol spray – A mix of isopropyl alcohol, water and a drop of dish soap can help shift thicker layers of ice, though experts warn it should only be used on glass to avoid damaging paintwork.
‘One of the worst tasks’
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, said:
“Temperatures are dropping again which means we’ll be waking up to cold weather and frosty cars more often. We can all agree that de‑icing the car in the morning is one of the worst tasks. It’s a tedious job that feels like it takes forever but it’s so important to wait until your windows are fully defrosted before you set off.”
He added that traditional ice scrapers and sprays can leave drivers waiting up to 15 minutes before their car clears, while household hacks could save time and money.
Safety first
Experts stress that whichever method is used, drivers must ensure their windscreens are fully clear before setting off. Driving with restricted visibility can lead to fines and points on a licence.
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