Life-Changing Hack for Quickly Defrosting Car Windshields Goes Viral

Arguably one of the worst things about winter snow removal is digging out your vehicle after a snowstorm and deicing your windows, particularly for those who aren't fortunate enough to have remote car starters. Scraping at pesky ice can lead to numb fingers and runny noses, but thankfully there is an easier way.

A recent post shared to Life Hacks section on Reddit, which has been upvoted more than 2,000 times, advised to "put windshield wiper fluid into a spray bottle and use it to spray your car windows on cold icy mornings." As the poster further pointed out: "It melts ice right away and there's no risk of cracking the glass like using hot water. A lot easier than scraping the ice."

While there is most likely wiper fluid in your vehicle's reservoir, anyone who has tried to activate the pump on a frozen car knows that doesn't get you very far, if the fluid itself isn't already frozen. Keeping the bottle in your house will ensure that it's ready to use when you need it.

For those who need a solution in a pinch and don't have spare wiper fluid, a few commenters likewise recommended isopropyl alcohol mixed in a 50/50 solution with water, which supposedly works just as well in addition to being cheaper. "Rubbing alcohol has a lower freezing point and instantly melts thick ice," chimed in another user. "Living in Canada it's hella cold out here."

Men's Journal also has some tips and tricks to remove ice from your vehicle, and notes that "not all de-icers are created equal."

Commercial solutions specially designed for cars create chemical reactions to break down ice quickly without damaging windshield glass or paint, however you should be careful about using DIY solutions. White vinegar, in particular, can strip your car’s finish or paint job, while as the Redditor also noted, boiling water can crack the glass. For best results, apply de-icer spray before starting your vehicle to allow ample time for the ice to melt.