Drivers are all too familiar with frosty mornings and the race to clear iced-up windscreens, but there’s another less obvious hazard as cars warm up: condensation.
As your vehicle defrosts, moisture inside meets the cold glass, fogging up windows, which could not only hit your wallet with a £100 fine and three penalty points but might also escalate to a severe £2,500 fine if it leads to an accident because of reduced visibility.
Car experts usually advise to blast the heater towards the windscreen or switch on the air-con to cycle in fresh external air, rather than the mist-laden atmosphere inside the car for demisting purposes. Yet, a novel trick from TikTok’s Darissa (@darissa.hacks) has been gaining traction, showing how a humble potato can be used to keep windshields clear in adverse conditions. .
She shares, “A car hack I wish I knew sooner,” her clip on the social media platform drawing attention. “This hack will keep water off your car windows during this tough weather.”
In her viral video, Darissa demonstrates wiping her car’s windows with a cut potato. For maximum effect, it’s advised to ensure the potato is cleaned before use.
Begin by using the flat side of a potato to rub over the entire surface of the window; this action should not only clean it but also provide a barrier against condensation. Should you see any starchy streaks materialise, it’s crucial to wipe these away promptly.
Depending on the number of windows you’re treating, you may find that both halves of the potato are necessary. It is essential to allow the coating ample time to dry naturally.
After the residue of the potato juice has set, it should act as a protective layer, keeping the interior of the windows clear thanks to the starch creating a shield between the glass and the ambient air. In response to the suggestion, enthusiastic comments poured in, one individual praised: “Genius car hack.”
A straightforward reply came from another: “Good idea.” A third person expressed appreciation, remarking: “That’s a genius car hack, getting easy for the season. Thank you for sharing your experience.”