No More Fogged Car Windows – This Lesser Known Trick is Extremely Effective

With colder, more humid weather, car windows tend to fog up quickly in fall and winter. Luckily, there's a simple yet unusual trick to keep them clear.

As winter approaches, rising humidity and dropping temperatures bring a common, frustrating problem for drivers: fogged up car windows. This layer of condensation can quickly obscure visibility, potentially making driving hazardous, especially during early mornings or at night.

Fog forms when there's a big temperature difference between the inside and outside of the vehicle. Cold exterior temperatures cause the moisture in the car's warmer interior to condense on glass surfaces. This fogging effect is worsened if there is a lot of moisture in the car from things like wet shoes, snow, or even breathing, creating a more stubborn layer of condensation.

Many drivers rely on their car's air conditioning to defog windows, but it can be fuel intensive and sometimes doesn't completely solve the issue. Anti fog sprays and DIY solutions like vinegar or shaving cream may help but are not always convenient or effective for everyone. Another option is to use moisture absorbers, which work well but require frequent replacement to stay effective.

For a simpler, affordable alternative, try using cat litter. Though it may sound unconventional, placing a bit of unscented, silica based cat litter in a sock or small cloth bag on your dashboard or under the seats can absorb excess moisture in the air, helping to reduce window fogging. This hack can be especially helpful in very humid conditions, and it's easy to set up and maintain.

For maximum effectiveness, combine the cat litter hack with additional moisture reducing measures. Make sure your car's ventilation system is set to "outside air" rather than "recirculate," which helps reduce humidity levels inside the vehicle. Regularly remove wet items, open windows when it's dry outside, and occasionally clean the inside of the windows to remove any buildup that fog clings to more easily.

In short, this simple trick can be a surprisingly effective solution for keeping windows clear in winter. So, on your next shopping trip, consider adding cat litter to your list, even if you don't have a cat, your car will thank you!