How to defrost your car without de-icer using simple sandwich bag hack

The handy hack has been shared online (stock image) (Image: Getty)

As we enter the winter months, UK drivers are bracing for the daily ritual of defrosting their cars amidst the cold weather.

But when you're in a rush, discovering an empty de-icer can be a driver's worst nightmare.

Fortunately, one savvy woman has taken to TikTok to reveal her nifty trick for clearing car windshields with nothing more than water and a humble sandwich bag. In her viral video, Clean with Kayleigh demonstrates how to de-frost car windshields with her trick.

She's seen filling a zip-lock bag with warm tap water—pointedly avoiding boiling water—and gently glides it over her car's icy screen. Heradvice is clear, as she says: "Defrost your car quickly on those frosty mornings with this simple hack. No need for boiling water! It works using warm tap water."

She cautions viewers to steer clear of excessively hot water, which could lead to a shattered windscreen. Echoing her sentiments, a commenter on her post advised: "Make sure the water is not too hot, as the shock could break your windows."

Another shared a cautionary tale, saying: "One time I was running late for work and I went and boiled water and then threw it on my windshield. I never knew it could crack my windshield." While a third added: "That's actually kinda smart."

However, believing this is 'too risky', some users say they simply get up 10 minutes earlier to factor in time to defrost their car with its own heat. One user wrote: "I just remote start and wait 10 mins."

Another user added: "Or use remote start five minutes before you leave..." According to the AA, the most effective method of defrosting your car is by utilising remote heating technology.

The organisation notes that numerous car manufacturers provide this feature, allowing drivers to heat their vehicles without physical presence, thereby reducing the risk of theft. Moreover, certain plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles come equipped with a convenient pre-heat function.

This function enables the vehicle to be heated electrically while it is still plugged in, ensuring a warm and frost-free interior without depleting the battery or diminishing the car's electric range.