Here are a few cheap and easy homemade de-icer solutions for those frosty mornings

Savvy drivers have been offered tips on how to de-ice their vehicles as temperatures begin to plummet – without the need for shop bought chemical formulas.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Motoring experts from LeaseCar.uk have researched and revealed four cheap and easy homemade de-icer solutions, using alcohol, dish soap, vinegar and salt.

When temperatures dip below freezing, icy windshields and locks can become a real problem for busy drivers on the move.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This is especially the case if you run out of shop-bought de-icer, but there are a few concoctions you can make up using some common kitchen cupboard staples.

Do you have a good way of de-icing you windscreen?Do you have a good way of de-icing you windscreen?
Do you have a good way of de-icing you windscreen?

A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “We’ve all been there. You’re running late for work in the morning and dash outside to find Jack Frost has paid a visit – but to make matters worse, you’ve ran out of de-icer spray.

“Instead of frantically scraping away at a thick layer of ice that refuses to budge, there are some homemade formulas you can make with common kitchen items that will help to quick things up.

“These present much more eco-friendly options too, as shop-bought de-icers emit lots of chemicals into the atmosphere.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“You can then use a plastic ice scraper to remove the ice as it begins to thaw. A plastic scraper should only be used to remove chunks of ice that are already thawed and should not be pressed against the windshield as it can scratch the glass if enough force is used.

“That said, you could save yourself any hassle at all by using tarp or purpose made covers to protect your windscreen from the cold completely.”

1. Alcohol

Mix one part water to two parts rubbing alcohol, apply to your windows and watch the ice peel right off!

2. Dish soap

Use a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol (50% works too, but not as well) with a few drops of dish soap, then apply liberally to the glass with a spray bottle.

3. Vinegar

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you spray an iced windshield with a mixture of water and vinegar, while the mixture will not melt ice, it can help ice from forming in the first place if you spray your windshield with it the night before.

4. Salt

Mix one tablespoon of salt with two cups of water. Apply the mixture to your windshield and the salt will melt the ice.