Nothing’s more frustrating than having to wait for the fog to clear off your car’s windshield. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to remove fog quickly so you can get on your way faster. For this article, we interviewed auto mechanic Ed Beery to teach you how to remove fog from a windshield, why windshields fog up in the first place, and how to prevent fog in the future. Plus, get answers to other common questions about how to get rid of a foggy windshield.
Getting Rid of a Foggy Windshield
- Either turn up the heat or AC so your car’s air temperature matches the outside temperature.
- Crack your windows, turn off air recirculation, and/or turn on your defogger to speed up the process.
- For DIY solutions, try wiping your windshield with vinegar, baking soda, or shaving foam.
How to Remove Fog from a Windshield
Turn up the heat in your car.Windshield fog occurs when the temperature outside the car doesn’t match the temperature inside the car. Therefore, if it’s hot outside, increasing the temperature inside your car can help remove the fog. If it’s cold out, turning on the heat still helps because it pulls moisture out of the air so the fog will evaporate.[1]
- If it’s too hot to turn the heat on, at least turn down your air conditioner. This will warm up your car and get the inside air temperature to match the outside a bit better.
Turn on your air conditioner if it’s cold outside.Decrease the temperature inside your car to better match the temperature outside. Set your air conditioner to the lowest setting you can handle and point the vents toward your windshield. This will decrease condensation so the fog will fade more quickly.[2]- This is the fastest method but also the coldest, so be prepared to shiver a bit!
Crack your windows.Crack your windows to allow fresh air to circulate in your car. Doing this helps the temperature inside your car match the temperature outside of your car, which should help reduce condensation. If it’s humid out, be careful not to open your windows too much, or you may let in moisture from the outside, which could create even more fog.[3]
- Beery says, “Do NOT open the car windows if the outside temperature is at or below freezing. This can cause the fog on the inside of the windows to fog over, making matters much worse.”[4]
Turn on your wipers if the fog is on the outside.If the fog is on the outside of your windshield (as it will be during the summer), you can remove it with your windshield wipers. Simply turn them on to their lowest setting and let them run until the fog is gone. [5]
Turn off the recirculation button.When attempting to defog your windshield, make sure to turn off the recirculation button on your dashboard. This allows fresh air to enter your car, which in turn helps reduce moisture and clear fog. When recirculation is on, the air inside your car is the only air being circulated, meaning the moisture level will stay the same.[6]- Look for a button that has a little car with an arrow pointing inside the car. This is typically what the recirculation button looks like.
- If recirculation is already turned off and your windshield is fogged, try turning it on instead.
Ed Beery
Automotive SpecialistTurn off the recirculation button to equalize the temperature. Often, the inside of the vehicle will be warmer than the outside temperature, so the fog will be on the inside of the windshield. Turn off the recirculation button so that cooler outside air is brought into the vehicle.https://ce9c543537629d8687673bb892f89726.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-44/html/container.html
Use your car’s defogging feature.If your car has a defogger option, turn it on to remove fog from your windshield. These vents are typically located on both ends of the dashboard. This feature is especially helpful if your rear windshield is fogged.[7]
- Not all cars have a defogging feature. If you aren’t sure if yours does, check your owner’s manual.
- The defrost button works the same way, and many people use them interchangeably.
Wipe your windshield with vinegar.Vinegar works as a great DIY anti-fog solution. Soak a clean, lint-free cloth in some white vinegar and wipe down your windshield. Alternatively, mix white vinegar and water for a diluted solution. The fog should begin to disappear as you wipe.[8]
Defog your windshield quickly with a hairdryer.If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wait for your windshield to defog on its own, use a hairdryer to speed up the process. Turn the hairdryer on the “hot” setting and aim it at your windshield to evaporate the moisture. Don’t hold it in one spot for too long or you risk cracking or damaging the windshield.[9]
Place a jar of baking soda in your car to soak up moisture in the air.Baking soda is a natural dehumidifier, so it’s a great way to reduce moisture in your car and get rid of windshield fog.[10] Fill a small jar with baking soda and place it in your car without the lid to soak up moisture. Alternatively, sprinkle some baking soda on a clean cloth and wipe it on your windshield.
Place silica balls in your car.Like baking soda, silica balls are another affordable and effective way to reduce excess moisture in your car. Place some silica balls in a sock, tie the end, and put it in your car, preferably on your dashboard near your windshield. Replace the sock when the silica becomes too wet, as it will no longer be effective.[11]
- When silica reaches its saturation point, it becomes too wet to absorb any more moisture. If this moisture seeps into the sock, it could potentially lead to a mildewy odor, so replace your silica and your sock regularly to prevent this.
Wipe your windshield with shaving foam.Though it may sound odd, using shaving foam is a common DIY hack for removing fog from car windshields. Use a clean towel to smear a handful of shaving foam (not gel) on your windshield. Let it sit for about two minutes, then wipe it off with another clean towel. The shaving foam creates a thin, invisible film on the glass to lower surface tension and prevent water from condensing on the surface.[12]
- This is also a great way to prevent your windshield from fogging up in the first place, as it creates a moisture barrier on the glass.
What causes windshield fog?
Windshields fog up due to temperature differences inside and outside your car.When the temperature outside is colder than the temperature inside your car, or vice versa, moisture condenses on the windshield, causing it to fog up. This also happens if there are high humidity levels inside your car or if it is very humid outside.[13]
- Beery says, “The fog on a windshield is condensation which occurs when moisture condenses on the warmer side of a surface, in this case, the car windows. The temperature difference determines on which side of the windshield the condensation collects.”[14]
Preventing Fog on Your Windshield
Keep your windshield and windows clean.Moisture is more likely to stick to dirt, so clean your windshield and your windows regularly. Use a glass cleaner specifically designed for cars, and if you have tint on your windows, make sure to use an ammonia-free product to avoid ripping or fading the tint. Clean both the inside and outside of your windshield.[15]
Apply a defogging solution to the glass.There are many different anti-fog solutions that can help prevent your windshield from fogging up. Follow the instructions on your solution’s package, but in general, spray the solution on the windshield, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. The chemicals in the solution will help prevent moisture from condensing on your windshield.[16]
- Find defogging solutions online or at your local auto parts store.
Check for leaks in your car’s cooling system.If you constantly have issues with your windshield fogging up, there is a chance there is a leak somewhere in your car’s cooling system. If your windshield and/or windows steam up more than usual, take your car to a mechanic to rule out any internal issues.[17]
Soak up moisture with cat litter.Fill a sock with silica cat litter. Tie off the end with a piece of string, then place one or two full socks near the front of your dashboard. This should absorb the moisture inside your car overnight, preventing any fog buildup. This is a great DIY option if you frequently have problems with fog, and it’s also a great way to reduce humidity in your home.[18]
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