A car detailing expert has shared a simple trick to defog your windscreen using one product that leaves windows completely streak-free and works on stubborn, dirty glass too
Foggy windscreens first thing in the morning are something you don’t want to face, and it’s bound to be frustrating, as you’ll be eager to get on your way to wherever you’re heading. However, you’ll be aware that simply wiping your windscreen with a cloth won’t solve the problem, as you’ll end up staring at streaks for ages afterwards.
Additionally, you might be reluctant to switch on the air conditioning, as it will leave you feeling cold, which isn’t ideal early in the morning before you’ve had a chance to warm up properly. And you certainly don’t want to just set off driving, as you could face a fine or even penalty points on your licence.
However, one man who specialises in car detailing has revealed a little-known defogging technique which he has been using successfully for “over a decade”.
Ryan, who shares content on TikTok as @ryanthedetailer, wrote in his video caption: “Streaky or foggy windshield? Here’s the best trick for streak-free windows with a product you probably already have at home!”
Ryan explained that it works brilliantly for foggy windows or windows that seem impossible to get properly clean. He believes that the product also has “a million other uses” for cleaning and maintaining other items.
He said: “My secret is diluted isopropyl alcohol, which is readily accessible in stores and online, and in my opinion, is better than any glass cleaner you’ll find.
“A couple of sprays on a rag, clean it, and then buff it with a second dry towel, and your windows will be streak-free once again”.
In the comments section, viewers expressed their eagerness to try the method, with many noting that their “windows look just like this”.
Some questioned whether the technique would be safe for tinted windows – with several commenters convinced it would not be suitable.
Ryan responded: “It will work fine on tinted windows. I haven’t had a single problem in 15 years. It’s diluted, as long as your tint isn’t falling apart already, there won’t be a problem”.
Nevertheless, we’d suggest conducting a patch test before applying the product across your entire vehicle. This allows you to assess how your car responds to the solution.
One viewer enquired whether a 50/50 dilution was necessary – 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water. And in response, Ryan clarified that an even weaker solution would suffice.
He explained: “Honestly, you could even go less! If you buy 99% even like 20-25% volume should work really well. If you find you need more strength, you can add more, though.”
One commenter praised this as the “best, affordable and straightforward advice,” promising to implement the tip the next time they encountered foggy windows.
The guidance is particularly important to remember – as the RAC cautions that driving with an obscured windscreen is illegal.
The motoring organisation advises: “If your car has air conditioning, make sure it is switched on. Use the air-con in conjunction with the heater.
“Hot air will dry the glass a little through evaporation, but the air will then cool down and condense on the glass once more, so make sure the air-con is on to keep the atmosphere inside dry.
“If your windscreen is iced over, then the heat is obviously more necessary. But in this instance, you might want to scrape the outside of your windscreen clear first.”