A common household item could help keep your car windscreen clear in heavy rain – but it comes with a warning. The easy method, which surfaced on TikTok, was explained by a social media user who demonstrated how to simply sprinkle a small amount of the item on a damp cloth and gently rub it on your windscreen.
If you'd like to try the hack, all you'll need is some baking soda and a cloth, with the soda reportedly creating a thin layer that allows rainwater to slide off, rather than spreading, according to vehicle number plate company Showplates World. Indeed, the firm claimed that motorists who've tried the tip saw a "big difference" and noted better visibility of the road through their window and a reduced reliance on their windscreen wipers in the rain, although the method also comes with a warning. An expert from Showplates World explained the method: "Many drivers don't realise how much dirt builds up on their windscreen over time."
They continued: "Even if it looks clean, a thin layer of grime can scatter light and make glare worse, especially when it rains. Using baking soda as a gentle cleaner helps remove that film and makes a big difference to visibility."
Elaborating further on the science behind the method, the company detailed how the soda is slightly abrasive, meaning it can shift "grease, film, and other build-up" from the glass and make it "smoother".
It pointed out that this makes it more difficult for the water to stick and enables it to roll off the glass with ease, in a manner comparable to more expensive rain-repellant products.
Despite this, the tip also comes with a warning. They highlighted that people shouldn't use too much or apply too much pressure as it could lead to scratches on older (or pre-damaged) glass. Anyone trying the method should follow up by cleaning their windscreen again with clean water or a microfibre cloth to get rid of any remaining powder.
Another viral hack that reportedly suggested that baking soda can be used to rectify minor scratches on your windscreen has also come with a warning.
Robert Webster, from MyCarGlass, explained that windscreens are not made from regular glass, so they need "specialist treatment", adding that the impact of scratches can go beyond appearances.
He continued: "Any mark on the windscreen can impact visibility, especially when headlights hit the scratch at different angles and can cause glare, making driving conditions dangerous.
"Using baking soda will not only worsen the scratch but can weaken the durability of the glass.
"What's more, you could cause the scratch to become even worse leading to costly repairs in the long run and the need for a full windscreen replacement."