The UK is in the grips of some seriously arctic weather. Temperatures have dropped below freezing across much of the country and snow has fallen as far south as London.
While it can be lovely and cosy in the cold, if you have to get up early and commute, it can be a nightmare - especially if your car has iced over. It’s a very common winter issue, and millions of Brits have their own methods for de-icing. From pricey sprays to risky water pours, there’s plenty of choice - but according to experts, one is better than the rest.
Experts at the classic car restoration company Carrosserie say that one simple kitchen ingredient can de-ice your windshield in seconds - and you likely already have it in the cupboard.
Their secret ingredient is lemon juice. The natural citric acid in lemons breaks down surface ice far quicker than water alone.
All you need to do is cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the iced glass before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Within moments, the ice will loosen and slide away.
Another great and cheap method is a homemade saltwater spray. The salt will lower the freezing point of the ice, so when sprayed on a frozen windshield, it can help to melt ice more effectively than water alone.
Although de-icing salt works best, table salt also works, so you don’t need to go out and buy extra supplies.
If you want to prevent ice from occurring overnight, then a vinegar and water solution can help.
By mixing three parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle and spritzing it on windows and windshields, you can significantly reduce the frost buildup overnight. This is because the acidity in the vinegar interferes with ice formation, helping to keep windshields clear.