Drivers across the UK are being urged to put used tea bags inside their cars before Friday as frost and snow are forecast.
The Met Office has warned that "changeable" weather is on the cards next week as Atlantic frontal systems pass across the country, bringing with them spells of rain, strong winds and possible snow at times. The unsettled conditions are forecast between this coming Friday (March 13) and Sunday, March 22, and while temperatures will be mostly near average, the national forecaster said some cold interludes will strike in this period, bringing frost and hill snow to parts of the UK.
The chilly and frosty weather means drivers can expect to be battling with condensation in cars from Friday, as it forms when warm, moist air inside the car meets the cold surface of the glass, causing water vapour to condense and form droplets, and this tends to be more pronounced in winter or in bouts of very cold weather. The colder the outside temperature, the more dramatic the temperature drop when warm air hits the glass, which can lead to fogging.
Condensation and fogging can take a while to clear, which can be very frustrating, but there is a simple (and cheap) method to tackle this pesky problem – and all you need is some used tea bags.
Used tea bags – particularly used black and green tea bags – are very effective at reducing condensation and dampness inside cars because the tea leaves contain substances that are naturally absorbent.
As such, they can be used to draw excess moisture from the air and essentially act as a natural dehumidifier, which can prove particularly useful on cold and frosty mornings.
Warning of upcoming frost and snow in its long-range weather forecast for March 13 to 22, the Met Office said: "Changeable through much of this period, as Atlantic frontal systems pass close to or across the UK at times. These will bring some occasional spells of rain or showers, most frequent in the west and northwest, and perhaps accompanied by strong winds.
"However, there should also be some drier interludes under transient ridges of high pressure, with longer dry periods most likely in the south and east, though even here some wet weather is likely at times.
"Temperatures will be near-average for the period as a whole, but with some shorter-duration colder interludes at times when frost and hill snow will be possible. Later in the period, there may be a transition to more blocked or slower evolving weather patterns, though confidence in the detail of this is rather low."
So with frost and snow on the forecast from Friday, drivers are likely to find they're waking up to damp, misty and frosty windscreens.
To tackle this, experts recommend placing some used tea bags or small bowls of loose tea around the inside of your car, such as on the dashboard or in the door pockets. Doing so can reduce the risk of condensation forming on windscreens, helping drivers avoid a fine of up to £2,500.
The Highway Code says drivers should always completely demist their windows before setting off, and condensation can obstruct this. And if you try to drive with an obscured view, you could be fined up to £2,500 and get penalty points on your licence, especially if it leads to an accident.
Ben Pitcher, motoring specialist at DPF Experts, says tea bags are a great solution to this problem as they’re naturally absorbent, cheap and likely already knocking around in your kitchen cupboard.
He explains: "Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers. Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months. Though they aren’t as powerful as professional dehumidifiers, they’re a cheap, eco-friendly solution for tackling minor dampness."
Green and black tea are able to absorb moisture that can form when the temperature inside a car is different to that outside and, as an added bonus, it can also improve the smell of your vehicle. Tea bags can absorb and neutralise unpleasant odours, leaving your car smelling much fresher with very little effort.
Pitcher also says packets of silica gel, which is commonly found in packaging for things like shoes, electronics and food items, can also have a similar effect and will help to clear car windscreens in the morning when condensation is most common.
He adds: "Silica gel packets, commonly found in packaging, are excellent at absorbing moisture. Collecting a few and placing them around your car can help control condensation. While they won’t clear foggy windows instantly, they can help reduce moisture and keep your windscreen clearer for longer."
