Drivers are being urged to put used tea bags inside their cars this autumn to help prevent condensation and reduce the risk of fines up to £2,500 Tea bags – particularly used black and green tea bags – are very effective at reducing condensation and dampness inside cars.
This is because tea leaves contain substances that are naturally absorbant and so they can be used to draw excess moisture from the air, essentially acting as a natural dehumidifier which can prove particularly useful on cold autumnal mornings. The Met Office is forecasting bouts of heavy rain across much of the UK throughout this week which can make condensation worse, so drivers could find they're waking up to damp and misty windscreens. But this problem can be avoided simply by 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 lower the risk of condensation forming on windscreens, which in turn helps drivers avoid being handed 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."
