Drivers across the UK are being urged to rub used tea bags on car windows from Wednesday as more snow is forecast.
A yellow weather warning for snow has been issued by the Met Office for parts of Wales, West Midlands, South West England, South East England and London from late Wednesday into Thursday. The national forecaster said up to 5cm of snow could accumulate widely in areas above 150 metres, while up to 15cm is forecast above 250 metres in mid and south east Wales, as well as Herefordshire and Shropshire. Smaller accumulations of snow are also possible on lower levels, particularly from late Wednesday evening into the early hours of Thursday morning, and strong winds are also forecast which could exacerbate the impacts in some areas.
Drivers are warned the snowy weather may cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so allowing extra time for journeys is recommended.
The wintry conditions also means drivers can expect to be battling with condensation in cars this week 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 is, the more dramatic the temperature drop when warm air hits the glass, which leads to fogging. Condensation and fogging can take a frustrating amount of time to clear, but there is a simple remedy you can use to tackle the problem – and all you need is some tea bags.
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, so they can help to draw excess moisture from the air.
But the tea itself also contains tannins, chemical compounds that can cut through grease and grime, and when a used tea bag is rubbed on windows it can help to reduce the surface tension of the glass, making it harder for warm, moist air to condense into water droplets.
As such, the tea helps to create a barrier that prevents water droplets clinging to the glass and causes moisture to remain in the air, or be more easily wiped away.
Aimee Anderson at GAP insurance experts, ALA Insurance, said: “Teabags are surprisingly effective because they are designed to be highly porous and absorbent.
“Used tea bags, especially black and green tea bags, act as a natural humidifier, pulling moisture out of the air before it has a chance to freeze on the cold glass.
“Furthermore, the tannins found in tea bags have natural astringent properties. When a slightly damp bag is used to wipe the glass, it breaks down the oily film that often accumulates on the inside of windscreens.”
To tackle condensation using tea bags, experts recommend placing three or four fresh dry tea bags in a small container on the dashboard overnight to soak up moisture from the air, and to wipe used tea bags over the windows to help prevent water droplets forming on the glass.
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, added: “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."
