How to Remove Ice from a Windshield Fast (Even If You Don’t Have a Scraper)

When cold temperatures leave frost on your windshield, it’s important to clear it off so you can drive safely. Even if you’re in a rush, it only takes a few minutes to remove ice using products you probably have at home already. Keep reading and we’ll walk you through the best ways to defrost your windshield, what to avoid using, and how to prevent ice in the first place!

How to Get Ice Off Your Windshield Fast: Quick Tips

Turn on your vehicle’s heat and defroster, then pour rubbing alcohol mixed with water over the windshield to melt the ice. Salt water will also work. Once the ice is mostly melted, use a scraper to brush it off.

Section 1 of 3:

Quick Ways to Get Rid of Ice on Windshield

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1
Turn your heat and defroster on high. Start your vehicle and crank the heat up. If your vehicle has a "defrost" setting on the temperature gauge, put it on as well. Keep your heat on full power so your windshield warms up and melts the ice. It takes about 15 minutes to completely defrost your windshield, so keep your heat running while you try another one of the strategies below to get rid of ice faster. ^{[1]
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- Turn your A/C on and shut off the recirculating setting to help draw moisture out of your vehicle and defog the windshield as well.
- While your vehicle is warming up, make sure no ice, snow, or other materials are blocking the vehicle's tailpipe to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended while it’s running so it’s not a target for thieves.
Combine 2 parts 70% rubbing alcohol with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Then, just spray the solution onto your windshield to deice your vehicle. Alcohol has a higher freezing point than water, so it helps melt the ice. ^{[2]
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3
Spray your windshield with a saltwater solution. Mix 1 tablespoon (19 g) of salt with 2 cups (470 ml) of warm water, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray a thin layer over your icy windshield and let it sit for a few minutes. When the ice breaks apart and starts melting, use your windshield wipers to clean your windshield off. ^{[3]
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- Salt lowers the freezing point of water so it’s less likely to refreeze.
- Apply the saltwater sparingly to your windshield since too much salt exposure may cause damage to the glass or cause metal parts to corrode.
4
Use an ice scraper to break apart the ice. Brush off any excess snow on your windshield before using a scraper. Place the edge of the scraper against your windshield and use short, powerful strokes to remove the ice. Your windshield glass is harder than the plastic scraper, so you don’t have to worry about leaving behind any scratches. ^{[4]
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- If you don’t have a scraper, an old credit card works well in a pinch. Hold the middle of the credit card and scrape the ice with one of the edges.
- Product Recommendation: One top-rated scraper is the Mallory 532 Snow Brush that has a comfortable grip with a brush for removing snow and a plastic ice scraper on the other end.
5
Use a commercial de-icer if the homemade solutions fail. Commercial deicers contain chemicals that help the ice melt faster off your windshield. The instructions may vary between different brands and products, so follow the directions listed on the package. ^{[5]
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- Most times, all you have to do is spray the deicer onto your windshield and let it sit for a few minutes so the ice has a chance to melt.
- Product Recommendation: Some of the best rated products to use include Prestone Windshield De-Icer because it comes with a scraper and Penray Windshield De-Icer because it’s safe on car paint.
This DIY hack can work in a pinch. Fill a resealable bag with hot water from a faucet, and seal it completely. Rub the bag of water over your windshield to warm up the ice and help melt it faster. ^{[6]
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Adding more heat from the inside will defrost ice even quicker. One recommended heater is the RoadPro 12-Volt Heater Fan & Defroster . The fan plugs directly into a 12V plug in your vehicle and has a collapsible handle.

Section 2 of 3:

What to Avoid Using on Your Windshield

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While it may seem like a good idea to pour hot water to melt the ice, the sudden temperature change could actually crack your windshield. Cold water could freeze once you pour it, so avoid doing it as well. ^{[7]
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While some people have had luck defrosting their windshields with WD-40, it contains chemicals that damage the rubber seals. Over time, WD-40 can soften the rubber and make your windshield less airtight. To avoid potential leaks or loud noises while you’re driving, stick to other deicing techniques. ^{[8]
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Scrapers with a metal edge can leave scratches or damage on your windscreen. If you use a scraper, stick to one that’s made out of plastic so you don’t cause any damage.
Wiping your windshield with a cloth may be a quick solution for removing ice or fog, but they can leave behind streaks. In bright light, the streaks can limit your visibility and make it more difficult to drive. ^{[9]
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Automotive specialist Ed Beery states that using your wipers while there’s still ice on your windshield can cause them to “grind over ice, which deteriorates the blade prematurely.” He also adds, “your windshield wiper motor and linkage can be damaged if the wipers are frozen to the windshield.” ^{[10]
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Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist

Expert Interview. 24 October 2022.}

EXPERT TIP

Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist
Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.

Ed Beery
Automotive Specialist

Always turn off your wipers when you get out of your car. In freezing temperatures, if the wipers are left on, they will try to run the next time you start your car and may cause damage.

Section 3 of 3:

Preventing Ice on Your Windshield

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1
Cover your windshield or vehicle. Use a windshield guard or a tarp to prevent snow and ice from reaching your windshield. When it’s time to drive, just take the cover or tarp off and stow it in your trunk.
- Product Recommendation: One of the top-rated covers is the AstroAI Windshield Cover . This product covers your windshield, front windows, and sideview mirrors so you don’t have to wait for your windshield to defrost.
- In a pinch, a large towel or blanket works well for covering your windshield. Just make sure to weigh down the corners to keep it from blowing away.
2
Park in a garage if you’re able to. Garages provide cover for your vehicle, so snow and ice won’t get on your windshield. Even in cold temperatures, garages provide more insulation so your car will stay warmer.
- If you’re parking outside, try to point your windshield toward the direction of the sun. If you’re worried about ice forming overnight, park your car so it points east.
3
Spray your windshield with a vinegar solution. You can use either apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar. Mix 3 parts vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution directly to your windshield before there’s a risk of snow or ice. ^{[11]
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- The acidity in the vinegar will help prevent ice from forming or sticking to your windshield.
- Or, try rubbing half a raw potato over your windshield . The sugars from the potato form a protective layer that keeps ice off of the glass. ^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I prevent ice and snow from sticking to my windshield?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

If you put a sealant on your windshield, specifically a product with a ceramic coating, frost and snow won't stick as hard.

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What can I apply to the door frames of today's cars so that they do not freeze up during the winter? Will WD40 or rubbing alcohol work, or should I use another product?

Community Answer

Silicone spray will keep the weatherstripping from freezing. Spray some on a rag and wipe it on your weatherstripping and frame.

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Will it cause damage to the wipers if I use the alcohol solution on the windshield?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of wipers - old style rubber/latex wipers may be affected just as ethanol in fuel can gradually melt the seals in some old engines. Many newer wipers are latex free/nitrile.

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Tips

If you want your vehicle to blow warm air immediately when you turn it on, install an engine block heater and plug it in at night. ^{[13]
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Warnings

Avoid trying to drive before your windshield defrosts because it can limit your visibility and put you more at risk of getting into an accident.

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How to Remove Ice from a Windshield Fast (Even If You Don’t Have a Scraper)

How to Get Ice Off Your Windshield Fast: Quick Tips

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Quick Ways to Get Rid of Ice on Windshield

What to Avoid Using on Your Windshield

Preventing Ice on Your Windshield

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Tips

Warnings

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