The UK has been grappling with snow and freezing temperatures of late, leading to school closures, cancelled public transport services, and residents having to clear mounds of snow from their doorsteps. However, as the grim start to 2025 sees people returning to work, they’re cranking up their car heaters and seeking quick ways to de-ice their vehicles.
A certain trick has recently gone viral, but an expert has issued a warning about its potential hazards. One person claimed they had spent a considerable amount of time trying to remove ice from their car until they discovered that filling a carrier bag with hot water could help.
A viral video on their @ronidoggies5 TikTok page showed them rubbing a Tesco carrier bag filled with hot water across their windscreen, causing the ice to vanish instantly. “The dog is even impressed,” she quipped, assuring viewers that the trick genuinely works.
However, specialists at Windscreen Wipers have outlined the dos and don’ts of de-icing your windscreen this winter. While the viral trick seemed to work for @rondoggies5, the experts pointed out some potential risks.
They warned that not only can handling hot water be dangerous, but also: “Using water of any temperature to de-ice windscreens is not advised. Hot water will cause the glass to expand, which can result in it cracking or even shattering, and cold water can freeze on top of existing ice and frost. Both methods can damage your windscreen, sometimes beyond repair.”
They cautioned: “A hack instructs drivers to rub hot water in a sandwich bag on the windscreen to quickly remove frost. Hot water, even in a bag, can cause damage and small cracks in the glass which may not be noticeable until it’s too late.”
The experts recommend using windscreen washer fluid as it is formulated for freezing conditions and helps lower the freezing point of the fluid, allowing you to safely clear your windscreen without damaging the wipers or windscreen. Additionally, they advised ensuring your wipers are off before starting the car in cold weather, as they can stick to the glass and tear if turned on before defrosting.
They suggested gently warming the car with the heater on low and using an ice scraper and de-icer to remove snow and ice. They further advised: “Ice scrapers are designed so they won’t scratch your windscreen so don’t be tempted to use CDs or credit cards as these can scrape the glass. A can of de-icer can be bought for around £2-£4 and will avoid the potential further freezing that may occur when using water.”