Here’s the scenario: you’re running late for work, but when you get outside, your car is encased in ice. It looks more like a glazed donut than a vehicle. How can you get on your way as quickly as possible when you don’t have time to let the car’s defrost… defrost?

We often get questions about the best de-icing methods:

I’ve heard that a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle can safely melt ice off your windshield so you don’t have to chip it with an ice scraper, but my husband says it will pock my windshield. Help!

The vinegar and water deicer recipe seems to circulate around the internet every winter and early spring. While vinegar may not pock the windshield (remember, vinegar is stored in glass bottles), it may prove corrosive to your vehicle’s chrome finishes and paint — it is acid, after all. And it’s not very effective at melting ice that has already formed.

So what can you do? If you can’t take preventive measures, such as draping a tarp, large piece of cardboard, or blanket over your windshield before bad weather moves in, and you don’t have a garage to park in, here are some effective DIY solutions to loosen that nasty ice, other than running the vehicle continuously until it melts (which isn’t very environmentally friendly).

Best Ways To De-Ice A Frosty Windshield

  • Vodka – Vodka contains ethanol which, if you’ve ever stored a bottle in the freezer, you know it doesn’t freeze. So it can make a good deicer. Mix one part water to two parts vodka and either spray or pour on the windshield, then scrape. (PS: An old card in your wallet doubles as an ice scraper in a pinch!). You might want to go with the less expensive brands for this use.Alcohol and water – if you don’t want to waste the vodka, break out the rubbing alcohol. Fill a clean spray bottle with 1 part water and 2 parts rubbing alcohol and store it in your car during the cold weather months. Spray it on your frosted windshield and windows on those chilly mornings to make scraping easier.Grab the bottle of your car’s windshield wiper fluid from the trunk and apply it directly to the windshield to help soften the ice, then scrape.Pickle juice – Because it contains salt, it is effective at getting rid of ice. Apply directly to the windshield. But salt is salt, and the brine also contains vinegar, which can be corrosive to your car’s chrome finishes. Be sure to “de-salt” your vehicle in a car wash as soon as the temps warm-up.As a preventive measure, try a cut potato! The night before freezing temperatures, rub half a potato over your car’s windshield. The sugar from the potato creates a barrier over the window and prevents ice from forming, so you’ll come out in the morning and won’t have to scrape! Simply use your wipers and washer fluid to clear the residue away.

The bad news is that when ice attacks your windshield, it’s mostly a waiting game –waiting for warmer temperatures!