Does Rubbing a Potato on Your Windscreen Actually Work?

During the colder months of the year, a foggy windscreen can mean a frustrating or delayed start to your day.

Many drivers find it irritating having to spend time clearing their windscreen glass, and in recent years a whole host of internet hacks claiming to stop glass from getting foggy have emerged. 

One such hack involves using a potato on the glass.

But does this actually work?

At The Windscreen Company, we’re going to take a closer look at this technique. 

Does rubbing a potato on your windscreen actually work?

Yes, while it might seem like an old wives’ tale, you can use a potato to prevent windscreen glass from getting misty.

This is because the starch inside potatoes is sticky, and when applied to the glass this stickiness can form a barrier protecting it from moisture. In fact, potato juice is a common waste product in the vodka distillation process and has been known to be used on snowy, mountain roads in the US state of Tennessee to keep them clear.

Therefore, using a potato on your windscreen the night before cold weather can make a real difference. It can also help stop rainwater from sticking to the windscreen, too.   

How to use a potato on your windscreen?

Using a potato to stop your windscreen from fogging up is simple and easy, simply follow the steps below the night before you expect cold weather:

• Chop a potato in half – Use a white potato and make sure it has been washed first so you don’t smear soil on your windscreen. It’s a great opportunity to use expired spuds that may have started to sprout.
• Rub the potato on your windscreen – Wipe the potato across the windscreen in a side-to-side motion. If you notice starch streaks beginning to appear on the window, wipe them off with a cloth. Be sure to do this lightly so as not to accidentally damage your glass. 
• Leave the glass to dry – Once you’ve finished, leave the glass to dry. Don’t touch the windscreen as you may leave fingerprints in the potato juice. This should now act as a barrier to any wet or cold weather. 

Disclaimer: While this method is known to be effective, this may not always be the case. The Windscreen Company is not responsible for any damage that may occur as a result of this technique. 

How to not de-ice your windscreen

While using a potato is a hack that has been proven to work, there are a number of methods that you must never try, no matter what the internet may claim.

This includes:

• Using hot water – People often pour a boiling kettle on an icy windscreen as a way to quickly de-ice it, but you must never do this. The rapid fluctuation in temperature can cause cracks to occur.
• Using a card – While credit cards, membership cards or other types of cards may seem like a great substitute for an ice scraper, they can cause windscreen scratches. 
• Idling your engine – Starting your engine for a long time ahead of driving is bad for the environment and can be a waste of fuel.

If you’re looking for advice on the best way to de-ice a car’s windscreen, check out our previous blog on the topic here.

If your windscreen has sustained any damage, our expert team is here to help. With more than 25 years of experience in windscreen repairs and replacements across the West Midlands and South East, contact our team today.  

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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