How to Demist your Windscreen Quickly – 3 Steps to a Clear Windscreen

We have all been in the position of waiting for our windscreen to demist, and it is safe to say that it will happen to anyone, no matter what vehicle you drive.

We know how annoying it can be when you start to wipe your windscreen and it just gets worse! That is why we have put together this handy guide on what you can do to demist your windscreen.

Why do windscreens mist up?

The science behind misted windows is that when the windows themselves are colder than the dew point inside the car, and there is enough air within the car, the moisture condenses onto the cold windscreen. This, in turn, causes the glass to mist up.

How to demist your windscreen quickly – 3 steps to a clear windscreen

• Step 1: Turn on the air conditioning
• Step 2: Turn on the car heaters
• Step 3: Use a cloth or pad to clean the inside of the windscreen

Step 1. Turn on the air conditioning

• Vehicles with air conditioning should make use of this addition, as turning the air conditioning on will remove the moisture from the air. Some vehicles have a dedicated button for demisting the rear window and demisting the front window. Once this has started, wait for the windows to demist, as wiping your windows or opening your windows may slow down the process.
• With some vehicles, the demist button for the front windscreen may clear up at first, but then mists back up soon after. This shouldn’t be an issue with the back windscreen, as most vehicles use copper wire to physically heat the back windscreen.
• Some vehicles may not have a dedicated demist button, so if your car only has air conditioning, turn the air conditioning to a warm-ish temperature to start warming the air in the vehicle.

Tip: Make sure the engine is running so you don’t waste your car battery. Also, turn on the ‘circulating air option’ – as this will heat your vehicle quicker.

Step 2. Turn on the car heaters

• Turn the heaters towards your windscreen and put them on full fan, but not full heat.
• Turning the heater on helps warm the windows so that they are above the dew point. The best option is to turn on all your heaters and point any vents towards your windscreen and side windows.

In most vehicles, there is an option to automatically point all your heaters to your windscreens.

Tip: Do not put your heaters to full heat when you turn them on, start it on a cool temperature and increase the temperature gradually.

Step 3. Use a cloth or pad to clean the inside of the windscreen

• Make sure you keep a demister pad in your car at all times in case you do experience mist on the inside of your windows. With the air in your car at a warmer temperature and reduced moisture on your windscreen, you can now use a clean cloth or pad, preferably a microfiber cloth or a pad and wipe the entire windscreen.
• If you have used your air conditioning and heaters when you wipe your windscreen, the moisture will not come back and you will be able to drive on with a clear windscreen.

Tip: Make sure you have a spare cloth or pad so you can wipe the windscreen a second time to remove any access water that may have dropped on the dashboard.

No air conditioning? Open your car windows

If your car does not have any air conditioning, you can always open a window. Strangely enough, your windscreen can still mist up whatever the weather. It’s less common, but you could come back to your car in the peak of summer and have dew on your windscreen!

Provided the weather outside is dry, opening the window will let moisture out and improve the dryness of the air within your vehicle, thus reducing the potential for a misted windscreen and windows.

Tip: Open both the front and back windows of your vehicle (if you can) to create an air flow through your vehicle.

Now that you have seen all the options for demisting your windscreen, you should be able to be on your way in no time!

We also have a great guide on how to stop your windscreen from misting up in the first place – check out the article on how to stop your windscreen misting up.

The Windscreen Company

If you have any damage to your windscreen, whether you have a car, bus or van, our experts can help. We can come to you if you’re at home, at work or on the road. Contact our windscreen repair and windscreen replacement specialists 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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