We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Keep my Car Windows from Fogging up?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 202,440
Share

To keep your car windows from fogging up, there are three basic things to consider: how to prevent it, how to reduce it if it occurs, and how to remove it once it is there. You can help prevent fogging by reducing the amount of moisture in the vehicle. Although some may still occur, you can minimize it by drying out air inside the car. If you do end up with foggy windows, most vehicles have defoggers that you can use, and a dry towel may also be effective for wiping it away.

Preventing Foggy Windows

You can help keep your car windows from fogging up by cleaning the interior of the windows every one to two weeks. Car windows, like other parts of the vehicle, gather dust and oil through normal use. This buildup actually makes them more likely to fog, as it provides a base for moisture to accumulate on. During wet weather seasons, you should clean the windows once a week to help prevent your car windows from fogging up.

Fog develops on windows because the air in the car is humid. This moisture comes from the breath of people in a car, and also from damp clothing, hair, and other items. Try to eliminate as much excess moisture as you can before getting into a car. Kick as much snow off of your shoes as possible during the winter, and vigorously shake rain from umbrellas, coats, and other items. Dehumidifier crystals, which draw moisture from the air, can also be kept in a small cup in your car.

Reducing Fog Buildup

One of the best methods to keep car windows from fogging is to use your car's defogger or defroster air setting. While the "recirculate" option may warm the inside of a car more quickly, it also keeps the moisture in the air. It's better to bring in air from outside the car, which is usually drier and warmed by the engine. Rolling down the windows a little bit can also help let in drier air; even 0.5 inch (1.27 centimeters) can make a noticeable difference. If it is raining or snowing heavily, however, this may be ineffective as it lets in moisture, so use the air conditioning or heating system.

It can also help to warm up the car before driving in cold weather, and turn on the defroster before the windows have the chance to fog up. Don’t do this in a closed garage, since carbon monoxide buildup from car exhaust is dangerous in an unventilated space. If you park your car outdoors in a safe neighborhood, start the engine and set the defogger a few minutes before you plan to leave. In some car models, a rear defogger can help keep back windows clear as well.

Eliminating Fog on Windows

When in a hurry, you can clear fog from windows by wiping down their interior surface with a clean, dry towel. This should only be done when absolutely necessary, however, as it won't necessarily prevent the windows from clouding up again. Defoggers work by warming the windows, which dramatically reduces how easily fog can form on them.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WikiMotors contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By anon994167 — On Jan 20, 2016

I'm surprised that the air conditioner wasn't suggested. I found that you can clear the fog up quickly by using the air conditioner on the defroster since the cold from outside and the heat inside is also what causes the fog.

By anon938550 — On Mar 10, 2014

Shaving foam wiped over mirrors in a bathroom will stop them steaming up. Will it work on car windows too, do you think?

By anon356074 — On Nov 21, 2013

Dry the interior as much as possible. Open two windows slightly if weather permits. Make sure the air from your blowers is coming from outside. Use dessicating crystals. Don't smoke in the car. Keep the windows clean. Remove any damp clothes. Dry mats over the house radiator if they get damp. Park the car with the rear facing the sun. Even parking below a street lamp can help. I dealt with this problem for years but the appliance of science helped me once I overcame the apathy. Hope this helps.

By healthy4life — On Dec 14, 2012

@StarJo – I crank up early, too, and I run my rear defroster. My back windshield is usually just as foggy as the windows.

I like to watch the moisture on the windows and both windshields dry up. Once the process gets started, they clear up rather rapidly. It's like a domino effect!

By wavy58 — On Dec 13, 2012

I usually roll down a fogged window to wipe the fog off. If it's really cold outside, this delivers a sudden burst of bitterly cold air that helps make me more alert, so it's a bonus!

By StarJo — On Dec 12, 2012

My husband keeps an old t-shirt in our car and uses it to wipe down foggy windows. If he is driving and I'm in the car, I will wipe them down for him.

Foggy windows happen most often on really cold mornings in our vehicle. As soon as we crank up, the fog starts to form.

We have to crank it up about five minutes before we leave and turn the defroster on warm. That way, by the time we are ready to leave, the windows will no longer be foggy, and the car will be warm inside.

By giddion — On Dec 12, 2012

I have always struggled with the question of how to keep my car windows from fogging up. It's really hard to wipe down the inside of the windshield while driving, especially since your vision is impaired by the fog.

I didn't know that dehumidifier crystals existed. I am going to try these, because they sound like a simple solution.

By anon38555 — On Jul 27, 2009

I think it might be more cost efficient to use the heater set to use air from outside the car as then the electric blower motor is not needed as much, or at all, meaning less load on the alternator and so less fuel used so more cost effective. Cheers. Jeremy :)

By anon26861 — On Feb 20, 2009

Our Vauxhall Astra windows fog up really badly, apparently a well known fault with Astras, and the air always seems damp in the car.

We bought a large bag of dehumidifier crystals from Lakeland Plastics, put half of them in an open, plastic container on the floor of the car and after a few days they had sucked all the dampness out of the air. Eventually, after a few weeks, they get so wet that they have to be changed but at only around £5 a bag it's well worth it for safe, clear windows.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WikiMotors contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/how-can-i-keep-my-car-windows-from-fogging-up.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.