How to Keep Car Windows Fog Free Using a Potato

Author Info

Last Updated: October 17, 2024

Do your car windows keep fogging up? Forget the dehumidifiers—a simple potato is all that you need to get your car windows looking sleek and clear. We've covered everything you need to know about this hack, so you can hit the road with clean, fog-free windows as soon as possible.

1

Cut a raw potato in half.

Download Article

Be sure to use a clean potato, so wash it first if it is coated in soil.^{[1]
X
Research source} This is a good opportunity to use up an old potato that has started to sprout and is past its best.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- You can also use up the potatoes going green.

2

Rub the cut side of the potato on the window.

Download Article

Wipe from side to side to cover all of the window. This will clean it and leave a layer that will prevent condensation from forming on the window.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you notice starch streaks forming, wipe them off. You may need to wipe more quickly to avoid leaving any streaks.
- You can also cut off dirtied slices or parts of the potato half and continue with the clean part.

3

Use the other half of the potato if needed.

Download Article

4

Leave the window to dry without touching it.

Download Article

The potato juice should dry clear and the windows will remain fog-free. The starch in the potato acts as a barrier between the glass and the air.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- While the potato film is drying, don't touch it or you'll leave fingerprints dirtying the window.
- Throw the used potato into the compost.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

If it rains, will I need to reapply the potato to the car window?

Community Answer

No, but you may want to reapply it every few weeks, depending on how often your area experiences rain.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
Question

Will this attract bugs?

Avs789

Community Answer

If potatoes are stored in a warm place, they may attract bugs and rodents. If the car is in an open and well-aired area, it should not attract bugs.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

This method can also be used to keep ski goggles from fogging up. Rub raw potato over the goggles when changing into your ski gear. Sure, you'll need to remember to cut a potato in half and pop it into a plastic bag before going to the ski field, but the clear vision will make it a worthwhile effort.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do this first thing in the morning for best results.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
It may be a good idea to clean the windows first. If they're dirty, the potato will pick up the dirt and can leave a sticky film due to the grime. If washing first, ensure that the window is perfectly dry before using the potato trick.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If you rub too much, it might impair visibility, just as fog would.

Thanks
Helpful 21 Not Helpful 11
Potatoes may be sticky and attract bugs.

Thanks
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 18
A constantly fogging windshield is a sign that you need to get the car seen to, as something may be wrong with the car.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 7