Clearing your car windows of ice is primarily a work of prevention. Unfortunately, we don’t always get ice storm warnings and have to remove ice after the fact. Here are a couple of simple solutions you can mix using chemicals you likely have in your pantry or cleaning closet.
Mix 1/2 cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol with a few drops of dishwashing detergent in a household sprayer bottle.
Spray the car windows liberally with the alcohol/dishwashing detergent mixture.
Allow the solution to sit for several minutes. If the ice is a solid sheet over the car, you may have to use a scraper to chip around the window frames but you should be able to lift off the ice with the scraper edge. If the ice is particularly thick, you may have to repeat the application of the alcohol/detergent mixture.
Mix 3 parts vinegar to 1 part cold water in a sprayer bottle after you clear the windows of ice.
Spray the car windows and the mirrors with the vinegar and water mixture before driving the car. This window treatment will help prevent ice from forming and adhering to the windows.
