Defrost your car's frozen windows with homemade solutions

Having a garage or underground parking slot is a luxury, not every car owner possesses. Parking outside may not be an issue during most of the year, but during winter, outdoor parking can require additional chores like snow removal or scraping windows in the event of a heavy frost.

While many car shops, gas stations, and supermarkets offer special compounds to quickly defrost frozen surfaces, preparing such solutions at home can be cost-effective and equally beneficial.

As many would agree, prevention is often better than cure. This is especially true for preventing windows from freezing in winter. Preparing a homemade defrosting compound can spare you from the morning ritual of scraping off ice from your windows.

To prepare this solution, you only need vinegar and water - two common household items. Prepare a mixture in a 3:1 ratio (three cups of vinegar to one cup of water), then wipe this mixture onto a dry, non-icy window using a cloth or sponge. This simple step will prevent any precipitation from freezing on the window.

If you were unable to protect your windows with the vinegar solution, you can still create an effective defrosting agent at home using water (distilled or from the tap) and higher strength alcohol. Mix these in a 3:1 ratio, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle, and you're all set. Simply spray this compound onto the frozen window or mirror, wait a few seconds, and the ice should start melting, making it easier to remove.

For smaller surfaces, like a frozen lock, a disinfectant can be an ideal solution. Many people carry these liquids which contain alcohol and can be used to thaw the ice. Simply spray the lock and/or key, wait a few seconds, and you can then safely insert the key into the lock.