I like your approach—sometimes simple tools just work. I’ve actually done something similar with an old microfiber cloth, especially on those mornings when the inside fogs up more than usual. One thing I’ve found helpful is cracking the windows just a bit before parking for the night, which seems to cut down on moisture buildup. The defroster does feel like overkill unless it’s really icy out, but I get why folks use it for comfort. Your squeegee trick sounds efficient and way less wasteful.
One thing I’ve found helpful is cracking the windows just a bit before parking for the night, which seems to cut down on moisture buildup.
That’s a solid trick, though in my experience it’s a bit of a gamble if you live somewhere with a lot of pollen or dust—woke up to a yellow dash one spring after leaving the window cracked. The microfiber cloth method’s always worked for me, but I’m curious if anyone’s tried those silica gel packs people use in closets? Wonder if tossing a couple on the dash overnight would make a difference.
I’ve actually tried the silica gel packs thing, and honestly, didn’t notice much difference unless I used a ton of them. Plus, they tend to slide around or burst open if you’re not careful. Cracking the window’s risky for me too—last time it rained sideways and my seat got soaked. I’m starting to think just running the defrost for a minute in the morning is less hassle, even if it burns a bit more gas. Anyone else find an option that doesn’t involve extra cleanup?
Defrost’s definitely the path of least resistance in my world too, even if it means sitting there for a minute like a car-bound popsicle. I tried the sock-full-of-rice trick once—looked ridiculous on the dashboard and left rice everywhere when it split open. Honestly, the only thing that’s worked for me (besides the trusty defrost) is making sure those rubber floor mats are dry before I park for the night. Weird, but less moisture inside seems to help. Not exactly high-tech, but at least there’s no cleanup... unless you count the random rice grains I’m still finding under the seats.
Rice in a sock—been there, done that, vacuumed up the mess. I’ll admit, I still keep a little towel in my glovebox just to wipe down the inside if it’s really bad. The floor mat tip’s spot-on, though. Moisture’s the real enemy. I’ve tried those little silica gel packs from old shoe boxes too, tossed under the seats... not sure they do much, but hey, at least they don’t explode like rice.
I’ve tried those little silica gel packs from old shoe boxes too, tossed under the seats... not sure they do much, but hey, at least they don’t explode like rice.
Had to laugh at that—once dropped a sock full of rice in the footwell, hit the brakes, and suddenly it looked like I’d been hauling sushi supplies. Honestly, I swear by cracking the windows just a hair overnight if you can do it safely. Not perfect, but less mess than rice or those gel packs.
once dropped a sock full of rice in the footwell, hit the brakes, and suddenly it looked like I’d been hauling sushi supplies.
That’s hilarious—been there with the rice, except mine split open on a speed bump. Total mess. I started keeping a cheap microfiber towel on the dash overnight. In the morning, just wipe and go. Not perfect, but no explosions or weird smells.
Rice in the car is wild—mine was oats once, which somehow feels even messier. I tried the towel on the dash thing too, but ended up forgetting it half the time and just smearing fog around. Ended up cracking the windows a tiny bit at night. Not perfect either, but it does help with the fog and doesn’t cost a dime... unless it rains sideways, then it’s a whole different adventure.
Ended up cracking the windows a tiny bit at night. Not perfect either, but it does help with the fog and doesn’t cost a dime... unless it rains sideways, then it’s a whole different adventure.
I get why people do the cracked window thing, but isn’t there a risk with security or even critters getting in? Maybe I’m just paranoid, but leaving a window open—even a little—makes me nervous. I’ve tried those silica gel packs (the kind that come with shoes) on the dash, and they seemed to help some. Not a miracle fix, but less hassle than remembering towels or worrying about rain sneaking in. Anyone else tried those?
I totally get being nervous about leaving the window cracked—my neighborhood’s got enough raccoons that I’d half expect to find one riding shotgun in the morning. Silica gel packs are a smart move. I’ve tossed a few of those bigger “closet” moisture absorbers under the seats, and they actually make a difference, especially in winter. Not perfect, but less stress than dealing with soggy seats or worrying about someone reaching in. The towel trick just left everything smelling musty for me.