With temperatures in the UK plummeting recently, those who own a car will have likely experienced an iced-up windscreen by now.

However, no need to buy any expensive products, as a motoring expert revealed seven household items which can de-ice a car in a matter of seconds – including lemons, salt, onions and even sandwich bags.

While ice scrapers can help remove some of the surface-level shards, it can take drivers around 20 minutes to remove the problem entirely. However, the time can be shortened by using staple cupboard items which we all have.

READ MORE: You're de-icing cars wrong – expert says you should never use boiling water or bank card

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Tim Alcock, from LeaseCar.uk said: “With temperatures taking a sharp dip, many of us are having to face the burden of de-icing the car in the morning. But using an ice scraper to clear the vehicle can have you standing for 15 to 20 minutes which can be a nightmare when you’re on a tight schedule.

“That’s why we suggest using typical household products like lemons, salt and onions which can help defrost windscreens.”

Household items which can help de-ice your car

1. Lemons

Tim says: "The citric acid in lemons can help break down the ice barrier. Squeeze the juice onto the windshield, then rinse it off with lukewarm water and wipe off the shards with the lemon itself."

2. Sandwich bags

You may not have though a sandwich bag could help de-ice you car, but it can, according to Tim. He says a ziplock sandwich bag filled with lukewarm water can help remove ice in seconds. However, he warns: "Don’t use piping hot water otherwise your windshield could crack."

3. Salt

Sprinkling salt onto the windscreen will help to dissolve the ice with a chemical reaction without causing any cracks, says the expert. For mirrors, put the salt on a sponge and soak it in warm water before wiping.

4. Onions

As well as making you cry, onions can also apparently help de-ice your car. Tim says you should chop a brown onion in half and rub it across the windscreen at night to prevent a thick layer of ice from sticking.

5. Alcohol

Save your beer and festive sherry for Christmas Day, as Tim says you'll need Isopropyl alcohol to clear the ice from your car. You'll need to use it and rub the screen with a microfibre cloth to get it clear. Vodka can also help as an instant de-icer if you have any leftover from your festive drinks.

6. White vinegar solution

A mixture of white vinegar and distilled water mixed in a spray can help prevent ice from forming in the first place the night before, according to Tim.

7. Warm towels

The expert says a warm, damp towel can help quickly remove thicker pieces of ice on the windshield without damaging the car – result!

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