You might find it strange, but many drivers are putting a glass of salt inside their cars—and for good reason. Salt is being used as a natural way to fight dampness, foggy windows, and musty smells that make driving uncomfortable. This common kitchen ingredient has a special ability to absorb moisture from the air, helping keep the inside of a car dry.
Salt attracts water molecules, a property called hygroscopy. When you place salt in a cup inside your car, it soaks up extra humidity, lowering moisture levels. This means less fog on your windows and drier seats—a big relief, especially on cold or rainy days.
This trick is easy and cheap. Just fill a glass or cup with regular table salt or rock salt and place it wherever it fits inside your car, like the dashboard or cup holder. It doesn’t create any mess, and you don’t need special equipment. Besides drying the air, salt helps prevent the bad smells caused by mold and mildew, which thrive in humid spaces.
Unlike air fresheners, salt won’t add any scent but will improve the air quality by keeping it dry. You may notice the difference after a day or two. If you prefer other options, old-fashioned newspaper or silica gel packets can work well to absorb moisture too.
Controlling humidity in your car helps protect the upholstery and electronics from damage and stops rust from forming. It also makes your drive more pleasant. So next time your windows fog up or your car feels damp, try this simple salt method—you might be impressed by how well it works.
