1. Spray on some DIY Windshield De-Icer
Most store bought de-icers  are one time use so they can be pricey if it’s something you need often. Here’s how to make your own de-icer for pennies! In a spray bottle mix 1/3 room temperature water to 2/3 isopropyl alcohol to create a spray on mixture that will melt ice fast. Spray liberally on the window, allow to set, and then you can start scraping or start your wipers if it’s a thin sheet of ice. I’ve heard that hand sanitizer works in a pinch since it’s mostly alcohol but haven’t tried it.

2. Try salt water.
This is a tried and true trick that works great. Make a salt water mixture to pour onto the window or spray on liberally. Give it a few seconds to set and start scraping. Always use room temperature water as hot water can cause the windshield to crack. Salt water can have a corrosive effect on your car over time so try to keep it contained to the windshield.

3. Give this vinegar mixture a try the night before.
You can give this mixture a try the night before if you know you’re expecting icy conditions.  Make a mixture of 1 parts water and 3 part vinegar and add it to a spray bottle. Like the recipes above, always use room temperature water. Spray on your windows the night before and this should help inhibit the formation of ice.

4. Press a dense, warm object to it.
If you have no access to any of the ingredients above, another one of the ways to melt windshield ice fast is to take a warm dense object and press it to the glass. You want warm, not hot as hot can cause cracking. A book or shoe that has been warmed over the heat is perfect. Just press, hold, remove, and scrape. It is best to focus on the thickest parts of the ice first.

5. Try prevention.
If you are worried about having access to any of the items above, prevention will be your best friend. You can run a piece of fabric or sheet across your windshield to help the ice from sticking. There are also commercial covers you can use like this Premium Windshield Cover from Amazon that you can keep right in your car when not in use. Prevention may be ideal if ice is an issue but you don’t always have access to the products above.