Put a Glass of Salt in Your Car, Here Is Why Every Driver Should Try It

Drivers are often quick to buy expensive products for their vehicles while overlooking simple, affordable tricks that can improve comfort and safety. One of the most surprising tips comes from a police officer who suggested something that sounds almost too simple: put a glass of salt in your car. At first, this idea may seem strange, but the reasoning behind it is practical and effective. Excess humidity inside a vehicle is a common issue that many people underestimate, and salt happens to be one of the most natural and inexpensive ways to solve it.

Humidity in a car is more than just a minor inconvenience—it can create serious problems if ignored. High moisture levels affect visibility, air quality, and even the longevity of your vehicle’s components. Think of the frustration of foggy windows when you’re driving on a rainy morning or during a sudden temperature change. Fogged-up glass can severely reduce visibility, creating a dangerous situation on the road. Even a few seconds of impaired vision can lead to accidents, making humidity control an important part of vehicle safety.

Moisture also brings another familiar annoyance: musty odors. If your car has ever smelled damp, stale, or moldy, you can thank excess humidity. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, and once they take hold inside your car, the odors can be stubborn and hard to remove. Not only do these smells make driving unpleasant, but they also signal the presence of microorganisms that can be harmful to your health.

This leads to one of the more serious issues caused by humidity—health concerns. Mold spores and mildew can aggravate allergies, trigger sneezing and coughing, and irritate the eyes. For people with asthma or respiratory conditions, the problem becomes even more severe. Spending long hours in a car filled with poor-quality air can compromise well-being and make driving a miserable experience.

The damage doesn’t stop there. Over time, excess moisture can corrode metal parts, stain or weaken upholstery, and interfere with sensitive electronics. Cars today rely heavily on electronic systems for navigation, entertainment, and safety features. Exposure to high humidity can shorten the lifespan of these systems, leading to costly repairs and reduced reliability. In short, unchecked humidity eats away at both the comfort and the value of your vehicle.

So how does a simple glass of salt help with all of this? The science is straightforward. Salt has hygroscopic properties, which means it naturally absorbs moisture from the air around it. This makes it a natural dehumidifier. By placing salt inside your vehicle, you create an inexpensive tool that steadily draws in excess moisture, lowering humidity levels in a safe, natural way. Unlike some chemical dehumidifiers that can release harmful fumes or require complicated setups, salt is non-toxic, widely available, and easy to use.

Implementing this trick takes almost no effort. All you need is a clean glass or cup and a supply of coarse or rock salt. Coarse salt works better than fine table salt because its larger crystals have a greater surface area to capture moisture. Fill the glass with about a cup of salt, then place it in a secure spot in your vehicle, such as the cup holder. Be sure to avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight or places close to electrical components. Once set up, the salt will quietly do its job. Over time, the salt may clump together or change color as it absorbs moisture. When this happens, simply replace it with a fresh batch.

The benefits are immediate and noticeable. With reduced humidity, your windows stay clearer, giving you better visibility and safer driving conditions. The air smells fresher, free from musty odors. Mold and mildew growth slows down, improving the overall air quality inside your vehicle. By lowering moisture levels, you also protect the upholstery, electronics, and metal parts, helping extend the life of your car and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Most importantly, the driving environment becomes healthier and more comfortable for you and your passengers.

While salt is an effective hack, it’s worth remembering that it addresses symptoms rather than root causes. If your car has leaks, faulty seals, or a malfunctioning air conditioning system, those problems should be fixed to prevent moisture buildup from returning. Salt should be viewed as a supplement, not a permanent replacement for proper maintenance.

Beyond the salt method, there are other steps drivers can take to keep their car interiors dry. Regularly check seals and weather stripping for damage, as worn areas can let moisture seep in. Use quality floor mats that absorb water tracked in by shoes, especially during rainy or snowy seasons. If your car is parked outside, consider using a breathable car cover to shield it from heavy rain or snow. Whenever possible, ventilate your vehicle by opening windows or doors to let fresh air circulate. For those who want consistent moisture control, portable dehumidifiers designed for vehicles are also available.

The takeaway is simple: a glass of salt in your car is more than just a quirky trick—it’s a cost-effective, natural solution for managing humidity. It’s easy to set up, requires little maintenance, and provides multiple benefits, from safety to comfort. Whether you’re battling foggy windows, stale odors, or just want to keep your vehicle in better condition, this small hack can make a noticeable difference. Sometimes the most effective solutions are the simplest ones, and in this case, a handful of salt might be all it takes to improve your driving experience.