Dealing with foggy windows, damp seats, or a musty smell in your car can be frustrating. Fortunately, there’s a simple and inexpensive solution that many drivers overlook: salt. Placing a glass of salt inside your vehicle can help reduce moisture and keep your car’s interior fresh. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, salt naturally attracts water from the air, lowering humidity levels and preventing condensation on windows and seats.
Salt works especially well in small, enclosed spaces like cars. Unlike air fresheners that simply mask odors, salt helps neutralize them by removing the damp conditions that allow bacteria and mold to thrive. It’s an easy, safe, and affordable way to maintain a dry, clean environment without relying on chemical sprays or electronic dehumidifiers.
Worried your car will start to smell like the ocean? There’s no need. Salt doesn’t leave any scent—it simply improves air quality by drying out the interior. By keeping the space free of excess moisture, it stops unpleasant odors before they even have a chance to form. This makes your car more comfortable and healthier to sit in, especially during rainy or humid seasons.
If you want alternatives, newspaper and silica gel packets also work well. Crumpled newspaper absorbs moisture efficiently, while silica gel packets act as mini dehumidifiers in glove boxes or under seats. Using salt or one of these alternatives helps prevent long-term damage caused by humidity, keeping your car dry, fresh, and comfortable. It’s a simple hack every driver can try.