Foggy Windows/condensation

[Qball]

I'm sure this is somewhere in the forum....

I'm having some issues with my windows fogging up...any recommendations? I live in very wet Oregon and in my Honda Fit. I even had the rain guards put on around my windows so i could leave them cracked open for ventilation/circulation...speaking of which, whats the best setting to keep my car vent system on while i'm sleeping for optimum circulation/ventilation? Trying to stay stealthy and the windows are giving me up!!! Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Suanne]

Hi Qball,

I have the same problem when sleeping in my Prius anytime the temp outside is lower than the temp inside my car (increased by my body heat and made worse by the moisture in my breath). Rain makes it worse. I find that curtains help.

I use black polyester fleece and make my "curtain cave" as small as possible. I hang a curtain just behind the front passenger seats, and at the back hatch where it hinges to the roof. These curtains help keep moisture from reaching the front and back windows. (I sleep on the passenger side with my feet under the hatch.) I also hang curtains over the back passenger windows. When sleeping, I keep the back passenger windows down about 1" (under the rain guards) and the curtains are also down about 1" to allow for air flow at the ceiling.

I don't pay much attention to my vent settings because the venting in the Prius is only for the front seats (on the other side of the curtain when sleeping).

Hope that helps.

Suanne

 

[WheelEstate USA]

A little computer fan or two might help to move the air better. Movement is what caused drying. Computer fans are very kind to your battery system too.

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings!

There are several methods that come to mind...

Air movement is always good, a small fan aimed our helps.

There is stuff called Dri-Z-Air, it can help.

Some people have said that wearing a dust mask will filter out your breaths moisture...

One other tip that can make a huge difference, is to make sure your vehicle's heat/air conditioning is set for fresh outside air rather than recirculate. If it's set to recirculate, it will recirculate the moisture in your vehicle instead of drying it out. This is true even if it's raining outside.

Still others have said that if you build yourself a fleece tube tent, totally enclosed, it will give you plenty of breathing room, but keep any moisture self contained.

During the day, crank your heat up full blast with your windows cracked so any moisture can escape. Much of your moisture problem could be from accumulated moisture, and once you get it all dried out, it will make it easier to maintain.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[Qball]

Thanks for the info, that's helpful.

Has anyone tried a potato? I've seen several videos where someone uses a clean potato, cuts it in half and rubs the raw end on the inside of the window.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks for the info, that's helpful.

Has anyone tried a potato? I've seen several videos where someone uses a clean potato, cuts it in half and rubs the raw end on the inside of the window.

Don't think I've heard that one.
Since you have the problem how about testing it and letting us know.

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings!

Rain-X has both anti-fog sprays & wipes, looks like they're available at Walmart.

I have no personal experience with it, but it might be worth a try.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Greetings!

Rain-X has both anti-fog sprays & wipes, looks like they're available at Walmart.

I have no personal experience with it, but it might be worth a try.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

The moisture is still going to be there somewhere. Air flow seems to be the best way to me.

 

[Starlight]

Fogging windows can be deterred by using a vinegar wash.

In fact, if you make a spray bottle of white vinegar/water 50/50 -- you can use this for many things. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will also cut grease. Some people clean their bathrooms with it and wipe their mirrors with it ... Some wash vegetables with it... rinse hair with it... rinse clothes... Very handy and cheap solution. I've heard it being used for athlete's foot treatment, but in the interest of preventing your body from becoming too acidic, I would rather suggest using a borax solution for an antifungal wash for the body and feet... and laundry.

 

[akrvbob]

I'm a big fan of vinegar also, I haven't used soap on my dishes in 6 years, I only wipe them out and give them a final rinse with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Works great.

I worked in a produce department in a grocery store for many years and when we washed the mirrors behind the wet rack we gave them a final rinse with a lemon juice and water mix. it kept the water from collecting on them so it may work against condensation.
Bob

 

[RVTravel]

I would try
1. computer fan or other low draw fan
2. cover my nose and mouth with loose fabric when sleeping

 

[mjbeam]

You could try releasing a few hundred of those huge slugs we have in Oregon in your vehicle. They may remove the fog from your windows as they slither around. There may be side effects though...