Please Don’t Put Loose Salt Directly on Your Car
This is important.
Don’t scatter salt over the dashboard, seats, carpet, or upholstery.
And don’t place an unstable open container where it could spill while you’re driving.
Salt and moisture together can be problematic for metal surfaces, and spilled salt can also make a mess of upholstery and carpeting.
Use a sturdy container and keep it somewhere secure.
Better yet, if you’re driving, remove the container altogether.
Salt Isn’t the Best Solution for Serious Condensation
If your windows are constantly fogging up, don’t rely on a glass of salt to solve the problem.
Persistent condensation can indicate that there is too much moisture inside the vehicle.
Look for the source.
Check the floor mats
Wet mats are a very common source of moisture.
If they’ve been soaked by rain or snow, remove them and let them dry thoroughly.
Check the carpets
Feel the carpet around the front and rear footwells.
If it feels wet or unusually damp, investigate further.
Check for water leaks
A damaged door seal, windshield seal, sunroof drain, trunk seal, or other leak can allow water into the cabin.
If your carpet keeps getting wet even after you’ve dried it, that’s a much bigger issue than ordinary humidity.
What Causes a Damp Car Interior?
There are several possibilities.
Wet clothing and shoes
Every time you climb into the car with wet shoes or a dripping coat, you’re bringing moisture inside.
Rain and snow
Water can easily collect on floor mats and carpeting.
Wet umbrellas
An umbrella dripping inside the car can add a surprising amount of moisture.
Spills
Even a small drink spill can contribute to lingering dampness if it gets into carpet or upholstery.
Breathing
It sounds funny, but passengers naturally release water vapor as they breathe.
A car full of people can become humid surprisingly quickly, especially with the windows closed.
Hidden leaks
This is the one you shouldn’t ignore.
If your vehicle remains damp despite your best efforts, investigate for a leak.
