About Fog-Free Spray

Foggy windows are a major distraction for drivers, and pose a safety risk as well. Caused by cold windows coming in contact with warmer air, fog can form on a windshield and keep drivers from safely operating their vehicles. Luckily, many automotive retailers carry a line of fog-free sprays that can be applied to windows to prevent fog from forming. These anti-fog agents are also useful for many other glass and plastic surfaces, including goggles, camera viewers, and windows in the home.

History

During the 1950's and 1960's, the United States was working feverishly to land a man on the moon. As space travel became a major industry, NASA worked to perfect everything from spacecraft to astronaut uniforms. From early space missions, NASA scientists knew that a major factor limiting the astronaut's working abilities was the fact that their helmet visors would continuously fog up. To prevent this, NASA researchers developed fog free sprays for use on the visors, and this technology quickly found its way to the public marketplace. Today, these sprays are sold by many different manufacturers' and are even blended with plastics and glass during fabrication so that the materials are pre-treated, keeping them from fogging during use.

Function

Fog-free sprays can function in one of three ways. First, they can perform a process called "wetting." During this process, the spray provides a film between the glass and the water or fog. Instead of water building up into fog, it is scattered into single drops and will roll away. Another way these sprays can function is through hydrophilation. Here, the chemicals in the spray bond with the hydrogen particles in the water, keeping it from forming fog or condensation. Finally, plastic and glass can be fabricated with anti-fog products already built in. With this type of application, the anit-fog products will pull moisture outside, through the material, so it doesn't form as fog on the inside of the window.

Types

There are many different types of fog-free sprays and products. The first are those used in most commercial anit-fog solutions, and include both hydrophilic and wetting compounds. Both of these are commonly found at automobile supply stores and is industrial application. The second major type of compound is those made out of regular household products, which include shaving cream, dish detergent, shampoo, ammonia, and vinegar. All of these products contain anti-fog properties due to the way they interact with water at the molecular level.

Benefits

Many people who don't have an anti-fogging spray available will attempt to wipe fog away with their hands. Not only is this ineffective, it can actually be dangerous. First, there is the danger associated with cleaning fog from your windows while driving. Second, the oils from your skin will leave streaks on the glass that can dramatically impair night vision. Applying a fog-free spray to your windows every few weeks can prevent fog from forming, helping you to have a safer driving experience.

Considerations

If you don't want to invest in a store bought anti-fogging spray, try making your own at home. The easiest way to keep your windows from fogging is to add a few drops of dish detergent to a wet rag and use it to clean your windows from the inside. The residue from the detergent will help prevent fogging. Another option is to add 1/4 cup ammonia and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol to a quart of water. Mix well, then add the mixture to a spray bottle and use it to clean your windows. The ammonia and alcohol will provide a protective film that will keep fog from blocking your view.