Can you use dawn powerwash on car windshield

1. Viral claim: Dawn Powerwash stops fogging and icing — what was said

A TikTok creator, Ceith Griffith, demonstrated spraying Dawn Platinum Powerwash onto a windshield and said that, when wiped in, it prevents fog and ice buildup and can last months; the clip drew hundreds of thousands of views and sparked press coverage ^{[1] [4]}. The social posts explicitly recommend applying to both inside and outside glass and wiping it until “there is no film and no haze” ^[4].

2. Journalism check: evidence is anecdotal and limited

News outlets that covered the video treated it as a viral tip rather than a settled fact. Reporting notes the demonstrations are personal anecdotes and that there is “no credible reporting suggesting that this tip works or doesn’t” in any rigorous way ^[2]. The Daily Dot contacted the TikToker and the manufacturer but coverage emphasizes mixed viewer experiences and questions about durability in rain ^[1].

3. Known benefits: Dawn as a cleaner versus an anti-fog agent

Dawn and similar dish soaps are widely used to clean greasy residues from auto glass; forum users have long reported Dawn reduces interior streaking when used sparingly, treating off-gassing oils that produce glare ^[3]. Journalists also note that, in a pinch, a Dawn-and-water mix can serve as a quick windshield cleaner, which is a different use than a persistent anti-fog or anti-ice coating ^[2].

4. Common problems reported: haze, streaks and rain wash-off

Multiple sources and commenters warn that Dawn Powerwash can leave streaks or a film if not thoroughly wiped away; users on TikTok who tried the hack said it didn’t deliver the promised long-term results, and reporters flagged concerns about what happens when the soap meets rain ^{[1] [2]}. The risk of visible streaking under headlights or sunlight was already documented in older forum posts about dish soap on interior glass ^[3].

5. Alternatives and expert guidance cited in reporting

Coverage points readers toward dedicated windshield cleaners and established anti-fog products as recommended alternatives to household hacks; at minimum, journalists advise using Dawn as a cleaner only and being cautious about claims of lasting anti-fog performance ^[2]. The reporting does not provide a head-to-head test comparing Powerwash to commercial anti-fog treatments ^[2].

6. What the manufacturer response and testing context show — and don’t show

The Daily Dot said it reached out to Procter & Gamble (the maker of Dawn) following the viral clip, but the available reports do not quote a formal, definitive endorsement or lab data from the company about using Powerwash as a long-term anti-fog/anti-ice treatment ^[1]. Available sources do not mention controlled testing data confirming the TikToker’s longevity claims.

7. Practical guidance for drivers based on the reporting

If you want a quick clean: a diluted Dawn solution can remove greasy film from the inside of the windshield, as long as you rinse/wipe thoroughly to avoid haze ^{[3] [2]}. If you’re after a reliable anti-fog or anti-ice solution: rely on products specifically marketed and tested for auto glass or follow manufacturer/recommended practices — reporting emphasizes the Powerwash claim remains anecdotal and inconsistent ^{[2] [1]}.

Limitations and final note: reporting is limited to viral posts, firsthand anecdotes and forum histories; there is no cited controlled lab testing or authoritative safety guidance in the available sources about using Dawn Powerwash specifically as a durable anti-fog or anti-ice coating ^{[1] [2] [3]}.