Common (But Flawed) Fixes People Try
Most of us reach for whatever seems quickest:
Heating your key with a lighter – Risky, especially for your fingers and your car’s finish.
Pouring warm water over the lock – Effective for a minute… until it refreezes almost immediately.
These methods can work in a pinch, but they’re not always safe, practical, or damage-free.
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Nana’s Effortless Trick (That Actually Works)
Here’s the secret: hand sanitizer.
Yes — that little bottle in your purse or console can save the day. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which lowers the freezing point of water and melts ice fast.
Nana swears by it, and after testing it myself during a brutal Midwest winter, I’m a believer too.
Apply a dab of hand sanitizer to your car key.
Insert the key into the frozen lock.
Gently wiggle it back and forth — the alcohol will work its way inside.
Wait a few seconds, then turn the key slowly.
You’ll feel the ice give way as the mechanism frees up. The whole process usually takes under 30 seconds.
Why This Trick Is Practically Effortless
You already have hand sanitizer (especially in cold/flu season).
Works almost instantly — perfect for frosty mornings when you’re in a rush.
It’s fast, portable, and doesn’t leave residue or moisture behind.
Safety Notes & Precautions
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