De-icing isn’t only about melting. Alcohol reduces ice adhesion by lowering surface tension and wicking under the frost lattice, so a light scrape removes more with less abrasion. Because alcohol mixes readily with liquid water, it also dries fast and leaves minimal residue that could attract dirt, which is useful around clear visors, lenses and small vents on light aircraft and drones. The same chemistry explains why alcohol blends delay immediate re-freeze after brushing, buying a short window for safe movement. This principle is embodied in Winter –40 °C ethanol.