Clever Snow Removal Strategies Avoiding Salt Use
Busting Snow and Ice: Clever Snow Removal Tips That Skip the Salty Stuff
Wintertime calls for the tricky task of removing snow and ice for countless folks worldwide, but who needs corrosive ice-melt salt to help out? Fortunately, we've compiled a bunch of snow-removing hacks to lend a helping hand in keeping your property neat and your family safe—all without resorting to harmful salt. Grab a cup of hot cocoa while we dive into these eight DIY ways to banish snow from your life.
Ice Melt Hacks to Safeguard Your Home's Walkways
1. Tarp It Up
Let's face it—sticking a tarp on surfaces may sound quirky, but it gets the job done. In the event of an impending snowstorm, strategically place tarps on your walkways, driveways, and any snow-prone areas that you'd like to keep toss-free. Once the snowflakes have ceased falling, just yank away the tarps and witness your shovel-free, snow-free walkways! If the snowfall is significant, securing assistance to remove the tarps won't go remiss.
If you don't have tarps on hand or are reluctant to invest in new ones, flimsy plastic drop cloths can also do the trick. Be sure to opt for sturdier drop cloths, or else they might tear when you're pulling them off. And remember, placing tarps on your car could lead to scratches; utilize softer materials, like a blanket, instead.
2. Coat Your Shovel with Cooking Spray
Ah, shoveling snow! It's a chore that's got us all reaching for the closest booze cabinet. Want an easy way to make this arduous task less irksome? Slather some cooking spray onto your shovel before you begin the labor! The oil situated within the spray will contrast the snow like oil and water, making it slip off your shovel like a well-oiled machine.
Your Quick Guide to Frying Oil Disposal and Scrumptious Reuse Options
3. Leaf Blower Magic
Hold off on winterizing your leaf blower, because in the winter, it transforms into your snow-fighting ally. Removing snow using a leaf blower is best when the snow is fresh and still fluffy. If the snow has compacted or undergone a freeze-thaw cycle, though, you might want to save the leaf blower for next year's unfinished leaves.
4. Vacuum Time
No leaf blower around? Worry not. A run-of-the-mill wet/dry vac could also do the trick, but perhaps not in the way you're envisioning. Instead of attempting to vacuum up the snow, flip your wet/dry vac so the hose is connected to the exhaust side, and ta-da! A makeshift snow blower!
Wet/Dry Vacum Cleaners Decoded: Our Top 7 Picks for Spotless Homes## 5. DIY De-Icer
Environmental concerns and rust prevention might steer you away from spreading ice-melt salt on your driveway and walkways. If that's the case, swap out that salt for a homemade de-icer consisting of only vinegar and water! Mix up a 1:1 solution and spray it directly onto the ice and snow to watch it melt away.
6. Gain Some Traction
If you merely require a quick, slip-free path, sand is your man. What works even better for compacted snow? Swap out your sand for cat litter, or stockpile bags of alfalfa meal. Keep the cat litter's application light to avoid attracting unwanted feline visitors.
7. Metal Shovels Rule
Plastic shovels? Not the move when faced with compacted snow. Switch your skimpy plastic shovel for a sturdy, metal one. The key? Find a shovel that won't bend under the weight of the snow. While removing compacted snow with a metal shovel will still be physically demanding, it's at least an obstacle you can tackle head-on.
Always shovel snow while it's still fresh; never wait until it's had a chance to freeze over.
8. Rent a Snow Blower
In the wake of a significant snow prediction, consider renting a snow blower instead of purchasing one. Most regions offer snow blower rentals for a few days, a week, or more, so you can conquer the white stuff as the flakes fly. Snow blowers aren't necessary for minor snowfalls or compacted snow, but if the weather forecast promises a massive snow dump, they'll become invaluable assets.
- In the yard, consider utilizing a plastic tarp or a sturdy drop cloth to cover your walkways, driveways, and other snow-prone areas before a snowstorm for an effortless clean-up once the snow stops.
- To ease the burden of shoveling, apply some cooking spray onto your shovel prior to beginning the task. The oil in the spray will allow the snow to slide off easily, similar to water on an oiled surface.
- If you have a leaf blower, use it to remove fresh, fluffy snow conveniently. However, compacted or previously frozen snow might require a different approach, such as saving the leaf blower for a warmer season.
- If you don't have a leaf blower at hand, connect your wet/dry vac to the exhaust side to create a homemade snow blower for quick snow removal.
- To avoid using harmful ice-melt salt, mix equal parts vinegar and water to create a homemade de-icer. Spray this solution onto the ice and snow for easy removal.
- When dealing with slippery surfaces, consider using sand, cat litter, or alfalfa meal for traction. Be sure to use these materials sparingly to avoid attracting unwanted animals.
- Opt for a sturdy metal shovel instead of a plastic one when dealing with compacted snow. A well-built metal shovel will better handle the weight of the snow and provide easier removal.
- In cases of heavy snowfall, consider renting a snow blower for efficient snow removal. Snow blowers are particularly valuable when facing extensive snow accumulation.
