Watching from inside your home as the snow continues to fall and covers your driveway and the front yard? Wondering how to accomplish the arduous task of snow removal?
It’s not difficult if you have a few basic tools, such as a blower, shovel, vacuum, alcohol, salt, canvas, etc. Knowing how to use these things effectively can make the task much easier and less time-consuming.
This article covers some useful tips and tricks to deal with snow and ice at home.
1. Snow Blowers
If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, you will want to buy a heavy-duty snowblower for heavy snow and ice in your yard, walkways, etc.
Do a little research about various online stores, such as simplysnowblowers.com to check reviews on various snow blower types and models.
However, if you can’t afford a snow blower, you can also take your leaf blower out to clear snow from steps, walkways, and driveways.
2. Liquor Solution
One of the sober uses of those hard drinks in your house could be keeping your window panes frost-free. You can do this trick by spraying clear liquor like gin, rum, or even vodka on window glasses and then rubbing them dry.
3. Table Salt and Pickle Juice
A very common and handy de-icer is table salt. A moderate application of table salt on your car windshield is effective to keep it clear of ice.
- Step 1: Take a moderate amount of table salt into a spare sock.
- Step 2: Rub it over the entire windshield at night.
You will find your windows free of frost the following morning.
Salty pickle juice is also an effective de-icer spray that you can apply to snow-laden areas.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
The rubbing alcohol in your cabinet can do a bit more than just disinfect. You can spray rubbing alcohol on window panes and rub it dry with an old fabric or towel to get shiny glass instantly.
5. Wrapper or Canvas
Ditch the heavy snowfall with a thick and sturdy wrapper or canvas. Throw it over your car at night, so that in the morning, you can simply pull it off along with any snow that’s fallen.
6. Snow Tires
Snow tires may be costly, but they provide a safe and comfortable ride during heavy snowfalls. These tires will come in super handy if you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice.
Winter tires are softer and more ergonomic with better traction in snow and ice. Make sure you change to snow tires during winter so you don’t get caught unprepared.
Choose your tire vendor wisely since you will be spending a pretty penny on them.
7. Mixed Solution: Alcohol, Dish Soap, and Water
Try the following DIY to melt the snow and ice:
- Step 1: Blend 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon of dish soap into half a bucket of clean water.
- Step 2: Pour and spread the mixture over the snow.
- Step 3: The snow should begin melting in minutes.
8. Cooking Spray on Shovel
Cooking spray is a propellant chemical liquid that you can utilize in removing snow and ice with a shovel. Spray it on both sides of the shovel before removing snow.
The lubrication and emulsification qualities of the cooking spray will help you shovel the snow out smoothly, keeping the ice from sticking to your shovel.
Don’t forget to wipe the shovel clean after use so its coating doesn’t wear off.
9. Extra Socks for Traction
It may sound crazy to put on socks over your shoes, but wading through thick snow and ice is a daunting task. Wearing those extra socks will prevent falling while walking and help you keep your balance while shoveling the snow.
10. Smart Shovel Attachments
Various adjustable handles and attachments are available on the market nowadays that can minimize shoveling strain. Shoveling may hurt your back, and such handles will protect your back to a great extent.
Adjustable shovel handles can also give you a quicker and smarter snow removing experience.
11. Dry/Wet Vacuum
Make use of your house or shop vacuum by turning it into a blower. Set the pipe to the blower point instead of the sucking point and get going with your snow removal.
Generally, a dry or wet vacuum can work in narrower spaces or where the snowflake is relatively thin.
12. Snow Removal Schedule
You never know when the snowfall will stop, nor can you wait the whole winter before trying to remove the snow.
Hence, for long snowstorms, it is better to set a schedule for shoveling or blowing the snow every 2-3 hours. This way you can keep up with it and it doesn’t get to be too much to handle.
Snow Melters to Remove Snow and Ice
If you are not into shoveling, then here are some alternatives that may aid you in removing snow. Below are some products and tools that can help:
● Snow Melter Products
You can buy various non-toxic, quick-action, safe, and environment-friendly snow and ice melters at the stores. Make sure to keep them away from your kids and pets if they contain any harmful chemicals.
● Heated Snow-Melting Mat
Heated snow-melting mats are useful in driveways to melt down even extreme snowfall. All you have to do is connect the melting mat’s plug to the electric socket, and it will start melting down the snow and ice in no time.
● Lukewarm Water
You can pour lukewarm water on the snow and ice on your steps, doorknobs, walkways, etc. Make sure the water is not too hot, or the surfaces could warp.
● Beet Juice De-icer
You can use beet juice as it is the most natural and risk-free de-icer. Many commercial products made of beet juice are available on the market now. Beet juice works wonders when it comes to dissolving or defrosting thick ice.
Hire a Snow and Ice Removal Service
If you are not able to take on the daunting task of removing snow and ice by yourself, go for a snow removal service.
Several companies provide nationwide snow and ice removal services. Nonetheless, without knowing the best way to hire a snow removal company, you could be confused.
Check with your relatives, friends, colleagues, or any acquaintances for any reference to better snow removal services. Gather information on their prices, reviews, and testimonials before hiring one for yourself.
Wrapping up
This helpful article has provided tips and tricks to deal with snow and ice that you can try without a lot of expensive equipment or back-breaking work.
You may come up with some alternatives to deal with snow and ice during winter apart from what we have enlisted here.
However, make sure you consider the place, time, tools, and ingredients wisely before applying any of them. Don’t experiment with things that could risk the health of your family, pets, or yourself.