Snow Removal Hacks when you Don’t Own a Snow Blower
Fast, efficient and safe snow removal is one of the season’s most essential tasks for those with white winters. Of course, most think a snow blower would make this a breeze, but snow blowers have their disadvantages too. If you’d prefer more “snow-blower-free” tricks here are some alternatives:
Replace your Snow Shovel
Your father’s snow shovel is not the snow shovel of today. Ergonomics have played an important role in making them more efficient and much safer. You’ll find that they even help you get the job done in a fraction of the time it used to take.
Here are two examples of new designs in snow shovels and how they’re used: Shovelution and Garant.
Don’t Blow. Roll!
Get clever. This may not work for every type of snow, but it sure is fun to try! One West Virginia’s man’s clever method for snow removal will have you and the kids racing to give it a try. “No lifting, no scooping” is his successful strategy. How to have fun Clearing Snow
Heated Driveway Mats
While not generally considered a ‘hack’, having a warm place for those falling flakes to land is an intriguing, and let’s face it, happy, idea. And depending on your age and ability, heated mats could be a really great alternative to the manual labor of removing snow. Heated mats focus on specific areas allowing you to move them where you need them.
One of the best things about heated mats is that you can buy different sizes to use to melt the snow from your walkways, porch and the ever-treacherous steps leading to your house. When heated mats are used on steps they are laid individually and then plugged together. And if you move you can take them with you!
De-Icers
This is more of an ice-removal hack, but it goes hand in hand with snow removal. If possible, de-icers should be applied as soon as snow begins to fall. If there is already significant snow, shovel it first and then use the de-icer for the best results.
You can readily pick up a commercial de-icer at your local hardware or retailer, but beware because they are generally toxic in varying degrees to the environment, pets, and wildlife and can damage concrete driveways and walkways. Some deicers that are considered safe may actually be “less-toxic” as opposed to “non-toxic”. If you belong to an HOA check with them first before using commercial products.
If the thought of a commercial de-icer is less appealing, consider making your own de-icer by using these main ingredients:
Vinegar
Combine 3 parts vinegar with 1-part water.
Spray or pour gently (avoiding runoff)
Rubbing Alcohol
Combine 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1-part water.
Apply (avoiding runoff)
Dish Soap
1 tsp of generic dish liquid
1 TB of rubbing alcohol
1/2-gallon warm water
Mix the ingredients together in a bucket and pour over sidewalks and pathways (avoid the runoff).
Pickle Brine
Combine 2 lbs. of salt per gallon of water. For extra punch, add a glass of sugar beet juice to get the ultimate in de-icers.
As a reminder, salt, while organic, is damaging to both concrete and landscape so use it cautiously.
Alfalfa Meal
Alfalfa meal is typically used as a fertilizer but its hidden talent is as ‘green’ ice-melting hero. It’s also grainy making it a great de-icer while providing traction. It’s said to be very effective when used moderately.
Additional Convenient Solutions for Pesky Snow
Lay plastic tarp over sidewalks, walkways and the driveway in anticipation of snow. You might not want to wait until the flurries cease to pull up the tarp. If you’ve experienced a heavy, wet snowfall then you might find your tarp trapped as the weight of the snow will make it too heavy to lift.
In a pinch, you can get year-round use out of your leaf blower or shop vac by using them to remove that light overnight snow.
If you have ever tossed a shovel-full of snow to find it still on the shovel, then coat your snow shovel with cooking spray to make shoveling much easier. Cover the front and back to keep snow from sticking.
Before you shovel, put a pair of socks over your shoes for added traction.
Shovel often. It’s far easier to shovel in spurts than it is to wait until it stops snowing and trying to man-handle those mountainous snowdrifts.
Hire someone. There are many reputable, able-bodied and well-equipped individuals or companies prepared and ready to clear your driveway and walkways this season.
And last, but not least, there’s always Florida.
Sources:
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/5-winter-shoveling-hacks
https://www.greenmoxie.com/natural-green-salt-alternatives-for-melting-ice-and-snow/
https://www.thespruce.com/cost-of-heated-driveway-systems-4117474
https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/3-hacks-make-shoveling-snow-snap/
http://www.networx.com/article/best-ways-to-clear-snow-without-a-blower