I Tried These 10 Ice & Snow Removal Hacks and They Really Work!

Winter always brings its share of challenges, and with a pregnant wife at home, making sure our paths are clear of ice and snow is more than just a chore—it’s crucial for her safety.

I’ve tried everything from high-tech gadgets to old-school tricks to keep our walkways safe. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to 10 snow and ice removal hacks that have proven to be effective.

These are reliable methods that make sure I can get the job done swiftly and safely, so I can spend less time out in the cold and more time keeping warm indoors with my family.

Clear Snow As Soon As It Falls

Heading out into the cold to shovel snow might be the last thing you want to do, especially after a long day. But tackling it as soon as it falls can save you a lot of hassle later on. Fresh snow is lighter and easier to move before it gets the chance to settle and turn into a solid, icy mess.

I make it a point to clear the paths quickly, keeping them safe for my wife to walk around without worrying about slipping.

Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum to Remove Snow

Who knew that your shop vacuum wasn’t just for cleaning up sawdust and spills? When snow starts piling up, I hook up the hose to the exhaust side and turn it into a powerful blower.

It’s perfect for blasting away snow from the sidewalks or the deck without having to lift a shovel. Just point where you want the snow to go, and let it do its thing.

Gardening Shovel for Hardened Snow

Sometimes, the right tool for the job isn’t the most obvious one. After trying various methods, I’ve found that a gardening shovel with a flat head is surprisingly the best at clearing that stubborn, hardened snow near the end of my driveway.

It’s heavier and sharper than a regular snow shovel, allowing me to chop through those icy embankments with much less effort. It’s not your typical hack, but in a pinch, it’s been a real arm-saver and gets the paths clear quickly and efficiently.

Use a leaf blower to Remove Snow

When winter hits, your leaf blower can take on a new role. Instead of stowing it away, I use it to whisk away that light, fluffy snow off the sidewalks and even the car. It’s a quick fix on those mornings when I’m scrambling to get everything clear so my wife can walk safely, especially with the little one on the way.

The leaf blower is gentle enough not to damage anything but powerful enough to get the job done fast. No back-breaking shovel work required, and you’re out of the cold quicker.

Smart Snow Blowing

Here’s how to master the snow blower and make clearing your driveway almost effortless. The trick is to start right down the middle and push the snow toward the edge. Once you hit the end, make a U-turn, and do the other side, continuing in this pattern. This approach means less fiddling with the chute and usually no need for a second round.

Tarp

Getting ahead of the snowfall can save you heaps of time. One trick I’ve found particularly useful is using a waterproof tarp. Just lay it over areas like your car, sidewalks, or steps before the snow starts. Secure it with ropes or weigh it down with stones to keep it in place. When the snow stops, it’s just a matter of pulling off the tarp and shaking off the snow in a spot that won’t bother anyone.

This method has been a back-saver, especially on those mornings when you need to get going fast and can’t afford any slipping accidents.

Make Your Own Ice Melt

Caught without ice melt during a sudden snowfall? No worries, you can make your own with things you probably already have at home. Just mix 1 teaspoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and half a gallon of hot water. Pour this mixture over icy patches on your walkway or driveway.

It’s surprisingly effective, and you’ll feel a bit like a winter wizard using your homemade concoction to safely clear a path for your family.

Get The Right Shovel

Choosing the right shovel is the first step to making snow removal as painless as possible. What works best? Go for a lightweight shovel with a plastic or aluminum blade that has a non-stick finish. It glides through snow without turning each scoop into a weightlifting session. And if you’ve got wood decking, stick to plastic blades to avoid scratches.

An ergonomic, S-shaped handle also helps keep your back from complaining the next day.

Move Faster With A Snow Blower

When the snow piles up fast and you need to clear your paths even faster, a snow blower becomes a game changer. It’s a solid choice for getting rid of snow quickly and with a lot less effort than shoveling.

Yes, it’s an investment—there’s the upfront cost, and then the ongoing maintenance and fuel—but the time and backache it saves makes it worth considering.

Imagine getting the driveway and walkways clear in the time it takes to sip your morning coffee. That’s the convenience a snow blower brings on those snowy days.

Use Cooking Spray

When it’s snowing like crazy and you’re out there trying to clear a path, shoveling can feel endless. Here’s a trick that really saves some backache—spray your shovel with cooking oil before you start. It makes the snow slide right off, so you’re not lifting that heavy, wet stuff more than you have to.

Trust me, it’s a back-saver and you won’t be struggling with chunks of snow sticking to the shovel. Just be sure to give it a quick wipe down afterward to keep your garage tidy.

Spread Sand Over Slippery Areas

There’s nothing worse than feeling your feet start to slip just as you’re getting a good rhythm going with your shoveling. To keep your footing solid, sprinkle some sand or kitty litter over the slippery spots before you start.

It’s an easy fix that adds a lot of stability, helping you stay upright while you’re out there. Plus, it’s a simple step that makes a big difference in keeping the walkway safe for everyone, especially with your wife expecting and the little ones running around.