If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you know how important it is to have a good snow shovel. But even the best snow shovels can't make shoveling easy. If you're looking for ways to make the job easier, you’ve come to the right place.
Snow shoveling is a tedious and time-consuming task, but it doesn't have to be. There are a few simple things you can do to make the job easier and less time-consuming. This winter, when the snow starts falling, you can try out these snow shoveling hacks and see how they work for you!
Use cooking spray
Shoveling snow is one of the least fun winter activities. It's cold, it's wet, and it's back-breaking work. Additionally, nobody wants to spend hours outside in the cold. Fortunately, we have a simple hack that can help you work more quickly and efficiently. By using cooking spray, which you likely already have around the house, getting rid of snow can be a lot less unpleasant.
Simply spraying your shovel with cooking spray before you start shoveling will make the job go by much faster. Spray a good amount on the blade of your shovel, then start shoveling. The snow will slide right off, saving you time and energy. You won’t have to work as hard and take as much time throwing the snow aside. You’ll then be able to get right back to scooping up more snow, thus shaving quite a bit of time from shoveling.
Next time you're getting ready to tackle a big snow job, don't forget to grab the cooking spray. Once you’re done shoveling, make sure that you thoroughly clean the oil off the shovel before storing it.
Put socks on over your shoes
If you've ever slipped and fallen while removing snow, you know how painful it can be. It can also be quite dangerous because slipping and falling can lead to various injuries. You can sprain your ankles, fracture bones, and hit your head on the pavement.
It’s pretty easy to slip on wet, icy ground. However, simply putting on socks over your shoes can easily keep you standing. This may seem like a strange tip, but it really does work. The socks will provide extra traction and prevent you from sliding around. Make sure that you put on another pair of socks the usual way – before you put on your shoes. Put on a suitable pair of shoes, then the second pair of socks.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you’re 100% safe from slipping. You can still slip and fall, but the likelihood of that happening is much lower.
Concoct a salt alternative
Sometimes, you can get rid of 99% of snow, but there’s still a layer of ice that has formed underneath. You’ll then have to deal with that ice, after spending all that time and energy on getting rid of the snow. Fortunately, you can use salt to melt that ice and get rid of it.
When it comes to melting ice on your driveway, however, salt is not your only option. You can also mix a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol with a teaspoon of dish soap, then mix both with half a gallon of water. You can then throw this mixture on particularly icy areas. The ice will then melt, without the water in the mixture forming into ice itself. This can be a particularly useful alternative if you don’t have enough salt for larger areas that have iced over.
Apply ice melting agents early
Speaking of melting ice, you can also use other ice-melting agents ahead of time, even before the snow starts falling. You can salt your driveway and other areas on your property, or you can also use other substances. Some ice melting agents you can use include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium acetate, and more. If you don’t have these lying around and snow is about to fall, salt is always a reliable option.
When it comes to ice and snow, the best offense is often a good defense. That's why it's important to apply ice melting agents before the snow starts to fall. This can help prevent snow buildup, so you won't have as much snow to shovel in the morning. You can also apply these melting agents if you’re expecting sleet or rain.
Additionally, you can also use sand, gravel, crushed up rocks, and even kitty litter to make shoveling easier in case an area refreezes. By being proactive, you can make your winter a little bit easier. Just make sure that you apply these melting agents and various types of grit early.
Use a back-saver shovel attachment
If you're one of the many people who dread shoveling snow each winter, here’s some good news. Using a back-saver shovel attachment can help reduce back pain when shoveling. This attachment goes over the handle of your shovel, giving you a better grip and a more ergonomic shoveling position.
A proper grip can make all the difference when you’re shoveling. Some of the best snow shovels are already ergonomically designed, so they’re easier on the back. However, some shovels might also need a bit of help. A back-saver attachment is cheap and easy to use, so it’s best to put in an order soon before winter rolls around.
This attachment can help you get a better hand position on your shovel handle, which can ease a lot of the strain that shoveling puts on your back. The attachment is also removable, so you can take it off any time.
Lay down a tarp
Morning snow shoveling sessions are always the worst. Having to dig your car out of the snow or having to clear walkways, then having to drive to work can be such a hassle. However, there’s also something you can do to get rid of snow in just a few minutes.
If you have to park in your driveway, you can put a tarp over your car before the snow starts to fall. The snow can then accumulate on the tarp, and you can just pull the tarp away to remove the snow. The process won’t take long, as long as you’re careful enough not to let the snow slide off the tarp and onto your car. Even so, this process is easier, faster, and takes less energy than shoveling.
You can also get a big enough tarp, or use several tarps, to make it easier to clear a path in your driveway. Most hardware stores will likely have tarps of different sizes, which can all work well for your purposes.
Have a strategy
Shoveling snow is physically taxing and time-consuming, which is why it’s important to take the time to think about the best and most efficient ways to tackle it. Otherwise, you'll find yourself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
In this case, strategizing means having a plan for where you're going to shovel the snow, and what you're going to do with it once you've shoveled it. Without a strategy, you're likely to find yourself moving snow into a pile that you can't move or takes up too much space.
You can do small things that can make a lot of difference as you shovel snow. For example, you can do something like avoiding walking on snow before you start shoveling because tamping snow down can make it harder to remove. Another thing you can do is to start shoveling from the middle of the driveway, toward the ends and the sides. The same principle applies to snow blowing.
Even if you're not a fan of winter, there's no denying that snow can be beautiful. But, when it comes to shoveling your driveway, it can be a real pain. If you're looking for ways to make the process a little easier, try out some of these snow shoveling hacks. From using a tarp to just pull snow off to spraying cooking spray on your shovel before you start, these tips will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
