Make Snow Removal Easier With These Tools and Tips

There’s something magical about the first snowfall of the season — the majestic way it falls from the sky, the pristine way it coats the trees and lines your walkway. But that enchantment quickly turns into dread when you remember all the back-breaking work you have to put in to clean it up. Have no fear! These products and expert tips will help mitigate the pain and effort, so you can go back to enjoying the view in no time.

_{Prices are accurate as of December 17, 2024. Subject to change.}

HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mat

Use a heated mat outside your entrance, on your walkway, down your stairs, or along your driveway, and watch the snow melt as fast as it accumulates! The starter kit with different options is not currently available as of this writing, but if it doesn’t come back in stock, you can purchase stair mats and other sizes separately depending on your space.

Entry Non-Toxic Liquid Ice Melt

Liquid solutions are gaining traction as an essential tool in the snow removal toolbox for both professionals and homeowners, says Jimmy Patterson, president and founder of TruScape LLC, a residential and commercial landscape maintenance and construction company. Unlike granular salts that need to dissolve to activate, liquids are faster and more effective, working on contact to break up existing ice and snow, clearing surfaces in a fraction of the time. Plus, they’re cost-effective since a little goes a long way. We like this chloride-free liquid solution because it won’t make a mess of your floors, and if you have pets, it won’t burn, or get stuck in, their paws like chloride salts can. 

Fusion 2330 Sugar Beet Liquid De-Icer

Not a fan of using salt or standard liquid de-icers? Sugar beet juice, made from white beets, is another pet- and eco-friendly option, says Angelika Zaber, de-Icing and winter maintenance specialist with Online Rock Salt. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, just like other de-icers, and it can be safely used on plants, grass, cars, concrete, and roads. While you could simply apply sugar beet juice evenly across icy or snowy surfaces using a spray bottle or watering can, we like this pre-made mix that’s easier to find than the white juice.

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader

“De-icing is a task that involves quite a bit of strength and energy, whether that’s through shoveling or spreading salt by hand,” says Chrissie Handley, a de-icing solutions specialist with Online Rock Salt. Her easy solution is to invest in a spreader. It reduces the need for manual labor and allows a greater, more even coverage quickly — integral in speedy snow melting. This one does double duty since you can also use it when you garden in the spring.

FJX Leaf Blower

Snow blowers are known for their speedy snow-clearing abilities, but can cost upwards of $1,500, require regular maintenance, and take up a ton of space in the garage. Zaber’s alternative? A leaf blower! It’s not great for super heavy snowfalls, but it works well to clear light and fluffy snow with little effort needed.

PAM Cooking Spray

Cooking spray is a surprising product that makes snow removal simpler. Just spritz enough to coat your shovel blade, says Zaber. It creates a slick surface that prevents the snow from sticking so it slips right off. Vegetable oil or shovel wax work well too.

The Snowplow Original Snow Pusher

This is the shovel I’m making sure my husband uses this season. The extreme width of the blade grabs a large swath of snow all at once, it stays sharp after multiple uses, and is nonstick so snow slides right off (no cooking spray needed). It’s also made with polyethylene, which is safe for use on concrete, blacktop, pavers, and decks.

Featured Image Credit: JuliaDorian/ Shutterstock