An icy sidewalk is a danger to your safety, that of your family and neighbors. In some areas, citizens are required to clean the sidewalk section adjacent to their property; it is therefore advisable to know how to clear the ice quickly, safely and efficiently.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use an Antifreeze
Step 1. Purchase an antifreeze product
You should be able to find it at a hardware store or home improvement store. It is worth buying several packs in early winter; when the first snowstorm strikes, it is possible that the shopkeepers run out of stock.
- You should store antifreeze in a dry place, preferably in airtight containers, to protect it from moisture and sunlight.
- This product is generally composed of rock salt or sodium chloride, which lower the freezing point of water; in this way it can penetrate the ice breaking it and creating a layer of water under it.
Step 2. Use the right product in the right way
Antifreeze substances can be dangerous for health, for pets, for the lawn and can damage the pavement; do not use them in large quantities and wipe them off once the ice has melted. If you have the feeling that you need to sprinkle more than 60-120g for almost one square meter, you may be using the wrong product. Anti-freezers work at different temperatures and melt the ice at different rates.
- Hygroscopic products remove moisture and can severely damage the skin and driveway.
- Some of these substances contain greater amounts of chemicals than others; urea is usually present, but it can ruin the pavement.
- Calcium chloride melts ice even at lower temperatures than salts that do not contain it; it is already active at -28 ° C, while the salt is effective only at -9 ° C. This substance is useful for quickly melting ice on stairs or sidewalks, but you need to apply it often.
- Rock salt needs more time, but it doesn't have to be sprinkled often; apply it to areas you use less often, such as driveways.
Step 3. Spread some antifreeze product on the frozen pavement
It is not necessary to use large quantities, just create a thin layer on top of the ice; you need to apply about 60-120 g (one or two handfuls) for every square meter.
- It is best to spread it as soon as it starts to snow; as the ice gets thicker, the salt loses some of its effectiveness.
- The product should start working in about 15-30 minutes; it does not melt the ice, but it should penetrate through it, break it and create a layer of water between the sidewalk and the ice itself, so that it is easier to remove it with a shovel.
Step 4. Shovel the ice off the sidewalk
Now that it has been broken, you should be able to separate it and remove it with a snow shovel; tap it with the tip of the shovel to break it.
- Keeping one hand on the top of the handle and the second about 12 inches from the first, slide the blade of the shovel under the broken layer of ice.
- Try to collect as much ice as possible and lift it off the curb.
- Turn and tilt the shovel to drop the "load" of ice and snow on either side of the driveway; continue like this until you have cleaned the entire surface.
Step 5. Sprinkle a second layer of salt
You can use this substance before, during and after a snowfall. Distributing it after shoveling the ice prevents the formation of a new layer; by doing so, if it continues to snow, the antifreeze can immediately start working and make your job easier.
Method 2 of 3: Make Homemade Antifreeze
Step 1. Fill a 4 liter can of hot water
Fill it half of its capacity, then with 2 liters of water; do not worry that it is very hot, it must have a temperature that allows you to handle it.
Step 2. Add some dish soap
You can use any type of liquid dish soap you have on hand; drop about six drops into the water, then gently stir the mixture to dissolve the detergent, without foaming.
Step 3. Complete the preparation using denatured alcohol
Measure 60 ml and pour it into the 4-liter tank; you can use a cocktail measuring cup to calculate the right amount.
This substance can be dangerous. Take precautions when handling it and avoid direct skin contact; to do this, wear gloves and do not touch your face after using alcohol. Wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of soap and water
Step 4. Pour the mixture onto ice
Proceed while the water is still hot and pour it abundantly on the sidewalk you want to clean; the solution melts the ice and facilitates its removal.
Step 5. Shovel the ice
You need to get rid of frozen water efficiently and safely; this means removing the ice and snow from the pedestrian or carriage path without harming yourself.
- Use a snow shovel that isn't too heavy for you.
- Decide where to pile the snow and ice before you start, to avoid blocking an access and having to start shoveling that area all over again.
- In theory, you should push snow and ice without lifting them.
- If you have to lift the load, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Remember to use your leg muscles and lift the weight only enough to move the ice up to the pile; if you have to rotate, turn your whole body and not just your torso at waist level.
Method 3 of 3: Use a mechanical snow blower
Step 1. Choose heavy machinery
Mechanical snow blowers can also lift the ice and avoid possible back injuries by shoveling by hand. If there are blocks of ice mixed with snow, the right tool can solve the problem.
- Avoid the single-phase models that use shovels and instead opt for the two-phase ones that are equipped with spiral blades or augers; some of these have longer or sharper teeth, useful for breaking ice.
- Snow blowers with petrol engines are more reliable and robust than electric ones.
Step 2. Break the ice
These machines are unable to remove a sheet of ice, because they perceive it as a solid surface and slide over it; before using one you must therefore break the ice with the tip of a shovel.
Step 3. Read the instruction manual
Each model comes with different controls, options and instructions. Make sure you fully understand the function of each moving part and know how to use the machine by reading the manual.
- Pay particular attention to the section dedicated to the auger, the orientation of the snow discharge tube, the use of the clutch and steering levers.
- Prepare the car by filling up with fuel, engine oil, checking the stabilizers or arranging the necessary extensions.
- Look for accessories that come with the snow blower, such as blades, skids, and safety pins.
Step 4. Plan the route
Identify the place to accumulate snow and ice; decide which side of the pavement you want to blow and pile snow on. Never direct the flow towards cars, homes or people, and never move snow from the sidewalk to someone else's driveway.
- If it is a windy day, do not point the jet of snow into the wind, otherwise it will return towards you.
- Avoid picking up and throwing gravel with the snow blower. If you need to remove ice from a gravel-covered surface, leave a layer of snow in the path, slightly raising the height of the blades or auger so they don't touch the ground.
Step 5. Start the snow blower in a well-ventilated area
You have to start it outdoors; if you are in a garage or shed, make sure the doors are open to let the exhaust fumes escape.
Step 6. Slowly move the machine to the area you want to clear the ice
Use both hands to push it slowly and with a steady speed, just as if you were mowing the lawn; follow the path you have decided and be careful in the curves.
- Some two-stage snow blowers are equipped with power steering, which makes turning easier.
- Disconnect the blades from the motor when turning and make sure the snow exhaust pipe is directed in the correct direction before re-activating them.
- Keep pushing the machine across the surface and turning until the entire sidewalk is clean.
Advice
- Scrape off the ice in twenty-minute sessions by taking breaks until you have completely cleared it.
- Use a special bag to extend the life of the antifreeze salts and to save money. It is a sock-like polyester or nylon container that resists freezing breakage; it is strong enough (withstands a pressure of 30 kg or more) to hold several kilograms of salts and is specially woven to prevent tearing and stretch marks; it also resists damage from UV rays, weak acids and is reusable. By filling these "socks" with colorless antifreeze salts and placing them on the steps or along the edge of the roofs you can prevent the stairs from freezing and the formation of frozen water barriers throughout the winter and with a single application.
Warnings
- Do not play sliding on ice: you could fracture a bone or suffer a head injury; be very cautious when doing this!
- Wear warm clothes.
- Do not put your hands near the spiral of the blades of a snow blower.
- Do not fill the snowthrower tank with the engine running.
