You should store your deicer in a dry place, preferably inside an airtight container keeping it free from moisture and sunlight. [2] X Research source These are largely made of rock salt, or sodium chloride, which has a lower freezing point than water. This allows it to seep through the ice, breaking it up and creating a layer of water beneath it.
Hygroscopic ice melt removes moisture and can be severely damaging to skin and sidewalks. [4] X Research source Some of these products involve more chemicals than others. Urea is sometimes included in the mixture, but can cause damage to your sidewalk. Calcium chloride will melt ice at even lower temperatures than salt mixtures without it. It can function at -20 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas salt is only good down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This is useful for melting ice quickly when you need it on stairs or walkways, but will need to be reapplied often. Rock salt takes longer to melt the ice, but will not require being reapplied as often. Use this in areas used less often, like driveways.
It is best to sprinkle this layer of salt as soon as it starts to snow. Once the ice gets thicker, it will be more difficult for the salt to be effective. The salt should start working in 15-30 minutes. It will not melt the ice, but should have seeped through and made a layer of water between the ice and the sidewalk, as well as breaking up the layer of ice and making it easier to shovel.
Holding one hand on the top of the handle and the other down another foot or so along the length of the shovel, wedge the blade under the broken ice. Scoop the shovel under as much ice as you can and lift it off the sidewalk. Turn and tip the load of ice over to the side of the sidewalk and continue shoveling until it is cleared.
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, can be hazardous. Take precautions when handling it. Avoid contact with skin by wearing gloves. Don’t touch your face after handling rubbing alcohol. Wash your hands with a lot of soap and water. [9] X Research source
Use a lightweight snow shovel which is not too heavy for you. Decide where you will pile the snow and ice before you start so that you don’t end up blocking a walking or driving path and needing to start over in that area. Ideally, just push the snow and ice out of the way without lifting it. If you do lift, keep your knees bent and back straight. Remember to do the lifting with your legs and only lift as high as necessary to move the ice to your pile. If you are turning, turn your whole body instead of twisting at the waist.
Avoid single-stage blowers which use paddles and choose a dual-stage snow blower, which employs augers. Some augers have sharper or longer teeth, which are useful in breaking up the ice. Gas blowers tend to be more reliable and stronger than electric blowers.
Pay specific attention to how to operate the auger, chute direction, drive clutch and steering levers. Prepare the snowblower with gasoline, oil, stabilizers or necessary extension cords. Look for accessories which may have come with your snow blower, like blades, skid shoes and shear pins.
If it is a windy day, don’t blow the snow into the wind. This will blow it back in your direction. Avoid picking up and shooting gravel through the blower. If you are clearing a gravel surface, leave a little snow on top of the gravel by lifting the necessary blades or augers to a height which does not reach completely to the ground.
Some second-stage blowers have power steering options to assist in making turns. Disengage augers when making turns and make sure that the chute is facing the correct direction before starting the augers back up. Continue pushing the snow blower over the area and making turns until the sidewalk is completely cleared.
