Is your sidewalk or windshield covered in ice? Here are some DIY ways to remove it
Kansas City received a fair amount of snow Thursday, and while the city’s snowplow operations are out clearing the roads, there’s one part they won’t clear for you.
That’s right, your sidewalks. Since that’s your or your landlord’s property, it’s on the owner to remove snow from the path in a timely manner. Ice will form underneath the snow, making it easy for someone to slip, fall and possibly injure themselves.
The same could happen on the steps leading up to your house or apartment, so it’s best to clear and treat those, too.
What’s the best way to do that? We have some tips on clearing up your sidewalks and steps to make them less slippery and dangerous in the winter weather.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS?
The first step is to pre-treat the areas with rock salt, sand or another de-icer. If you forgot to do that, you’re not out of luck, but it will make it tougher.
After it’s snowed, get the shovels and clear as much snow as you can. Once you’re finished, apply your de-icer again on the snow that’s leftover or the ice that’s formed underneath. This will help clear off the remaining snow.
Monitor your steps and sidewalk after you’re done shoveling. If it snows again, you’ll have to repeat the process, but at least this time you’ve treated the ground with rock salt or sand. The same should be done with clearing snow from your driveway if you have to drive somewhere.
MY WINDSHIELD IS FROZEN. WHAT DO I DO?
If you’ve cleared your driveway and have to head out, but can’t because your windshield is frozen, here’s what the Farmer’s Almanac recommends you should do, using products you might already have at home.
Vodka. There’s more to it than drinking. Mix it with water, spray or pour it on your windshield and scrape away, using an ice scraper or an old credit card.
Rubbing alcohol. Follow the same formula for using vodka to defrost your windshield.
If you have windshield wiper fluid, it’ll help soften the ice, making it easier to clear. Just pour it on the windshield and scrape.
Pickle juice contains salt, which helps melt ice. Like the other liquids, pour it on your windshield and it’ll help melt the ice. However, you should wash your car as soon as possible after you do use pickle juice, as the salt can damage your car.
A reminder: If you have a pet, make sure they’re wearing some form of protective gear on their paws and that you clean them if they go outside. The salt can cause irritation.
This story was originally published February 18, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
