Nix “old-fashioned” shoveling for these newer and simpler solutions to removing snow and ice. But take precaution. Even these simpler means to melting winter’s mix can be strenuous, so talk to your doctor or therapist before you try them.
Spray it. Liquid de-icers like IceClear ($14 per gallon) work fast to melt snow and ice and can be spread prior to an impending storm to keep ice from accumulating. Use the Battery-Powered Sprayer ($45) to apply without priming or stooping.
Cover it. Roll out the Ice and Snow Carpet ($20). The latex rubber bottom helps the runner grip slick surfaces, including steps, and creates a dry, 10-foot long path that is 18 inches wide. Scrap scraping your car’s windshield by covering it before a storm with a tarp or Axius’ Sno Off Windshield Cover ($10). Tuck the tarp’s ends into your car doors to prevent it from blowing away.
Shovel it. A snow shovel with wheels can ease the chore of pushing snow off driveways, says Stacy Smallfield, occupational therapist and assistant professor at The University of South Dakota in Vermillion. The padded handle on the dual-wheeled BackSaver Speed Shovel ($40) adjusts for height and can pivot freely to adjust to your angle as you push. It clears a 2-foot-wide swath 6 inches deep.
Blow it. Compact snow blowers like Murray’s Electric Snow Shovel ($175) are more maneuverable than their larger cousins. Murray’s throws snow 20 feet in any direction and clears a 15-inch path. If you already have a leaf blower or wet-dry shop-vac, try it for removing light snow, says Smallfield. Rigid’s 16 Gallon Wet Dry Vac ($100) has a detachable blower.
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