Snow removal tips to keep your property clear

The first frosts of the season bring to mind thoughts of cozy fireside weekends and sharing meals with family and friends. However, in the background lurks the prospect of the coming snow. Love it or hate it, winter weather is on its way. So get out the snow shovel and stock up on rock salt, because now is the time to get ready.

When the first snowfall arrives, it brings both a major disruption and plenty of extra work. Keep yourself safe this winter and minimize the inconvenience by following these snow removal tips collected by PBCleaning 247.

Work Safely in the Cold

1. Warm-up Before you Begin

Manual labor is hard on the body. Even those with regular workout routines find that shoveling snow works muscles differently. A quick warm-up is the best way to avoid excessive soreness and injury. Spend 10 minutes or so doing a few squats, arm circles, neck stretches and hamstring stretches before heading out to shovel.

2. Dress in Layers

Sure it’s cold outside, but a big, heavy coat is not helpful. For the best range of motion, and ideal comfort while working in cold weather, dress in multiple layers that you can remove or put back on as needed. Depending on how cold it is, that could mean a moisture-wicking base layer of long underwear, a middle insulating layer of wool or fleece, and a wind-blocking outer layer. Don’t forget warm boots with good traction.

3. Get a Grip

Slips, trips and falls are the most common reasons for accidents and injuries. Take a few added precautions while working in the ice and snow. Strap on a pair of ice cleats over the soles of your boots for added grip while you work. Keep in mind that melting snow will refreeze overnight. Apply grit, such as kitty litter, wood ashes, sand or ice melt on smooth surfaces that are, or may, become icy.

4. Lift Properly

The job may be big, but rushing to get done is another way to get hurt. Whenever possible, push the snow, rather than lifting it, to reduce the strain on your body. When you must lift, use proper form. Bend your knees, keep your head up and use your leg muscles to lift. When the snow is heavy and wet, two smaller scoops are better than one big one.

5. Pace Yourself

When the snow starts piling up, don’t let it. Instead of waiting it out to shovel all at once, if possible, make several trips to keep up with the snowfall. The longer the snow stays on the ground, the heavier and harder it is to move. As you shovel, take breaks every 15 to 30 minutes and drink lots of water.

Make Removing Snow Easier

 6. Make Snow Rolls  

 If you think snow removal is boring and tedious, think again! 

So now that you know about this easiest tip for cleaning snow from your driveway, don’t break your back shoveling away all that white stuff. Have fun with your kids, try and roll them into giant snowballs—and off your property.  

If you’re considering this snow removal technique, just keep in mind that not every snowfall lends itself to this technique. You’ll need wet, dense, sticky snow to keep this ball rolling. Thus, if your snow is light powdery or dry, stick to your usual snow shovel. 

7. Don’t Overdo With Ice Melt 

One of the most easy snow removal tips is to stay on top of snow removal. No, we don’t mean literally dancing on the snow, just keep an eye on the weather and apply ice melt before any snow starts hitting the ground.  

 This preventative snow removal tip is your secret weapon in keeping black ice at bay. 

Having said that, when deciding to use these snow removal safety tips, keep your plants and pets in mind. Salt can cause damage to your trees along with other landscaping and not to mention even harm wildlife if you’re not careful.  

8. Use Newspaper To Dry Your Boots 

 When you’re coming in after being in the snow, you’d want to dry out those shoes. The best snow removal tip here is to use old newspapers.  

Put a few sheets on the floor, put your boots on them. If the inside of your boots is wet, roll up some newspaper and put them inside the boots. It’ll absorb the moisture, drying your boots faster. 

Sometimes it gets difficult to prevent your high winter boots from losing their shape. The best way to deal with this is to cut a pool noodle and use them to keep your boots in shape. It’ll keep them looking great when you’re not wearing them. 

9. Keep A Clear Path, Mark the Clearing Areas With Snow Stakes 

Snow and ice removal will be much simpler if you mark the outside edges of areas you wish to clear. Snow stakes are an excellent tip for snow plowing as they can help street cleaners avoid burying your walkways or driveway. 

Also, if you’re working with a snowblower, the stakes would help you avoid tearing up the lawn or the surrounding area unintentionally. As a result, you’ll work more efficiently.  

Another handy driveway snow removal tip is to start removing snow creating a wider path from your walkway or the place people enter your home from. Because with more snow falling, and existing snowbanks melting and refreezing, the paths tend to narrow as the season goes on. So, if you keep your path wide from the beginning, any narrowing that occurs won’t obscure it. 

Pro Tips for Fast, Efficient Snow Removal

10: Use cooking spray to lubricate the shovel blade and keep wet snow from sticking.

11: Clear thin snow layers multiple times throughout the storm, rather than waiting until it’s over.

12: If you are shoveling a driveway, push the snow from the middle to the sides.

13: If you use a snowblower or plow, plan your approach carefully. Start at the center of the driveway and work toward the edges. Or, if the driveway runs alongside a wall, start along the wall and work away. Never toss snow onto an area that’s been cleared.

However we feel about it, snow is a simple fact of life for many of us. It often comes as an inconvenience, but it can be minimized with a little planning, the right equipment and a thoughtful approach to the work. Hopefully, these tips collected by PBCleaning 247 will help you stay safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy the best of winter.