How to Shovel Ice Off of a Driveway

By Lisa Karl

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There are a couple of ways to approach removing ice from driveways. You can let nature takes its course and let the sun do the heavy-lifting for you, but be prepared to wait hours, if not days, depending on the weather conditions. If you need to get out and about, or are worried about people slipping on the ice, good old-fashion elbow grease will have your driveway and walkways is the way to clear the ice.You can used either method or combine techniques.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Warm/protective gloves
  • Rock salt or synthetic/chemical ice melter
  • Small cup or plastic container
  • Sand or kitty litter
  • Ice chopper
  • Shovel
  • Broom

Easy, yet longer method

Step1
Wear protective gloves and use a plastic cup or container to scoop rock salt/synthetic melter and sprinkle evenly on top of ice.
Step2
Use cup to scoop and spread sand/kitty litter to walk areas, over the salt/ice melter for traction when walking.
Step3
As ice begins to soften, take an ice chopper and chop ice to break into smaller pieces. Grip the chopper firmly with both hands, raise so your hands go just above your head, and firmly thrust your hands down, driving the chopper in to the ice.
Step4
Use a plastic shovel, bend from the knees to prevent back strain, and scoop ice on to the shovel. Throw the ice to a grassy area. Avoid metal shovels as they can damage driveways and walkways.
Step5
Once all ice melts and area is dry, sweep away remaing salt, sand, and/or litter.

More physical, yet more thorough method

Step1
Choose a section of your driveway to begin. Wear warm/protective gloves, take an ice chopper and begin chopping ice in the section. Grip the chopper firmly with both hands, raise so your hands go just above your head, and firmly thrust your hands down, driving the chopper in to the ice.
Step2
Use a plastic shovel, avoid metal ones, as they can damage your driveway, to scoop ice in to the shovel, placing the ice on a grassy area. Bend from the knees to prevent back strain.
Step3
Repeat steps one and two on each section of the driveway.
Step4
There may be large-to-medium sections of ice remaining. If so, repeat steps one and two as necessary to remove the ice.
Step5
If smaller sections remain, scatter sand/kitty litter for traction and allow the sun to do the work for you.
Step6
Once ice melts and the driveway is dry, sweep remaining sand/kitty litter away.

Tips & Warnings

  • Remove ice in the afternoon when it is warmer, or when your driveway is in the sun.
  • When shoveling, bend from your knees to prevent back injuries.
  • Use a plastic, not metal, shovel. Metal shovels can scar your driveway and walkways.
  • Rock salt is not effective at lower temperatures. When the temperature is below 20 degrees F, use synthetic ice melter.
  • Remember you are exercising! Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

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eHow Article: How to Shovel Ice Off of a Driveway

Article By: Lisa Karl

Lisa Karl

Novice Novice | 0 Points

Category: Home & Garden

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