Things You'll Need:
- Sidewalk scraper
- Plastic bucket with handle
- 5 lb. bag of sidewalk salt
- Pail (non metal)
- Winter clothing
-
Step 1
Keep the following on or near your porch in the winter: a sidewalk scraper and plastic bucket half full of sidewalk salt and a plastic shovel. A sidewalk scraper looks like a hoe without the 90 degree angle at the end. When you see that your sidewalk is icy, throw on your warm clothes and boots and head outside.
-
Step 2
Bring the bucket to the porch steps and sprinkle them with salt. Carefully inch down the stairs until you have a firm footing on the ground or snow--stay off the ice if possible. Spread the salt in an S pattern in the amount recommended by the salt manufacturer (about one tablespoon per square foot).
-
Step 3
Break the ice apart with the hoe, pushing it to the sides as you go. Start with the stairs and trace your steps down the salt path. Continue until you have been outside about 20 minutes.
-
Step 4
Take a break inside for a half hour and then chop the ice in 20 minute intervals. Finish with another loose layer of salt.
