Put Down The Salt! There's A Cheaper Way To De-Ice Your Driveway

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Salt is a common kitchen ingredient that doubles as an effective de-icer. But it comes with quite a few drawbacks. For starters, it can be a slightly expensive solution if you have an expansive driveway and require huge quantities. Moreover, it's bad for concrete surfaces and might speed up corrosion. Worse, the melted water can be difficult to get rid of and can be toxic to plants, animals, and any waterbodies it makes its way to. To combat these issues, you can try out a DIY mixture to take care of your snowy driveway, but you'll still have to figure out drainage for the pooling water or risk slipping. However, before you resign yourself to shoveling stubborn packed snow all day, there's a cheaper alternative: Bring out the pitchfork from your garden toolshed.

The tool works because its sharp tines can break up packed snow and get under ice without issues. This way, you won't have to spend a good chunk of time figuring out how to fit in your shovel beneath the hard layers or stay cooped up in your home until the ice melts naturally. That being said, there's a caveat to the hack. You can't use any garden pitchfork you have on hand and expect it to work wonders. To elaborate, rusted tines won't work as well as non-rusted ones. Plus, you risk the tines breaking halfway through the snow and getting embedded there. This can be a hazard for your vehicles and feet if you can't get them out in time. So, only try this trick if you own heavy-duty pitchforks, like Cosita's 44-Inch Pitchfork with Fiberglass Handle and 4 Metal Tines.

To use a pitchfork to de-ice your driveway, find purchase beneath the sheet of snow blanketing the surface and use upward momentum to break up large chunks. In case you can't find an entry point, scrape the pitchfork against the ice to encourage cracks. Then, start pushing pieces out the way to clear your driveway. In case the layer of snow is too thick or is too tightly packed, get rid of the top coat with a snow plow. This will make it easier for you to get to the bottom levels and clear out your driveway.

Still facing issues with the tightly packed sleet? Ice the surface with some salt to soften the layers underneath and break up the ice easily. Keep on breaking up the ice until a significant section of your driveway is cleared away. Now, it's time to scoop up the broken pieces. Avoid lifting heavy chunks using the fork. It can be too strenuous on the tines and your back. Instead, grab them with your hands and put them in your front yard. Alternatively, carry them to the curb — a wheelbarrow might come in handy if you don't fancy making multiple trips — and arrange them around the sidewalk. With that said, don't forget to consult your HOA before disposing of the snow.

Although a handy trick to break up stubborn sheets of ice, you must keep a few things in mind when using a pitchfork as a de-icer. First of all, following the right technique is vital — fit in under the snow and push the chunks out. You don't want to channel your deep-seated frustrations and slam the tines down your driveway with too much force. Otherwise, you'll end up damaging the surface. The tines will lose their sheen, too, and might get twisted. Also, it's important to manage your expectations. Don't think of these gardening tools as the ultimate de-icer. You'll still have to shovel the leftover snow and ice, so they don't freeze again. However, if you're left with only 1 or 2 inches of powdery ice, try out this simple but brilliant hack to make cleaning up snow easy.

Moreover, you want to be uber-careful when breaking up ice with this sharp-edged tool. Ensure there's no human or animal around you when you use your pitchfork. Use your torch to ascertain there's no shivering cat or dog hiding beneath layers of ice to prevent hurting them unknowingly. You must also wear thick-soled boots to protect your feet in case things go awry. Finally, be prepared for a sore back since this technique is strenuous and requires great effort.