The Most Bizarre Hacks People Use To Remove Snow And Ice In A Pinch

If you live in a region that typically doesn't get much snow, it's possible you've never invested in a proper snow removal kit. And if you lack the must-have tools that make snow removal easier, you'll have to make do with what you can find in a pinch. Luckily, there are plenty of bizarre hacks used to remove snow and ice, some more effective (and safer) than others.

For example, people have had the clever idea to lay down a tarp over their driveway ahead of a snow storm to make cleaning up easier. Less-prepared folks had to look through their house for make-do tools like cutting boards, dustpans, and fishing nets. All of these are relatively safe, if you're careful not to use metal on cars, which could scratch the paint. On the "don't try this at home" spectrum, you'll find homeowners experimenting with blow torches and pick axes. 

And with all of these methods, think twice before pushing snow onto the street. Not only is it dangerous for pedestrians and drivers, it's oftentimes illegal. So, whether you're using a cutting board or plywood, make sure to push snow into a pile onto your property, not on the curb. Ideally, excess snow should be left on your lawn, away from traffic. And for the next storm, consider getting a snow shovel, a roof rake, an ice scraper, and some car-cleaning tools to make the removal process easier.

If you remember to plan ahead, a tarp might be your best friend for easy snow removal. Some clever homeowners had the brilliant idea to lay down tarps or plastic sheeting on their driveway before snowfall. Then, once it's covered in a thick layer of snow, they grab one end of the tarp and pull it back. When doing so, the snow rolls off. Beneath that tarp is a perfectly clear driveway. Some might say it works like magic, but it's actually just thorough planning. 

If you need to remove snow from your steps, but don't have a shovel, a good old plastic cutting board might be all you need to get the job done. Because it's flat and thin with straight edges, it can be used to scoop snow from the ground and scrape it from tight corners. When you're done, it's best not to use it again for food. Don't toss it though; there are DIY projects that can turn old cutting boards into all sorts of things. 

If you've got an entire driveway or walkway to shovel, you'll need something much larger than a cutting board. Instead, use a large and thin plank of wood, ideally something lightweight, sturdy, and not too valuable, like plywood. Use the straight edge to push snow off the ground and to the side. Work in sections to clear the entire area and create a snow mound off to the side on your lawn or by a fence or hedge. This technique works best with light, fluffy snow that can easily be pushed. 

While simple pushing and scraping methods work well with fluffy snow, breaking is a better approach for hard and icy conditions. To accomplish this without a proper ice chopper, some resourceful homeowners have turned to their pick axe. These tools do the job of breaking compacted snow into smaller bits, which you can then move by hand or with another technique. However, it is sharp, so be careful. And be mindful if you're dealing with a thin layer of ice, because the force from the axe could damage the pavement.

If you're really out of tools to break compacted, icy snow, consider a dolly. This sounds odd, but some homeowners had luck when sliding their dolly under a sheet of ice and snow to lift and break it. This will work if your dolly has a thin, flat, and low-to-the-ground bottom section. Slide it under the snow and ice and use the handle to lift. Even if it's not the most efficient, this hack has the benefit of being safe — no lifting required, which is better for your back.

With no other way to clear the snow from their car, some people chose to use a fishing net. The benefit here is that it has a long handle, allowing you to reach on top of your vehicle to brush off accumulated snow. The circular end can grab the snow in those hard-to-reach areas, making it a fairly clever DIY hack. However, be careful not to bang and scratch your car, especially if there are metal parts on the net.

An even safer and easier way to clear your car after a snowstorm is to grab your trusty household broom. This has a long handle, which allows you to reach onto the roof of your car, and the "T" shape at the end is perfect for pushing and pulling snow. If you're using a straw broom, which doesn't have that "T" shape, no worries. Simply swipe as you typically would, pushing the snow off your car. Those soft bristles are perfect for the job.

When in doubt, a dustpan will do the job. The benefit of a dustpan is that it's typically made of plastic, with a soft edge. This means you can use it on cars or windows without worrying about scratching or damaging the surface. Because of the shape, you can also use the pan to clear the ground on your balcony, steps, or walkway. Simply slide the dustpan forward, filling it with snow. It's similar to a snow shovel, just smaller and less convenient. But beggars can't be choosers. 

While this certainly is not the safest option, some homeowners opted to use a blow torch to melt snow in front of their house. Though inventive, this is not recommended and poses several risks such as fire, explosions, severe burns, and damaging concrete. In addition, melted snow can quickly freeze and turn into ice, which is counterproductive. In this case, it's best not to copy people on the Internet and put yourself in harm's way, especially when there are many other solutions.

Though not typically thought of with snow removal, in a pinch, a shower squeegee can do. Yes, we're talking about the device you leave in your shower to remove droplets from the glass door. After a snowstorm, they can be used to remove snow from your windshield because they have that soft, rubbery edge that won't damage your vehicle. Simply scrape off the snow by pushing the squeegee along the windshield. This hack is a good idea for people living in areas that rarely get snow, since shower squeegees are so affordable.