HI, I like the one about hire some one to shovel your driveway... I really do
have a guy that plows out my driveway but I shovel the walks myself... Wonder
if that alcohol mix would work on a iced up step???
ROB FROM MINNESOTA
----- Original Message -----
From: Ray Boyce
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 1:34 PM
Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Better Options to De-ice Your Driveway
When it comes to removing snow and ice from your driveway many people turn
to salt. But salt can damage soil and plants, contaminate groundwater, and
corrode
driveways, car bodies and even household floors.
The most sustainable way to de-ice your car or driveway is to physically
shovel or scrape the wintery mix away. There are several other remedies that
do
not include harmful chemicals or too much back-breaking work.
. To help clear your windshield, fill windshield wiper reservoir with one
part water and two parts vinegar or use water and rubbing alcohol. Then make
sure
your windshield wipers are in working condition.
. Spray or pour lukewarm (NOT hot) water over the windshield.
. Cover the windshield with the vinegar and water mixture to help prevent
ice buildup.
. Cover the windshield with a rug or scrap piece of carpet the night before
snow or ice.
. Hire someone to shovel your driveway.
Other ice melting products are available but can be harmful to the
environment, children and pets, so be sure to read the label. Many of the
pellets you
put down on the driveway to melt the ice, such as
Driveway Heat,
contain chemicals that are considered to be nontoxic if used correctly but
are still just as harmful as salt. Children and pets are especially at risk
because
these products heat up - some to 175 degrees - to break the ice away from
the driveway. Pets can get the pellets stuck in their paws and end up burnt,
or worse, ingesting them. The same is true for children. Anything you track
onto your carpet can end up in children's eyes or mouths.
Some
chemicals
are less harmful to the environment and your family.
Safe Paw
makes an ice melting product that is specifically designed to keep children
and pets safe.
Cryotech E36
is acetate-based and is considered nontoxic. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
is a better alternative to salt, but can still be harmful to the
environment.
The key is the amount of rainfall. The area affected needs adequate moisture
to wash the chemicals away.
Some products are also available to help you
shovel snow.
One example is the
wovel,
which uses your body weight to remove snow and is easier on your back.
Do you have an ice removal remedy?
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
