Ah, winter – a season of frosty landscapes, cozy sweaters, and the sheer joy of snow-covered days. But along with the winter wonderland comes a chore that most of us are familiar with: Snow shovel.
Sometimes, your shovel seems to have become a magnet for sticky, stubborn snow! It clings to the blade, making each scoop heavier and your task more laborious.
Annoying, right? Well, fret not! In this guide, okayreview.com shares some practical tips and tricks to prevent your snow shovel from sticking to snow, making your winter snow removal a breeze.
Also, this winter, you can try some new snacks like Pie crust cookies; let’s try them at home.
Let’s dive in! ❄️🌨️
Table of Contents
Why Does Snow Stick to the Snow Shovel?
Before diving into solutions, it’s critical to understand why your snow shovel attracts sticky snow.
When the temperature is nearly freezing, snow may melt slightly when it touches the metal blade of your shovel.
It refreezes as it goes down the blade, causing the feared adhesion. The result? Snow shoveling was a tedious and inefficient activity.
The primary cause of this phenomenon is “mechanical interlocking.” When a snow shovel comes into touch with snow, the shovel’s weight and pressure force the snowflakes to compress and freeze together.
This compression links the snow and the shovel’s surface, effectively “locking” them together.
Easy Tips to Prevent Your Snow Shovel From Sticking Snow
1. Choosing the Right Shovel – A Solid Start
Choosing the appropriate shovel is the first or initial step in preventing snow buildup on the shovel.
Choose a shovel with a nonstick surface, such as plastic or polyethylene blades.
Compared to metal blades, these materials are less prone to snow adhering, lessening the aggravation of frequent sticking and storing it properly.
2. Keeping It Slippery – Lubrication is Key
Applying a little layer of lubricant can help prevent snow from clinging to the blade. What do you use for this? Nonstick cooking spray works like a charm in this aspect.
A little spray on the surface of your shovel might make a considerable difference.
Here’s how to keep your shovel slippery,
A. Spray With Nonstick Cooking Spray
Nonstick cooking spray prevents snow from adhering to the shovel by producing a slippery surface. Apply before each usage, and furniture polish is a good substitute if you don’t have cooking spray.
B. Use WD-40
WD-40 is an effective solution to prevent snow from sticking to your shovel. Apply it to both sides, displacing moisture and allowing snow to slide off. Remember to remove the spray tube for even coverage.
C. Apply Petroleum Jelly on the Shovel.
Applying petroleum jelly to both sides of the shovel creates a protective barrier, preventing snow from sticking. Be cautious when handling it with rubber gloves to avoid accidents.
D. Make Use of Car Wax.
Car wax provides a slippery surface to remove sticky snow from your shovel easily. It takes more time to apply but offers longer-lasting effectiveness.
3. Shovel While It’s Cold
Snow shoveling efficiency is dependent on precise timing.
Early mornings and late evenings are ideal since the snow is at its coldest, lowering the probability of adhering to your shovel and simplifying your work.
4. Shovel Technique Matters
Have you ever tried pulling a heavy box upward to raise it? Isn’t this a difficult task? Snow removal follows the same logic.
When shoveling, use a low-leverage angle. Push the snow instead of lifting it to reduce contact with your shovel and avoid sticking.
5. Breaking It Down – Divide and Conquer
Instead of addressing a vast region at once, divide it into smaller, more manageable portions.
It reduces the snow on your shovel and makes the process less physically taxing. Start with a tiny section, finish it, and then go on to the next.
Shoveling Hacks – A Few Extra Tricks
- Heated Shovel: Consider a heated snow shovel if you live in a very snowy area and are ready to pay. These ingenious instruments melt the snow as you move, almost eliminating sticking.
- Silicone Spray: Silicone-based lubricants, in addition to nonstick cooking spray, can be beneficial in minimizing snow buildup on your shovel.
- Snow Shovel Wax: Snow shovel wax is intended to keep snow from adhering to your shovel. Applying it before shoveling may make a big difference.
- Keep shovel Clean: Snow’s tendency to adhere to shovels adds weight and causes premature fatigue. To address this issue, applying cooking spray to the shovel’s end can prevent snow from sticking. Yet, it’s important to note that you should wipe the shovel clean before storing it in the garage.
Final Thoughts
You can turn a potentially vexing winter chore into a bearable one with the correct equipment, clever approaches, and patience.
To keep that obstinate snow at bay, use the correct shovel, keep it well-greased, and use intelligent shoveling techniques.
Winter may provide obstacles, but equipped with these recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared to meet them head-on and maintain a snow-free road all season.
So, let’s embrace the winter wonderland with confidence! ❄️🌨️
