Winter brings not only beauty but also dangerous slippery surfaces. The traditional practice of salting driveways has its downsides: salt ruins shoes, and sand turns into mud. Experts and life hackers offer five alternative ways to combat ice that are safe for shoes and environmentally friendly.
1. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can be spread on pathways after drying. This natural abrasive reduces slipping and does not harm plants when the snow melts.
2. Cat Litter
Wood or mineral litter creates a non-slip surface while absorbing moisture as the ice begins to melt.
3. Bird Feed
Seeds create a rough surface, preventing slipping. An added bonus is that the leftover feed will disappear thanks to the birds.
4. Ash
If you have a stove or fireplace, ash can be used as a non-slip material. It is especially suitable for garden paths and backyards but can be messy near the front door.
5. Homemade De-icer
For thick ice, you can prepare a solution: for 2 liters of hot water, add a teaspoon of dish soap and a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Sprinkling this mixture on pathways will start to melt the ice, making it easy to remove with a shovel.
Choose the most convenient option and forget about slippery pathways this winter.
