This is only my second year experiencing the freezing temperatures Illinois has to offer and I am still trying to adapt. A big thing for me last year was the slick icy sidewalks and the ice all over my car I was lucky enough to get to scrape off every morning! This year I wanted to try a few DIY tricks which should help to solve these issues for me this year.
DIY Sidewalk Salt
What you will need:
1 Tablespoon Rubbing Alcohol
What to do:
- Grab your bucket and mix the Dawn dish soap and the Rubbing alcohol together really well, until completely combined.
- Add the hot water **caution** and continue to stir until everything is completely combined.
- You are now ready to use your Sidewalk salt! All you will need to do is pour the mixture over any areas that would typically freeze over with ice.
This mix will not freeze and best of all it will NOT eat away at your concrete like the salts can!
DIY Ice Melt
What you will need:
Epsom Salt
What to do:
Grab your bucket and ingredients
- Mix 1 part sugar and 1 part Epsom salt (You can use however much of the products needed to cover the trouble areas)
- Sprinkle over the area you wish to melt the snow/ice
** This mixture will not hurt plants, ground, birds, dogs, or cats!
DIY Frost Proofing Your Car
What you will need:
1 spray bottle
Water
What to do:
- Fill the spray bottle with 3 parts vinegar and 1 part water.
- Spray down your car windows before you go to sleep or just after you get home to prevent the ice build-up on the windows!
** The vinegar contains acetic acid which will raise the melting point of water which prevents it from freezing! If you forget to do this before you go to sleep, no problem, spray the windows down in the morning and it will melt the ice away.
Enjoy your winter a little more hassle free with this quick and easy DIY tips!