As the Northeast coast begins to dig out from one of the most punishing winter storms in years, it’s tempting to experiment with viral hacks to make the process somewhat less tedious. However, experts have warned against turning to that one essential that’s likely hiding in your kitchen cupboard: Cooking oil.
At an initial glance, the idea behind the ‘non-stick driveway’ trick is simple. By coating the surface of a driveway or the blade of a snow shovel with cooking oil or non-stick spray, some claim snow and ice won’t bond as easily to the ground, making shovelling quicker and less physically demanding.
On paper, the science makes sense, as oil can create a temporary hydrophobic barrier between snow and the surface beneath it. However, following suit could be a dangerous fear. If you want to know how to safely remove snow from a driveway, the experts recommend more-tried-and-tested techniques.
Does the Non-Stick Driveway Snow Trick Work?
'In terms of creating a physical, hydrophobic barrier between the ground and the snow, this hack would indeed work. The oil / non-stick spray will not allow the snow or ice to stick to the ground as easily,' comments Chrissie Handley, a De-Icing Solutions Expert at Online Rock Salt. However, this is where the benefits tend to end.
'You may find that, in periods of heavy snowfall, this doesn’t necessarily make shovelling an easier job – it will only really make a difference when you get to the bottom of the snow pile near the ground, as ice won’t have formed on the ground. However, you likely will have created a slippery surface with the oil, so it will not prevent slips, trips, or falls; it’s sort of a moot point,' Chrissie explains.
Gene Caballero, the co-founder of GreenPal, agrees. 'I have certainly seen the nonstick shovel hack used in the field. Spraying cooking oil or nonstick spray can actually temporarily reduce snow sticking to a shovel, especially if that snow is heavy and wet,' he says. 'That said, I don't highly recommend it. The reason I don't recommend it is that the oils can drip into the driveway, create more of a slip hazard, and stain concrete.'
What should you use instead?
According to the experts, knowing how to de-ice garden paths and driveways the time-honored way is the perfect start.
'My recommendation would be to stick to traditional de-icing methods, like de-icing salt [such as this one at Amazon], as it lowers the freezing point of water, so will physically not allow ice and snow to stick to the ground if applied in advance, instead melting it into a slush-like texture instead of slippery ice that’s difficult to remove,' she says.
'If you’re hesitant to use de-icing salt on concrete, etc., you can look at substitutions that offer the same chemical effect, like baking soda (though it is significantly less effective) or using an ice-melt urea-based product, which is less damaging to sensitive surfaces.'
Meanwhile, Gene recommends using a silicone base spray specifically for tools, like this one at Amazon. 'These are less messy and more durable. What is more important is to use a high-quality shovel with a smooth blade and apply ice melt properly,' he says.
Shop the Essentials
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This snow rake can be used to pull snow off surfaces like roofs and vehicles easily. Its 18-inch nylon-headed broom glides smoothly, clearing snow quickly while being gentle on delicate surfaces.
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This heavy-duty, non-flammable silicone lubricant ensures smooth movement of surfaces, preventing sticking and binding even in freezing conditions. It’s the ultimate winter companion, alongside a high-quality shovel that will clear your driveway easily.
As Chrissie explains, using a an ice-melt urea-based product is a great alternative to traditional de-icer on concrete. It's a less damaging alternative that's best for sensitive surfaces.
In the end, while the non-stick driveway trick may work in theory, experts caution it rarely makes shovelling significantly easier and can create a slippery, hazardous surface. For a safer, more effective approach, stick with tried-and-true de-icing methods, like salt and urea-based melt. When it comes to clearing snow, preparation and proper materials remain far more reliable than viral shortcuts.
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