Snowy weather is fantastic for snowmen and sledding, but getting to work and even walking to your car is a slippery hazard. Toronto faces an average 133.1 centimeters of snowfall every year. Are you prepared? Avoid the time and exertion of shoveling. These three ways to melt snow will help you tackle all that accumulation safely this season.

1. Tackle Icy Windshields and Tires
The next time those pricey cans of windshield deicer are tempting you, put them down and head for the grocery isles instead. For mere pennies, you can make your own solutions from ingredients you have in your pantry. They are just as effective on windshields and around tires, and they are easy to throw together during a busy morning.

There are two solutions that work. The first is a 3:1 mixture of vinegar to water. The vinegar smell will disappear once the solution dries. The second solution is a 2:1 mixture of isopropyl alcohol to water. If you look at the ingredients in commercial deicers, you will see that alcohol is the key ingredient in most of these, too. Keep your solution in a spray bottle, put it in your windshield washer fluid reservoir or dump it directly on icy glass. Make sure the liquid is no hotter than lukewarm. Hot liquid could crack a cold windshield.

2. Keep Snow From Accumulating
It is unfortunate that commercial deicing salts are popular. While effective, most of them are dangerous. They are caustic on pet paws, dangerous if young children ingest them, damage your lawn and harm the environment. If deicers work best for you, look for products that are more environmentally-friendly and are designed to be safe for children and pets.

Another option to melt snow is heated mats. Designed for walkways, rooftops and staircases, these mats can be put in place the night before heavy snowfall to keep it from accumulating or on top of fallen snow. Most mat systems are portable and easy to use. Other systems, while more expensive, can be installed under driveway asphalt and walkway concrete as a permanent solution.

3. Professional Snow Removal & Ice Melt Treatments
Shoveling is cheap, thorough, and an incredible hassle. Not only is it exhausting and time-consuming, shoveling puts considerable strain on your lower back and heart. Leave snow shoveling up to the professionals. You might be surprised how affordable snow removal in Etobicoke can be.

Professional snow removers know how to remove snow quickly, thoroughly and with minimal strain. Unlike shovels or home snow blowers, professional equipment is designed to protect your landscaping, including ornamental cement. Snow removal teams are on-call during inclement weather. After the snow is gone, the removal team will lay down a layer of safe, eco-friendly deicer to prevent further accumulation. You can relax inside while the pros make your driveway, walkways and sidewalks safe.

Don’t let the snow pile up this season. Smart shopping, thrifty solutions and a simple phone call can make snowy mornings safer for you and your family.