Clear snow and black ice from your paths with 65p item you'll likely already have
You can easily clear snow and ice from your property with a cheap household item.
Snow is set to fall across the UK this week, but it can make day to day life harder. While a blanket of white snow looks pretty, it can leave people at risk of slips and falls as the temperatures plunge.
We can all do our bit to help get through the cold blast and clearing paths will help getting in and out of your home much safer. The Met Office has laid out their advice for clearing snow, with tips that will actually work. They recommend starting to clear snow and ice early in the day or when it has first appeared.
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This is because fresh snow is easier to move as it is much looser. Once more people have walked on the snow, it becomes compressed and hard.
If possible, they recommend starting to remove snow and ice in the morning. Remove the top layer of snow and any sun throughout the day will help to melt the ice underneath.
They recommend using a cheap household item to help you do this, which most people will already have in their cupboards. Simply use table salt or dishwasher salt on the area of snow and ice you want gone.
Table salt can be bought from any supermarket, with Sainsbury's pricing theirs at just 65p. The Met Office said: "You can melt snow or prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared.
"You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don't use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear unless your council advises otherwise. Please contact your local council for more advice."
When clearing snow and ice from steps or steep pathways, you may need to use more salt. Never use water to clear the snow as it may refreeze and turn to black ice.
This only increases the risk of injuries as you can't see black ice and it is much more slippery. When using salt, avoid spreading it on plants or grass as it may cause damage.
If you run out of salt, the experts say you can also use sand or ash. They are not as effective as salt, but can help give your feet grip while out in the snow and ice.
