Hey Michigan: Six Creative Ways to Remove Snow Without Shoveling

Let's face it, shoveling is a real buzzkill. So we came up with six creative ways you can remove snow from your driveway and sidewalks without ever picking up a shovel.

(It's amazing what ideas come to the surface in a staff meeting when you ask a room full of lifelong Michigan residents what they've done in the past to clear snow.)

We've also included a couple of snow-removal bonus tips below.

#1 Shop Vac

A quick way to remove snow is to hook up the hose on your wet/dry vacuum to the vac's exhaust outlet. This really only works with light, fluffy snow.

Drawback:  You'll need access to electricity and an extension cord.

#2 Leaf Blower

Just like #1 above, you can use your leaf blower to easily remove that light, fluffy stuff.

#3 Tarp

If you have advanced warning that snow is coming, you can cover porches and sidewalks with a tarp before it falls. Then after the storm, pull the tarp away and dump the snow and ice into the yard.

Drawback:  If you get a lot of heavy, wet snow, the tarp can be difficult to move.

#4 Lawnmower

As you can see in the video below, a push mower can be used to clear a light dusting of light, fluffy snow. It's not the most effective method, but it still beats shoveling.

#5 Electric Snow-Melt Mat

Electric snow mats can be used to melt snow from porches and sidewalks at the rate of about two inches per hour. This isn't a cheap solution, as 8-foot mats run about $200. But they seem to be effective and earn high marks on Amazon.

#6 Spray Water With a Garden Hose

A garden hose can be used to spray water on walks and driveways. Of course hooking the hose up to a hot water tap inside the house is more effective.

Note:  Be sure to use salt or an ice-melt product to prevent water from freezing on surfaces.

Bonus Tip #1

If you're forced to clear snow the old-fashioned way, spraying cooking spray on your shovel beforehand will keep the snow from sticking to the shovel.

Bonus Tip #2

If you've ever been frustrated by having the snowplow fill the end of your driveway with snow after you've cleared it, try this trick.

Clear about 10 feet of snow from the shoulder on the left side of your driveway. Then when the snowplow comes by, that cleared area will be filled with snow, leaving the end of your driveway clear. Take a look at the video below.