How to Prevent Snow From Sticking to a Shovel
If you live in a cold climate, you're all too familiar with the task of shoveling snow. It doesn't matter whether you have a metal snow shovel or a plastic one: The snow seems to cling to it, no matter what you do.
Instead of banging your shovel on the ground to remove snow buildup, there are steps you can take to prevent snow from sticking to it in the first place.
Things You Will Need
- Cooking spray
- Petroleum jelly
- WD-40
- Paraffin wax
- Vegetable oil
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Spray your shovel with cooking spray. The spray will act as a lubricant; preventing the snow from sticking to your shovel. Spray the shovel each time you intend to remove snow.
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Rub a lubricant like petroleum jelly on the shovel. Cover the entire shovel (front and back) in the lubricant. Not only will the snow slide right off of the shovel, but the lubricant should serve its purpose for at least three to four snowfalls. If the snow begins to stick to the shovel, it's time to reapply the petroleum jelly.
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Spray the shovel with a multipurpose lubricant, such as WD-40, to protect it from snow buildup and ice formation. Spray the shovel thoroughly each time you intend to shovel snow.
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Rub paraffin wax on a shovel to protect it from snow buildup. Paraffin wax is inexpensive and can be found in most craft stores. Once it's applied, the snow will slide right off the shovel.
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Apply a coat of vegetable oil to your shovel. Use a cloth to apply a thick coat of the oil to the shovel (front and back). The oil will prevent snow from sticking. Reapply the oil each time you intend to shovel.
The Drip Cap
- If you live in a cold climate, you're all too familiar with the task of shoveling snow.
- Not only will the snow slide right off of the shovel, but the lubricant should serve its purpose for at least three to four snowfalls.
- Spray the shovel thoroughly each time you intend to shovel snow.
- Apply a coat of vegetable oil to your shovel.
Writer Bio
Ris Lexington, a New York-based editor, has more than a decade of experience in newspaper, magazine and book publishing. Before becoming a professional writer online in 2007, she served as the editor of a Canadian health and wellness magazine. She holds a bachelor's degree in English.
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