My “Nonstick Driveway” Method for Clearing Snow Works Every Winter

Here in the Northeast, we usually get a few good snowstorms each winter — and they almost always hit when the shoveling is entirely up to me. It’s back-breaking work, especially when inches of wet, heavy snow coat the driveway, walkways, and sidewalks. I’m always on the hunt for tricks that make it a little easier — that’s how I landed on a surprisingly simple one that you almost definitely already have in your pantry.

My “secret” trick for easy shoveling? A quick spritz of cooking spray. A light coat of it across the blade of your shovel creates a slick barrier that helps snow slide off instead of clumping and freezing to the surface. It doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a noticeable difference when you’re dealing with heavy, sticky snow — the kind that weighs down your shovel and makes your muscles sore within minutes. 

For best results, start with a clean, dry shovel like this one and spray a thin, even coat over the entire blade. The hack works best with a cold shovel (rather than a warm one), so if you store yours inside then the initial contact with snow can cause melting and refreezing that makes it stick faster. Leaving the shovel in the garage or outside for a bit before you start helps keep the surface cold and less prone to buildup.

For an even longer-lasting finish, some people opt for silicone spray or car or surfboard wax, but I like the convenience of grabbing an oil-based cooking spray from my pantry before heading out. Just note: Nonstick sprays made with oil (like canola or vegetable) work best to create that slick, snow-shedding surface.

Is it going to magically make snow removal effortless? Not quite. The snow will still be heavy, but at least you won’t have to stop every few minutes to bang off stuck-on ice. Each pass feels smoother, the job moves faster, and you’ll see real progress without as much strain, so you can get back to hibernation mode ASAP.

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: My "Nonstick Driveway" Method for Clearing Snow Works Every Winter