How to Remove Snow from Driveway Without a Shovel in 2023

Are you fed up with the daily routine of removing snow from your driveway and now want to learn how to remove snow from driveway without a shovel? If yes, then you have landed in the right place. This guide focuses specifically on some of the most creative snow removal ideas and the best way to clear snow from long driveway fast.

Removing snow (specifically, shoveling snow out of your driveway) isn’t a fun task, but it is one of those tedious jobs that have to be done in winters no matter what. Taking a shovel and removing snow is an old-school way and doesn’t appeal anymore due to lack of convenience.

Especially after a long day when you get home, the piled-up snow looks like a monster, and cleaning it seems like a back-breaking task.

how to remove snow from driveway without a shovel
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Snow is to be enjoyed and not something to be worried about, but a sudden snowstorm may leave you wondering; how to remove ice from driveway fast or how to remove snow from driveway without a shovel if you’re really not in the mood to choose the hard and traditional way.

There are plenty of incredible snow removal tools and techniques available in the market that will make your driveway snow removal process so easy that you will never look back at your shovel again. Yes, It’s true!

Suppose you are one of those car owners who are tired of using a snow shovel for clearing the sidewalks and driveway after a winter storm. In that case, these amazing snow and ice removal hacks will help you remove snow from your driveway faster and more efficiently.

So, just scroll down and go through the list of best and most creative snow removal ideas, which will come in handy this winter when you wish to get rid of snow on driveway quickly.

How to Remove Snow from Driveway Without a Shovel (12 Best Methods)

What can I use if I don’t have a snow shovel? What is the best way to remove snow without a shovel? These are some of the most common questions every car owner asks or searches about on the web. And if you are also one of them, then these simple and proven ways to get rid of snow without shoveling will amaze you in every way.

Now, you don’t need to worry about snow piling up on your driveway, doorway, or sidewalk, as this set of 12 innovative snow removal ideas are quite helpful and make driveway snow removal a cakewalk.

Below you will find all possible solutions to clear snow from driveway without a shovel: from simple to more complicated. It’s also possible that some of them may seem ridiculous to you, but it would be best that you try all of them one by one and then decide which snow removal method is most suitable for your driveway.

Method 1: Use Snow and Ice Melter

It is better to be prepared instead of working on the snow for hours. And when it comes to clearing snow from driveway without shoveling, nothing works faster and better than snow and ice melters for driveway. There are plenty of pet-safe ice melt products available in the market for melting ice and snow effectively.

And if you are wondering what is the best ice melt for sidewalks and driveways, you should proceed with a reliable, non-toxic, and fast-acting formula like Safe Paw Ice Melt or Green Gobbler Ice Melt. These environmentally friendly ice melts will help you confront a snowstorm magnificently.

green gobbler pet safe ice melt

Melting snow on the driveway gets significantly easier with Green Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt. It is a natural formula that works in temperatures as low as 10⁰F. All you have to do is spread a thin layer before a snowstorm.

It is proven that it melts twice the ice as rock salt does, which is a very popular remedy. It is safe for concrete and non-corrosive surfaces as the toxicity levels are very low. This ice melter is safe for pets as well and does not cause any skin irritation.

Safe Paw Ice Melt incorporates a non-toxic ice-melting formula that is created keeping in mind the health of pets, humans, and nature. It is vet-approved; you don’t need to worry about your kids playing in the yard as it is non-toxic and biodegradable.

It works in temperatures as low as -2⁰F. All you have to do is spread it and forget it. It will melt the snow fast and won’t damage your concrete at all. Safe-Paw is something that most homeowners trust.

Method 2: Use a Cordless Snow Blower

Using a snow blower is the most effective and best way to remove ice from the driveway without a shovel. Why? Well, it’s super convenient and powerful snow removal equipment to get rid of snow on the driveway with speed and ease.

And if you want the most reliable and best cordless snow blower for heavy snow, you should buy the EGO Power+ Snow Blower or Greenworks Pro Cordless Electric Snow Blower. Check out the review and unique features of these famous and best cordless battery-powered snow blowers and choose the appropriate one as per the snowfall in your area.

This is the top-rated and best cordless snow blower in the market right now for removing snow up to 8 inches deep. The EGO Power+ Snow Blower has a 21-inch clearing width, and it can throw snow up to 35 feet. With a simple push-button start, you can start clearing.

It is a battery-powered and weather-resistant blower, which is equipped with 2 5.0Ah batteries. The body is made of strong steel construction, and this cordless blower is as good as any gas snow blower for snow removal.

greenworks snow thrower

This is the kind of snow blower that you must have. With a 45 min run time and brushless motor technology, the battery powered snow thrower helps you work smoothly without any noise. The Greenworks Pro Cordless Electric Snow Blower has a 180-degree rotating chute and a 21-inch clearing width which can clear 10-inch deep snow from your driveways, patio, sidewalks, etc.

It is equipped with an 80V Li-ion battery for optimum performance. Make sure that the battery is at room temperature before you start using it; else, the snow thrower won’t start.

In simple words, if you are looking for a quick solution on how to remove snow from driveway without a shovel, then using a powerful battery operated snow blower or snow thrower is the most convenient option for you.

Method 3: Use ATV Snow Plow Kit (If You Have ATV)

Trust me, snow plowing with ATV is quite a fun task! So, if you have an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and extended areas to clear, it is better that you get an ATV snow plow kit as it is one of the most powerful, time-saving, and best ways to remove ice from a long driveway.

Nowadays, most ATVs come with more than enough power to push a heavy load of snow. But if you have an ATV with engine size 400cc or bigger, then the snow removal process will become a lot easier for you.

And when it comes to choosing the sturdy, durable snow plow blade and snow plow mounts for ATVs, you should always invest a good amount to get the high-quality snow plow kit. Here we have listed two best-in-class ATV snow plow kits; choose one as per your requirements.

black boar snow plow

This 2mm black powder-coated steel snow plow kit is what you need for your long driveway. You can’t clear large areas with a shovel as it is too tiresome and time-consuming. So instead, make the best use of the ATV, mount this 48 inches long snow plow kit on the chassis, and start cleaning.

The Black Boar Snow Plow Kit has adjustable straight blade angles of 0, 0.75, 22.5, and 30 degrees to maneuver through the grounds quickly. Just don’t reverse it, and you will be good.

This snow plow system is made of 12-inch gauge steel, which makes it a long-lasting solution for snow in your yard. The WARN snow plow kit has a center cross member, reinforcing ribs, and a boxed design to facilitate the easy removal of snow from your driveway.

In addition to these fantastic features, the ProVantage plow system for ATVs is powder-coated, which keeps the snow off the blade and lets you clear the curbs with ease. Keep in mind, the WARN Plow System consists of a base, mounting kit, and blade to complete the system, and each part sold separately.

So, just choose any of these ATV snow plow kits, mount them on your ATV and clear the snow quickly without a shovel. We hope now you know exactly what to use instead of a snow shovel.

Method 4: Use a Leaf Blower for Snow Removal

Can you remove snow with a leaf blower? Yes, you can! If there is a fresh thin film of snow, a leaf blower will be the best way to remove snow without a shovel. So, if your cordless electric leaf blower or battery powered leaf blower is sitting idle in the store, it is time to dig it up and use it to wipe off that snow from your patio.

And if you don’t have one yet, check out these two best cordless leaf blowers for snow removal available in the market right now.

The Kimo Cordless Leaf Blower is one of the best battery-powered leaf blowers, which comes in handy for removing leaves, snow, and dust from your yard and never sits idle. This lightweight leaf blower is powerful and perfect for removing thin sheets of snow from the yard.

electric leaf blower

It is cordless, runs on battery, and can produce up to 150mph blowing speed. In addition, its rubber handle grip makes it comfortable in the hands and causes less fatigue in the freezing snow.

What do you want in an ideal leaf blower? A copper motor, turbocharging technology, lightweight, comfortable, two-section tube, fast charging, etc. SnapFresh leaf blower has everything. It charges in 1 hour and gives you a non-tiring snow removal experience.

It has adjustable speeds so that you can lower the power for a fresh layer of snow. The SnapFresh Cordless Leaf Blower is easy to assemble and only takes a minute. The copper motor ensures a long life, the turbocharging gives a greater wind experience, and the features are infinite.

These best-selling and top-rated cordless leaf blowers with fast charge and long-lasting batteries are the best and creative snow removal solutions for driveways and sidewalks.

Method 5: Use Heated Snow-Melting Mats for Driveway

If you want to save on physical labor and want an easy solution, heated snow-melting driveway mats are the perfect answer. All you have to do is lay down the heated mats for driveways and plug them into electricity, and they will melt the snow instantly. The best thing is these driveway heated mats work even in extreme snow conditions.

Heated snow melting mats are a safe choice if you don’t want chemicals, concrete-damaging solutions, or particular ways that harm pets and even pose a risk to you. That’s why choosing the high-quality non-slip heated snow melting driveway mats from the below list is your best trait.

For a clean and safe environment, the RHS Snow Melting Mat is essential, especially when shoveling is not an option for you. They come in diamond shape design, with a yellow stripe on the edges, helps you see the path in the dark.

rhs heated walkway

The RHS heated walkway snow melting system (non-slip snow melting mat for driveway) can melt up to 2 inches of snow per hour. It also saves on power as it only uses 54 watts per foot. This must-have snow melting product prevents snow accumulation and removes snow from the driveway without a shovel.

Clearing snow without a shovel is no longer a dream with RHS snow melting non-slip mats. It is a portable black mat that has a sandpaper-like design and anti-slip traction so that you don’t have to worry about slips and falls.

In addition to these excellent qualities, they are also safe for the environment, family, friends, pets, relatives, etc. The RHS snow melting mat can melt up to 2 inches of snow per hour. It is available in various sizes and is a perfect fit for houses, schools, garages, decks, etc.

What is the easiest and best way to clear snow from long driveway? How to remove snow from driveway without a shovel? Well, the heated snow-melting mats are the perfect answer to all these essential and frequently asked questions.

Method 6: Lay Down a Heavy Duty Plastic Tarps

Does it sound crazy? It is not. It would be best if you try using heavy-duty waterproof tarps to remove packed snow and ice from a driveway. All you have to do is lay down the poly tarps and let the snowfall be all it wants. Then, when you want the driveway clear, just pull it, and you will have a clear driveway without a hint of snow.

Please keep in mind; you must use a good quality plastic tarp for the purpose. Here, we’ve listed two well-renowned manufacturers who provide best-in-class quality plastic.

Not every tarp is the same. To remove snow, you need a heavy-duty plastic tarp that does not tear as you pull it. So first, you must get a Hay Bale Translucent Tarp. This heavy-duty product is made of nylon and is quite popular among users.

queen of tarps

It comes with 2-inch web loops on the corners and edges so you can easily tie it down. This ultra-light tarp is also UV resistant and waterproof. It has made plastic tarp usage one of the best ways to remove snow from driveway.

The best thing about a multipurpose product is that you can use it in different ways. For example, this multi-purpose poly tarp is suitable for industrial usage, agricultural usage, painting, hunting, storage, etc. But the best use of this popular heavy-duty poly tarp in winter is to remove snow from the driveway.

This is because the Multi-Purpose Blue Economy Poly Tarp comes with dual lamination for water resistance, has heat-sealed seams, is lighter than canvas. And you can also wash it after you have removed snow from the yard.

Method 7: Apply Hot Water and Rubbing Alcohol

Anything sounds better than the clanking of the shovel on concrete as you take it in your already freezing hands to start on the piled-up snow which is sitting in your driveway, patio, yard, etc. One such DIY method in this list of best ways to remove snow from driveway is the mixture of rubbing alcohol and water.

It is a simple homemade snow removal formula that will eliminate the last remnants of snow and stop it from piling up. Take a half-gallon of water, add 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol. Mix it up and pour it on the affected area. The snow will start melting and will also stop from sticking to the surface again.

If you want to remove the snow without using a shovel, prepare this mixture in a large amount and pour it down on the driveway or yard. As the freezing point of alcohol is higher than water, i.e.,-173.5°F, the mixture starts melting the ice faster. So, if the shovel is a big no-no for you, it is one of the best and most creative snow removal ideas.

Method 8: Use Sand and Salt Mixture for Snow

Salt is used as a common technique to melt ice on the driveway. However, mixing it with sand only enhances what it does. Sand does not melt the ice but salt; it allows more traction and makes things easier. When you do not like shoveling snow out of your driveway, you need something that works as effectively as a shovel, and sand and salt mixture are the quite suitable answer in this situation.

If you are wondering about the properties of salt, you must know that it is the cheapest and easiest way to remove snow from driveway. It works as a good de-icer and does not allow snow to accumulate. For light snowfall, it is really good. Though, you certainly need other creative snow removal ideas for large storms and long driveway.

But the salt sand mix is not a very friendly way as it affects everyone, be it plants, kids, or pets. It is not good for the fur of your pets. You must know that these mixtures should be kept away from plants as it severely affects them. It also impacts the environment as it mingles with the soil and makes it infertile.

Every year millions of tons of salt are used for snow removals in the US alone. But, it isn’t good for our environment. Also, I personally don’t recommend using the salt sand mixture for snow removal from driveway and sidewalk. So, please try out other alternatives explained in this guide.

Method 9: Try Snow Rolling Instead of Shoveling

Want to have some fun while removing the snow from your driveway? Try snow rolling instead of shoveling it! Check if the snow is thick, sticky, and wet, and call the kids out in the driveway. Then, it’s time for fun.

Shoveling is a job that does not appeal to anyone as you keep doing it alone for hours. And when the snow is thick, you start freezing yourself. So if you are wondering, what is the best way to remove snow from driveway without a shovel and have fun at the same time? The answer is snow rolling.

All you have to do is take a small snowball and start rolling it forward. It will start getting bigger as it will accumulate more ice on the way and remove snow as a result. If you want to proceed with the snow rolling method, these are a few things you need to keep in mind:

  • Don’t make huge snowballs.
  • Push it away from you, to the outer side of the driveway.
  • The larger the ball, the greater the risk of it falling apart.
  • Try to make a round shape.

You can turn this tedious task into a fun job by spending some time with kids and making as many snowmen as you want. Isn’t this a creative snow removal idea?

Method 10: Use Sugar Beet Juice Ice Melt

If you genuinely care about the environment and don’t want to proceed with the DIY snow removal method “salt sand mix,” you will love this natural way to get rid of snow on driveway. Among all kinds of ergonomic snow removal solutions, the sugar beet juice ice melt recipe works like magic.

The sugar molecules of beet melt the snow just like salt does. It makes a brine as it is mixed with salt and works magic on ice. Nowadays, beet juice is becoming a trendy snow removal solution. And if you are wondering what is the beet juice de-icer for clearing snow from driveway and sidewalk, then you must check out these two top-rated products.

It is one of the popular pet and plant-friendly de-icers that every pet owner must have to remove snow from the driveway. Fusion Liquid Deicer is the most eco-friendly snow and ice melter out there, which is 30% less corrosive and leaves no mark on your concrete.

fusion 2330 liquid deicer

You need only a small quantity to de-ice large surfaces. This sugar beet juice-based product can be used down to -25C (-13 F), and the best thing is it does not cause any stains on the sidewalk, driveway, concrete, or pavers.

This pet-friendly, plant and concrete-safe beet deicer always find its way into the list of the best ways to remove snow from driveway. And the reasons are several. It can be easily used on different surfaces like concrete, pavers, asphalt, sidewalk, driveway, etc.

When it comes to your pet, they are creatures who cannot speak. But Organic Melt Premium Granular Ice and Snow Melt understood them and thus created this pet-friendly solution. It is effective in temperatures as low as -30C (-22F).

If you want an easy and affordable way to remove snow without a shovel, this is one of the best and eco-friendly ways to do so.

Method 11: Install a Heated Driveway System

Investing in a heated driveway system may sound like a big move, but it is not, especially when you live in an area where snow hits hard and there is no time to clear driveways or sidewalks with some of the traditional methods such as shoveling, salting, snow plowing, or snow blowing, etc.

The heated driveway systems (also known as the snow-melting systems) are gaining popularity day by day, and more and more people are upgrading their driveways to heated ones. Melting snow on the driveway gets easy with an electrical circuit under the surface, which heats the place and does not allow snow to pile up. It requires electricity, though.

How much does a heated driveway cost to install? The heated driveway system installation cost depends on the area of your driveway. It is installed as per square foot, and typically, the cost of a heated driveway system is between $12 to $25 per square foot. For a large driveway, the cost may be high, but then you will never have to worry about snow when you have to drive early to work on a snowy morning.

So if you were curious to find out how to remove snow from driveway without a shovel, then now you know what you can get if you are ready to invest a good amount of money on a heated driveway system for instant snow removal.

Method 12: Remove Snow Quickly and Often

The sooner you remove snow from the driveway, the better it is. Reason; it will start sticking around on the surface, and the next day you will need a whole army of tools to clear your driveway. It is essential that you get all the snow removal tools and keep clearing the yard, patio, and driveway every once in a while.

Like if there is a thin layer, use a leaf blower and remove it then and there. Install your surface heating mats before the snowfall. Use eco-friendly salt on the surface and use the de-icer. As snow piles up for the day, the shovel and the idea of using it start looking like a battle.

Thus, clear your driveway more often and save yourself from the trouble of spending hours afterward. This is my personal suggestion on how to remove snow from driveway quickly, and I hope you will find it useful for you as well.

Do you know? How to Get Ice Off Windshield Without a Scraper (8 Ways)

How to Remove Snow from Driveway Without a Shovel [FAQs]:

As the snow-falling starts, a few questions also start popping up in your head, like “How to remove hard snow from the driveway?” “What ice melt is safe for concrete?” “How to remove snow without a shovel?” etc. The answers to your most common doubts are given here. Hope they will help you.

Can You Remove Snow with a Leaf Blower?

Leaf blower for snow removal sounds like a crazy idea, but, yes, you can use a leaf blower for snow removal, a powerful one. If you don’t have a snowblower and the snow is not so thick that it needs a shovel, a leaf blower comes in handy.

It can be used to remove fresh powdery snow from cars, patio, yard, cans, steps, etc. Hold it in your hand and start it and move it just like you do for blowing leaves.

You can check out the KIMO leaf blower (20v electric leaf blower) or SnapFresh leaf blower (20v cordless leaf blower with battery and charger) and get your hands on one of these best quality cordless leaf blowers for snow removal.

What Kind of Ice Melt Does Not Damage Concrete?

Concrete are heavy investments, and any damage to them causes a stir in your bottom line. Talking about winter, ice-melts and concrete do not get along so well. People use rock salt, salt, and different ice-melts to melt snow.

To keep your concrete driveway safe and stain-free, you must buy an ice-melt product that is not too harsh on your concrete. The best ice-melt for concrete are Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Magnesium Acetate, Potassium Chloride, etc.

Snow and ice melting products include salt mixed with water which creates a brine, and when the ice-melt has the mentioned ingredients. It does not damage your concrete.

What is the Difference Between Snow Blower and Snow Thrower?

In the fight of snow blower vs snow thrower, the snow-blower wins. Yes, a snow blower is more powerful than a snow thrower. And the difference comes from the stage on which they work.

A snow thrower is a single-stage machine. It picks up the snow and tosses it out of the machine in a single motion. Its energy is divided into collecting snow and throwing it out of your premises up to 15 to 25 feet away.

A snow blower is different in the ways that it does not directly throw snow but uses an impeller to blow it off. Basically, it works in two stages. It is a bit technical, but you must know that both are different, which lies In their technical details.

They are often referred to as one, but snow blowers are more powerful and are preferred over snow throwers and can throw the snow up to 35 feet away. Also, the thrower walks in one forward direction.

When you are choosing between a snow thrower and a snow-blower, consider your needs first, the kind of work you need it to do; heavy or light, etc.

What is the Best Way to Remove Snow from Driveway Without a Shovel?

A shovel has always been used as a default tool to remove snow. However, the time has changed, and no one has time to use a shovel these days. Nowadays, most people prefer using a powerful cordless snow blower or non-toxic snow and ice melter product for clearing snow from driveway or sidewalks without shoveling regularly.

The best way to remove snow from a driveway depends on where you live and what is the level of snowfall in that area. If the snowfall is heavy, the grounds are large, and you have an all-terrain vehicle at home, then it is advised that you mount the ATV snow plow kit to it and remove snow quickly from your large grounds. However, in the cases of light snow, a plastic Tarp or a leaf blower will also be quite helpful.

I personally prefer using the cordless battery-powered snow blowers and heated snow melting mats to clear snow from driveway. These are among those snow removal methods that neither contain any chemicals, concrete-damaging solutions nor they pose any kind of risk to me or my pets.

Check out all the snow removal products from the list explained above and make most of these creative snow removal ideas. And if you found this comprehensive guide on how to remove snow from driveway without a shovel useful for you, then feel free to share it with your friends or family members on social media networks.

Did we miss something in the list of the best way to remove snow from driveway without shoveling? Let us know in the comments.

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About Jace Cuban

I am an automotive enthusiast who loves to be around cars and pickup trucks. Applying innovative car care products and installing different latest car accessories are my hobbies. Also, I love sharing my adventurous experience with car lovers.

1 thought on “How to Remove Snow from Driveway Without a Shovel in 2023”

  1. Removing snow without the use of a shovel sounds so counterproductive. Why would you want to do that in the first place?

    Reply

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