De-ice the driveway!

Winter can bring a variety of challenges, especially when snow and ice make even simple outdoor tasks more difficult. Slippery walkways, frozen steps, and icy driveways can turn everyday routines into stressful experiences. Preparing early is one of the easiest ways to minimize risks and keep outdoor areas safe and accessible for everyone. While many people turn to store-bought de-icers or bags of salt, those products can be costly and may damage surfaces over time. For that reason, inexpensive, gentle alternatives that use common household items have become popular among homeowners looking for effective and budget-friendly solutions. A simple do-it-yourself mixture can help make winter maintenance easier. This easy recipe uses just three ingredients—dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and warm water—items most households already have on hand. To create the solution, combine one teaspoon of dish soap, one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and half a gallon of warm or hot water. After stirring gently, pour the mixture over icy steps, walkways, or driveways. The warmth helps loosen the ice, the alcohol slows refreezing, and the soap adds a bit of traction. Unlike traditional road salt, this mixture is less likely to harm concrete, plants, or shoes, making it a practical option for families who want a safer and more surface-friendly alternative to chemical de-icers.