15 Tips to Help You Survive the Winter

Winter is here, bringing with it a few very annoying problems. What most people don’t realize is that many of these issues are very simple to resolve by using common household items. Here is a list of 15 solutions for people who want to show winter who’s boss!

Your car 1. Always face your car east The sun rises in the east, so parking your car facing east gives the engine the most exposure to the sun’s rays, keeping the engine and windshield warmer. This will help reduce issues frozen coolant and wiper fluids, startup problems caused by the cold, etc.

2. Put socks on our windshield wipers If you live in a place with considerable snowfall, you probably know that you should raise your wipers when you park the car to prevent them from getting frozen to the windshield. But did you know that if you also put heavy-duty socks on the wipers, you’ll prevent them from getting covered in snow and ice?

3. Use your credit (card) Actually, any plastic card will do! Use any old plastic card to scrape off ice from your windshield if you don’t have a specialized ice-scraper. If you don’t want to use your card, you can try a plastic spatula (but not a metal one!)

4. Use zip-lock bags on your mirrors The easiest way to avoid iced-over mirrors is to cover them with a zip-lock bag (or any other plastic bag you can seal). Now, when you get to your car, simply remove the bags and drive with clear mirrors.

5. Car stuck in the snow or ice? Many people had the dubious pleasure of getting stuck in snow or ice. While there are certain driving methods that can get you out, there’s no need to work hard and waste gas. Instead, use kitty-litter, sand or salt to get traction. Got none of those on hand? Grab your floor mats and stick them under the tires - that should do the trick.

Outside 6. Homemade snow tires for bicycles Grab zip-ties and zip them along the wheel in regular intervals (as seen in the picture). Get pretty much the same traction expensive snow tires get for a fractions of the cost!

7. Homemade non-stick snow shovel One of the most unpleasant chores caused by snowfall is having to shovel your driveway, and the most annoying part of the, is when the snow sticks to the shovel, making this chore even more difficult. To prevent snow from sticking to your shovel, spray it with a silicon lube or non-stick cooking oil.

Inside 8. Change the direction of your ceiling fan Most fans have a small switch that changes the direction of the spin. By changing the direction and having the fan rotate clockwise, you cause it to push hot air from the ceiling downward.

9. Stop your boots from folding over Keep your boots upright by stuffing a piece of “pool-noodle” in it. This makes them easier to spot, as well as prevents them from folding over, which can damage the material.

10. Make your own de-icing liquid Why pay for expensive chemicals when you can make a window de-icer at home? Mix 2 quarts (1.8 liters) of rubbing alcohol, 1 cup of water and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. If you want to de-ice your driveway, mix 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol and 1.5 gallons (5.6 liters) of water. If you want to prevent your car windows from freezing over when you park, spray them with 3 to 1 solution of water and vinegar.

11. Maximize heating your home If you’re using heat radiators or space heaters, consider putting a sheet of aluminum foil behind it. The aluminum foil reflects the heat back into the room, instead of being absorbed by the wall.

Fashion 12. No more hat-hair If you wear a warm hat in winter, you probably have to deal with how your hair looks when take that hat off, try this neat trick: use a can of dry-shampoo and give your hair a spray, then fluff it up a bit. Voila! No more matted hair!

13. Fix those fuzzy sweaters After a few washes, sweaters and other clothes get those little fuzz-balls, which are both unsightly and can be itchy. The solution is quite simple – grab a disposable shaving razor and “shave” the fuzz-balls off.

14. Too embarrassed to wear long johns? If it’s really cold outside, you probably need another layer under your pants, but long johns make you look unkempt. The solution is buying a pair of running pants or tights. You’ll stay toasty and warm, but still look professional.

15. Screws in your shoes Can’t afford special snow shoes? Grab an old pair of sneakers and screw some short screws into the bottom of the soles (make sure the screws are shorter than the soles). The extra traction will keep you from slipping, but you should take them off indoors, or you might scratch the floors.