Winter surfaces may be slick with snow, ice, and slush, but these chemical-free solutions will help you walk with confidence in four key danger zones.
Front Entry: Ice-Melting Doormat
An electric doormat melts snow as it falls, at a rate of up to 2 inches per hour to keep up with heavy storms.
HeatTrak 24-by-36-inch mat, from $110; heattrak.com
Stoop Stairs: Rubberized Treads
Before icy weather sets in, add rubberized Ice Breaker Stair Treads to steps. In freezing weather, these cushy mats release ice with a stomp of the foot so that you can brush it away without danger.
Ice Breaker Mats, from $15; vermontcountrystore.com
Sidewalk: Granules for Better Footing
Sure, ice melts are one way to go. Another: EcoTraction volcanic-mineral granules, which embed into ice to help provide secure footing.
About $18 for a 10-pound bag; amazon.com
Garage Floor: Slip-Resistant Tapes and Treads
Stay steady on your feet with 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant General Purpose Tapes and Treads, which help lend some traction to smooth garage floors that can get slick when ice and snow melt off your car.
About $64 for a 60-foot roll; shop3m.com
This article originally appeared on This Old House.
More from This Old House:
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com