11 Genius Hacks To Help You Survive Canadian Winter (VIDEO)

From people who know what winter really is.

Kaarina Dillabough | Flickr John Morton | Flickr

Canadian winter is the worst. There, we said it! Oh sure, there are people out there who love to ski or enjoy sipping a hot cup of cocoa on a snowy day. However, most of us are just trying to get through it so we can enjoy our one week of spring, our way-too-humid-summer, and our one week of fall before starting all over again. Luckily, Canada's winter hacks can help us get through the season.

This most recent winter may not have been the worst, with meteorologists predicting it would be short and mild, but it's definitely had its moments.

After all, St. John's had to go into a state of emergency because there was way too much snow in a short period of time. It's not often that an entire city says "I can't even," but it happened.

On top of snow, there's freezing rain, bitter cold temperatures, and enough dirty slush in the streets to make the world's grossest Slurpee.

Despite all of this, do we ever just throw our hands up and stay home? Of course not!

That's why we tracked down a number of ideas to make the season just a little bit easier.

Put Socks On Your Windshield Wipers

You know how they say the wipers are the feet of the car?

Okay, no one says that, but throwing some socks on them will help to keep ice from building up, which can render your wipers pretty much completely useless.

Put Cooking Spray On Your Shovel

No, this isn't for flipping giant pancakes all Uncle Buck style (that will always be the dream though).

Doing this will help to keep snow from sticking to your shovel, which makes clearing your driveway easier.

Defog Car Windows With Kitty Litter

Most people know about using litter for traction, but filling socks with some litter and keeping them in your car can aid in preventing fogged up windows.

The litter absorbs moisture, and we don't have to talk about why it's designed that way, because — ew.

Wear Long Johns

There's really not much more to this advice. Long Johns have been a Canadian staple for centuries for a reason: they work.

You could also throw some leggings on under other pants, but it won't be the same and you know it!

Prevent Frost With Rubbing Alcohol & Water

This advice comes from a scientist, so you know you can trust it.

A solution of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water sprayed on your car windows will keep them from getting covered in impenetrable frost. This could save you enough time in your morning to wait in the giant Tim Hortons drive-thru line.

Bake Bake Bake!

You know what's a great way to keep your house warm? Turn on the oven.

And hey, while it's on, you might as well do some baking. No need to waste heat, right? Plus nothing warms you up inside like fresh-made cookies. Share them or eat them all yourself — we won't judge.

Double Up On Gloves & Mittens

Every dollar store sells cheap gloves that, on their own, are almost entirely useless. However, wear those gloves under a pair of mittens, and suddenly they earn their keep.

Plus you can make a bunny out of them, which never gets old.

Use Vinegar & Water To Clean Salt Off Your Boots

Salty boots are just gross. They also don't look so great either.

Luckily, an easy way to clean off the salt before your footwear gets crusty and stained is to wipe them down with a vinegar/water solution.

Use Sobeys Bags As Boot-Liners

Yes, we know, Sobeys bags are no more. However, to some Canadians, every plastic bag will always be a "Sobeys bag." Wrap your feet in them before stepping into your boots for a fully waterproof barrier.

Fair warning though: plastic does not breathe, so expect sweaty feet after prolonged periods.

Make Sure Your Ceiling Fan Is Going Clockwise

A ceiling fan? In winter? Yes! It may sound strange, but setting your fan to rotate clockwise will help to push hot air down as it rises up to the ceiling.

Presumably, you're hanging out closer to the floor, so that's where you want that warmth to be.

Walk On Ice Like A Penguin

Penguins have it all figured out. Okay, maybe not everything. Still, if you take one lesson from these flightless birds, it should be how to walk on ice.

Keep your centre of gravity over one leg rather than splitting it like you would normally do and waddle with ease.