If you’re like most people living in the colder climates of the U.S. this time of year, you’ve got your routine for deicing your sidewalks and driveway down: some shoveling, some scraping, some salt, and you’re good to go. What do you do, though, when you run out of salt, or a freak freeze happens and you’re unprepared? Do you huddle inside until it melts naturally, or do you risk running to the hardware store for some ice melt? Thanks to this tip from PureWow, the correct answer is: neither! Turn to your coffee maker instead.

Yes, your coffee maker— specifically, your leftover coffee grounds. All you need to do is save those leftovers from your morning brew and sprinkle the powder on a freshly-shoveled sidewalk or driveway. The acidity of the coffee helps the ice melt faster! Plus, the texture of the grounds is similar to salt or sand, and provides you the same kind of friction and traction those winter staples do.

Simple, smart trick, right? We love that it gets some extra, recycled use out of our coffee grounds, too. What do you think? Have you ever tried this trick before?