here are two quick tips......

to de-ice back steps quickly just take your table salt and throw it on the steps. Works just like the stuff you buy in the large bags. I do this all the time when I open the back door to let the dogs out and see the steps are iced over.

DH has also gotten very chummy with some of the guys at lowes. He loves to try and fix stuff himself....so he'll take a bunch of pictures and measurements (like when he replaced our back steps) and go over to lowes.....show the guys there the pictures and measurements and they help him figure out what he needs to do. You could probably do the same thing to learn about what's in your basement, or any item in your house, and the best way to take care of it.