Keeping your stairs safe and ice-free during winter can feel like an uphill battle—especially if you're avoiding traditional rock salt. While salt is effective at getting rid of ice on sidewalks and roads, it has drawbacks, such as damaging materials, harming pets, and creating environmental concerns. While a heated driveway may be the dream, most of us have more immediate needs. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to salt to tackle slippery steps in cold temperatures.

Salt vs. No Salt

Salt (a chemical combination of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride) is a common chemical de-icer because it lowers the freezing point of water, quickly melting ice in temperatures above 15°F. It's an effective solution and thus the basis of most de-icing products, but this chemical compound does have some downsides.

  • Pet Safety: Salt can be a skin irritant, especially on your pet's paws. It leads to discomfort, and even health issues like chemical burns. It can also be toxic if ingested.
  • Material Damage: Over time, the high concentrations of calcium chloride causes corrosion. This causes potential damage to asphalt, concrete driveways, pieces of masonry, and metal surfaces. It can be a potential liability for your car and even your snow blower by causing rust, weakening their structure, and reducing their lifespan.
  • Environmental Impact: Excess salt runs off into soil and water sources, causing damage to plants and aquatic life.

Finding alternatives to rock salt not only avoids these risks but can be just as effective on slippery surfaces when paired with the right tools and techniques.

Person shovels snow off the stairs.
Prevent damage to stone steps by keeping them free of snow and ice. Credit: galinast / Getty Images

Safe Ways to Remove Ice From Stairs

  • Sand or Grit: Sprinkle sand, gravel, or kitty litter to provide traction on icy driveways, walkways, and stairs. While this affordable option it won’t melt the ice, it creates a non-slip surface.
  • Coffee Grounds: While it does primarily provide additional traction, the dark color absorbs sunlight, warms up, and if it's just a thin frozen layer, it can act as a decent ice melter.
  • Rubbing Alcohol, Dish Soap, and Water: Combine 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol with 1 teaspoon dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle, and apply to icy spots. Alcohol’s lower freezing point helps melt the ice, water washes it away, and the dish soap helps keep it from refreezing.
  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): This alternative method is a safe option for ice melt. It's safer for plant life and pets (it can still cause mild irritation). It's effective at temperatures down to -25°F.

Sjø mat at the entryway to a home.
They’ll Want to Know Where You Bought This Doormat, Guaranteed
Durable, sustainable, and authentically Scandinavian.
Read More

  • Heated Mats: Lay down reusable heated snow melting mats that plug into an outlet. As long as you have an outdoor plug, this passive method that is particularly useful for frequently used staircases.
  • Sugar or Sugar Beet Juice: We know, this sounds kinda weird. Spreading sugar or beet juice is an eco-friendly though, unconventional option. These substances lower the freezing point and improve traction, though it can be sticky to bring into your house so it might not be best for entry paths. Warning: Red beet juice will leave a color and can stain a concrete surface if not rinsed off.
  • Boiling Water with Caution: Pour hot water carefully over ice to melt it quickly. Don't use excess water. Follow with a traction agent like sand, cat litter, or coffee grinds, to provide a gritty texture in case the water refreezing into sheets of ice.

A water stain on a kitchen ceiling.
How to Tell if Drywall Damage Is Caused by an Ice Dam
Understanding the signs of ice dam damage can save you time, stress, and money.
Read More

Treating Wood vs. Stone vs. Composite Steps

Wood Steps

During snow removal, avoid using metal tools, as these can cause splintering. Harsh chemicals can strip away protective finishes, shortening the lifespan of your steps. Instead, choose sand for traction or a gentle de-icer like CMA (calcium magnesium acetate), which won’t damage this outdoor surface.

Stone Steps

Stone steps can handle heat well, making innovative devices like heated mats or more basic snow-melting systems like boiling water equally effective for melting ice without causing damage. However, avoid using abrasive materials like coarse salt or sand, which can wear down softer stones, such as limestone or sandstone, over time.

Composite Steps

Composite steps resist corrosion and moisture, but they can become dangerously slippery when icy. CMA is a good option in this case. To avoid scratching the surface, steer clear of coarse materials like sand and use liquid de-icers sparingly; overuse can leave residue or dull the finish.

A long gravel driveway to a house in a rural area during winter.
How to Choose a Snow Blower For a Gravel Driveway
You need enough power to clear the heavy snow but without flinging gravel stones across your yard. Is a gas-model or electric powered more suitable?
Read More

At what temperature does ice start to form on steps?

Ice begins forming on surfaces when temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C). However, steps can freeze earlier in the winter months if they're shaded, made of a material that retains moisture, or exposed to wind chill. Use common sense to take preventative action when temperatures hover near freezing, such as pre-treating surfaces with a safe de-icing solution or ensuring they're dry before nightfall.