Heavy snowfall can quickly turn into a slick layer of ice. As much as we prefer staying on the couch or doing indoor projects on a snow day, leaving it can cause damage over time. Eventually you'll have to clear the sheets of ice in order to get out and about. Whether you’re dealing with a thin glaze or several inches, finding effective ways to clear an iced driveway during the winter months is important for safety and convenience.
Things to Try
- Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride): One of the most popular options, traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is an effective de-icer down to about 20°F and helps melt ice quickly.
- Calcium Chloride: Another conventional method that works in much colder temperatures (down to -25°F) and acts faster than rock salt; perfect for those subzero mornings.
- Snow Melt Pellets with Magnesium Chloride: A gentler deicing option for concrete and plants, magnesium chloride is effective at lower temperatures and causes less damage to plants than traditional salt solutions.
- Ice Melting Mats: Snow melting mats placed on stairs or a concrete driveway can prevent ice buildup and melt existing ice without chemicals, though the initial investment is a more costly option.
- Coffee Grounds: An DIY alternative to salt is to scatter a thick layer of coffee grounds. To an extent, their dark color will help hold heat from sunlight and melt some ice.
- Homemade Solution: An alternative method is to mix water with 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol and 4 drops of dish soap in a spray bottle as a preventative measure to keep ice from bonding to the surface.
Best Practices for Melting Thick Ice
- Chip away at the edges first. Use a sturdy ice chisel or metal shovel to break up the ice at the edges where it’s thinner and easier to manage.
- Apply de-icer evenly. Use a rotary spreader (like for dispersing fertilizer or grass seed) road salt, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride pellets, or other de-icers in a thin, even layer to maximize coverage without overusing the product.
- Lay down traction before working. Sprinkle sand or non-clumping kitty litter over slippery services to keep you on your feet as you work on clearing it.
- Pour warm water (but do it carefully): Pour warm (not boiling) water over thick ice to soften it; follow up immediately with your preferred type of road salt to prevent refreezing.
- Use a leaf blower or heat gun on low: These tools can help melt stubborn ice in targeted spots, but use caution so you don't accidentally damage the driveway surface.
Can you prevent ice from forming?
Yes, there are several ways to prevent ice buildup. Pre-treating your driveway with a salt brine solution creates a barrier that makes it harder for ice to stick. Laying out snow melt mats will melt fresh snowfall before it settles and ices up. Grab a snow shovel and clean up after snow storms before it can compact and freeze also minimizes ice formation. The most passive method, and the most permanent solution is to invest in a radiant heating system to keep surfaces warm, eliminating the chance of ice altogether.
FAQ
What’s the safest ice melt for pets?
Magnesium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate are considered pet safe alternatives to rock salt. They’re less likely to cause irritation and reduce the risk of toxicity if accidentally ingested.
Can I use regular table salt to melt driveway ice?
Well, sure... but it’s not the most effective solution. Table salt works similarly to rock salt but is less efficient and more expensive for large areas. Stick to rock salt or other de-icers designed for outdoor use. Save the table salt for your pasta water.
Is it bad to pour hot water on an icy driveway?
Pouring hot water on ice can lead to quick refreezing, making black ice form and create even slicker conditions. Warm water can help melt ice if followed immediately with salt or sand to prevent re-icing. Use this method sparingly to avoid worsening the situation.
