Icy walkways and driveways are more than just a nuisance—they’re a serious safety hazard. While commercial ice melt products are readily available, they can be expensive and harsh on the environment. Luckily, you can whip up several effective homemade ice melt solutions using common household items. These DIY alternatives not only save money but can also be gentler on surfaces and vegetation.
This guide will explore various homemade ice melt options, from tried-and-true salt mixtures to more creative solutions such as beet juice. We’ll dive into the science behind how these de-icers work, provide step-by-step instructions for making them, and offer tips on application and safety. Whether you’re dealing with a few icy steps or a long driveway, these homemade ice melt recipes will help keep your property safe and accessible during the winter months.
Salt: The Classic Ice Melt Solution
Salt has long been the go-to solution for melting ice on roads and walkways. It works because it can lower the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation or causing existing ice to melt faster. While rock salt is the most common form used for de-icing, table salt can also work for smaller areas.
How Salt Works as an Ice Melt
Salt lowers the freezing point of water from 32°F to around 15°F. This means that when salt is applied to ice, it causes the ice to melt as long as the temperature is above 15°F. In colder temperatures, salt becomes less effective, which is why it’s important to consider the outdoor temperature when using salt as an ice melt.
Salt is safer than many ice-melting products, but if applied frequently, it harms plants, corrodes metal and will eventually damage concrete, too. It’s also irritating to pets’ feet and can leave residue on shoes. Due to driveway salt’s environmental impact, use it in moderation and try to keep it away from your lawn and garden.
Types of Salt for Ice Melting
You can use several types of salt for ice melting:
- Rock salt: The most common and affordable option, typically used for large areas.
- Table salt: More effective due to its finer grind but more expensive for large-scale use.
- Epsom salt: A gentler alternative that’s less harmful to plants and surfaces.
How To Use Salt as an Ice Melt
To use salt effectively as an ice melt:
- Wait until the temperature is above 15°F.
- Spread a thin, even layer of salt over the icy surface.
- For faster results, pour hot water over the ice while spreading the salt.
Isopropyl Alcohol: Simple and Efficient
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is another effective ice melt solution. Its low freezing point makes it an excellent choice for melting ice, especially when combined with other ingredients such as dish soap.
How Isopropyl Alcohol Melts Ice
Isopropyl alcohol works similarly to salt by lowering the freezing point of water. However, it has an even lower freezing point than salt, making it ideal for colder temperatures. When mixed with water and dish soap, it creates a powerful de-icing solution that melts ice and helps prevent refreezing.
Recipe for Homemade Alcohol Ice Melt
Here’s a simple recipe for a homemade alcohol ice melt:
- ½ gallon hot water
- 1 teaspoon Dawn, Ivory, or another biodegradable dish soap
- 1 tablespoon 70% isopropyl alcohol
For thicker ice or colder temperatures, increase the amount of isopropyl alcohol to up to 4 tablespoons. Using a higher percentage of isopropyl alcohol (around 90%) will also increase effectiveness.
Application Tips for Alcohol-Based Ice Melt
To apply the homemade alcohol ice melt:
- Mix the ingredients in a large bucket or container.
- Pour or spray the solution over the icy areas.
- Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to start melting the ice.
- Use a shovel or scraper to remove the loosened ice if necessary.
Remember that using lukewarm water or too little alcohol in freezing temperatures can result in more ice forming, so adjust the recipe according to the current weather conditions.
Beet Juice: An Eco-Friendly Ice Melt Alternative
While it might sound unusual, beet juice has gained popularity as an eco-friendly ice melt solution. Originally used by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, this method has spread to other parts of the United States and Canada due to its effectiveness and reduced environmental impact.
The Science Behind Beet Juice Ice Melt
Beet juice works by lowering the freezing point of water, similar to salt and alcohol. However, it’s often used in combination with salt brine to help it work even better. The sugars in beet juice help the salt work at lower temperatures than it would on its own, making it an excellent choice for extremely cold conditions.
Recipe for Beet Juice Ice Melt
To make a beet juice ice melt solution:
- Dissolve 1 ½ cups of salt in 1 gallon of water to create a brine solution.
- Add 8 ounces of beet juice to the brine.
This mixture can be applied to icy surfaces using a sprayer or by pouring it directly onto the ice.
Pros and Cons of Using Beet Juice Ice Melt
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly compared to pure salt solutions
- Effective in extremely cold temperatures
- Requires less salt, reducing damage to plants and surfaces
Cons:
- Can stain lighter surfaces such as concrete
- May not be as readily available as other ice melt ingredients
- Still contains salt, which can be corrosive in large amounts
When using beet juice ice melt on driveways or areas where cars will be driven, it’s important to wash the undercarriage of vehicles afterward to prevent corrosion.
Other Natural Ice Melt Alternatives
If you want even more natural alternatives to commercial ice melts, there are several household items that can help combat icy surfaces. While they may not work quite as well as salt or alcohol-based solutions, they’re not as harsh on the environment as salt and alcohol.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can be a great eco-friendly ice melt alternative. The dark color of coffee grounds absorbs heat from the sun, helping to melt ice faster. Additionally, the gritty texture provides traction on slippery surfaces.
To use coffee grounds as an ice melt:
- Collect used coffee grounds.
- Spread them evenly over icy areas.
- Reapply as needed.
Wood Ash
Ash from fireplaces or wood stoves can also be used to melt ice and provide traction. Like coffee grounds, wood ash is dark in color and absorbs heat, helping to speed up the melting process.
To use wood ash:
- Collect cool ash from your fireplace or wood stove.
- Spread a thin layer over icy surfaces.
- Reapply as needed.
Sand or Cat Litter
While sand and cat litter don’t actually melt ice, they can significantly improve traction on slippery surfaces. These materials can be used alone or in combination with other ice melt solutions for added effectiveness.
To use them, follow these steps:
- Spread a thin, even layer over icy areas.
- Focus on high-traffic areas and steps.
- Reapply after snow or ice accumulation.
Safety Considerations When Using Homemade Ice Melt
While homemade ice melt solutions can be effective and cost efficient, it’s important to consider safety when using them. Below are some key safety tips to keep in mind.
Environmental Impact
Many ice melt solutions, including salt-based ones, can have negative impacts on the environment. To minimize these effects, use ice melt products sparingly and only where necessary. In particular, avoid overuse near plants, grass, or bodies of water, and consider using more eco-friendly options like beet juice or coffee grounds when possible.
Pet Safety
Some ice melt ingredients can be harmful to pets if ingested or irritating to their paws. To protect your pets, make sure to wipe their paws after they walk on treated surfaces. Use pet-friendly alternatives when possible, and always store your ice melt materials out of reach.
Surface Protection
Repeated use of certain ice melt solutions can damage surfaces over time. Use ice melt products sparingly to help avoid damage, and clean your outdoor surfaces thoroughly in the spring once snow stops to remove any residue. We also recommend using protective sealants on concrete and other vulnerable surfaces to help protect them from damage.
