How to Clear Ice on Driveways

Clear driveway ice using a combination of manual effort and chemical deicer.

Driveway ice, a fairly common wintertime occurrence in certain regions, may develop directly as a result of freezing rain or may form under a layer of snow from melt or compaction. Ice on driveways, sidewalks and other paths can create hazardous driving and walking conditions, and generally warrants removal. Clear driveway ice using a combination of manual and chemical means. Bear in mind that prompt removal of snow, as well as pretreatment of the driveway surface with a briny solution will generally reduce ice development.

Things You'll Need

• Snow shovel
• Ice chipper
• Deicing compound

Instructions

1. Remove as much snow from on top of the ice as possible. Use a snow shovel to push and pile the snow, ideally where it will not melt and re-freeze on the driveway. If the snow is light and thin, a push broom may effectively clear snow off of the ice.

2. Chip the ice into small, movable pieces using an ice chipper. Make short, vertical strikes with the chipper. This will work best if the ice is thick enough to fracture into manageable pieces.

3. Shovel or push the broken-up ice pieces off of the driveway.

4. Apply a deicing compound to ice that remains on the driveway. Apply only a thin layer of deicer first, then apply additional deicer later if it is warranted. Choose a deicing compound based on the driveway surface, budget, the presence of nearby vulnerable vegetation and temperature. Options range from the inexpensive and readily available rock salt, or sodium chloride, which can damage some surfaces and nearby vegetation, to fertilizers such as urea and potash or the more expensive but less environmentally-harmful calcium magnesium acetate.

5. Check the driveway several hours after the initial deicer application. Remove any ice that has become loose.

6. Pretreat the driveway surface one to two hours before wintry precipitation is expected, to keep ice from bonding to the driveway. Dissolve deicer in warm water, then spray this solution on the driveway. Shovel any accumulation shortly after it stops snowing.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when working on icy, slippery surfaces.

References

• University of Maryland Cooperative Extension: Melting Ice Safely
• Mother Earth News; Better Options to De-ice Your Driveway; Peyton Baldwin
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Deicing Compounds and Utah Landscapes