How to Melt Ice From a Large Driveway
Rising and falling temperatures in wintertime result in snow melting and then freezing into ice. Removing ice from any surface can be a challenge that requires effort to resolve. A large driveway requires more time and effort, but you can melt ice on your large driveway with a combination of techniques that is both effective and a bit more environmentally friendly than traditional rock salt. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Shovel
- Bucket
- 2 pounds magnesium chloride
- 2 pounds playground sand
- Wooden spoon
- 1/2-cup measuring cup
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Instructions
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Prepare the driveway surface by sweeping or shoveling snow off the ice. Remove as much snow as possible so your ice melt can be applied directly to the ice.
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Sand makes ice melt last longer and helps melt ice. Fill a large bucket with 2 pounds of magnesium chloride and 2 pounds of playground sand. Stir the two ingredients together with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.
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Scoop out 1/2 cup of the magnesium chloride and sand mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup over 3 square yards. Repeat this process to provide coverage for your entire driveway.
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Allow your ice melt mixture to sit on the ice for 20 to 30 minutes. Break up melting ice with your shovel so it can be removed.
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Sweep off the driveway to remove the last of the ice chunks and moisture from the melted ice.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your driveway shoveled and clean. Snow that's left on the surface can melt, then refreeze into a slick layer of ice.
Use sand instead of cat litter on an icy driveway. Cat litter provides traction but does nothing to melt the ice.
References
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Photodisc/Getty Images Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
