How to Melt Ice on a Sidewalk

Use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt ice on your sidewalks.

A sidewalk is one of many areas where ice and snow collect during bad weather. An sidewalk is dangerous to walk on if even a small amount of ice is present on its surface. To melt the ice, use a substance that will break down the ice and not just cover it. Substances like cat litter and other gritty materials can't melt the ice, but these substances do provide traction to walk on as you are applying a material to melt the ice.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Scoop
• Calcium chloride pellets
• Rock salt
• Plastic container
• Doormat(s)

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of work gloves to keep your hands from getting cold.

2. Scoop out a cupful of calcium chloride pellets or rock salt. Calcium chloride pellets and rock salt are available at hardware and home improvement stores as well as online.

3. Sprinkle the pellets or salt evenly on the sidewalk. The ice will start melting immediately. Read the directions on your product to determine exactly how much to use.

4. Pour the calcium chloride pellets or the rock salt into a plastic container to store a dry place in your home or business.

Tips & Warnings

• Place doormats in front of any doors so people can wipe calcium chloride or rock salt fragments from their feet before entering your home or business.

References

• Connect MidMissouri: What Is The Best Way to Melt Ice?
• Clean Link: Ice Melt Do’s and Don’ts

Resources

• WSDOT.WA: Ice and Snow – Take It Slow