How to Melt Ice Faster in a Towel With Water and Salt

Salt when mixed with water is known as brine, and is commonly used as a de-icer or anti-icing agent. In winters, salt is applied to concrete to prevent ice from sticking to the concrete, and sprayed on ice to melt it. Brine works by lowering the freezing point of the ice so that the ice once melted cannot freeze again at 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Salt and water are readily available almost everywhere, which makes brine de-icing cheap and effective.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• Salt
• Water
• Bucket
• Towel
• Cotton thread
• Mug

Instructions

1. Take a bucket and put some salt in it. Pour water in the bucket and mix to make a solution. The activity of the brine depends upon the concentration of the solution, i.e., the amount of salt in the solution. Generally, 2 to 3 parts salt and 8 to 7 parts water is mixed to make an effective brine solution.

2. Stir the solution to completely dissolve the salt in the water. Add more while stirring if more ice is to be melted. Do not mix in too much salt.

3. Put the ice in a towel. Ensure that the towel covers all of the ice and no space is left open. The towel should act as a container for the ice. Take a thick towel so that it can absorb and retain the brine solution. A fine cloth towel may leak the brine solution. Use a cotton thread on the top of towel covering to close the towel.

4. Slowly pour the brine solution on the towel using the mug. Ensure the entire surface of the towel is wet with the brine solution. Do not add too much solution, as it will start leaking out of the towel.

5. Wait as the brine breaks the ice into smaller fragments. The ice will be gradually dissolved at a faster rate.

6. Repeat the procedure after adding more ice to the towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Using hot water will quickly dissolve the salt and will also aid in melting the ice faster.

• Wear the safety gear before starting the process. Brine can cause irritation on bare skin and in the eyes.

References

• Worsley School: Salt and the Freezing Point of Water
• General Chemistry Online: Why Does Salt Melt Ice?
• This and That: The Fascinating World of Salt and Ice