Not Into Salt? Here Are 6 Alternative Ice Removal Methods For This Weekend’s Storm

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Salt has long been the go-to method for snow removal in Maryland. That’s because it’s effective. It lowers the freezing point of water through a process called “depression.” By pre-treating roads with a rock salt and liquid solution, the freezing point drops from 32 degrees to 20 degrees, meaning it’s much less likely that snow will freeze on the road and turn to ice. But not everyone has access to large amounts of rock salt. So what are some alternatives to the salting method that you can try at home?

Why You Should De-Ice

No matter what kind of home you live in, it’s important to take steps to prevent or reduce the possibility of ice. Icy driveways, walkways, sidewalks and stairs increase the risk of car accidents and injury. And if someone else slips and falls on your property, it becomes a liability for you.

Falling on ice causes millions of injuries each year, from minor fractures to serious concussions. Ice is especially dangerous for the elderly, who are at greater risk for serious falls and may not be able to get back up on their own.

So, take those steps to de-ice before the snow hits, and share any extra with your neighbors.

Alternatives to Salt

You’re probably familiar with your town’s pre-snow efforts and have driven over roads thick with salt. It’s not the cleanest, and you’re not doing your car’s paint job any favors. If you’re just looking for a de-icing solution for your home, there are plenty of options if you can’t get or don’t want to use salt.

Ice Melts

Ice melting products are actually also salt. These products are a combination of magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and potassium chloride, all different types of salt (hence the “chloride”). These products are effective but on the more expensive side and bad for the environment, especially when they get into the soil and bodies of water — something Southern Marylanders are conscientious of given our relationship with the Chesapeake Bay.

Rubbing Alcohol and Dish Soap

This easy DIY solution is more environmentally friendly than ice melt products. And if you didn’t plan, you might have these products on hand after a storm. Get a bucket and fill it with hot water, then add about 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dish soap. Mix it, and pour slowly on the icy area. This solution works because the alcohol lowers the freezing point of the water. The dish soap breaks down the hard surface, and the hot water melts it away. The only drawback is that you might need to do this process several times for a larger area.

Coffee Grounds

We know chlorides lower the freezing point of water, but don’t sleep on another element of the periodic table: nitrogen. Used coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen, which is effective at melting ice. So after you make your morning pot of coffee, toss those grounds outside to help melt the ice. Fertilizer is another nitrogen-based ice-melting tool, but not everyone wants that smell on their doorstep for days.

Vinegar

Vinegar is yet another agent that lowers the freezing point of water. However, it’s less effective and fast-acting than other options. You can combine this with shoveling or heat for the best effect.

Heating

Not everyone has a heated driveway, but if you do, you’re in luck! Your driveway will do the work and melt away the ice. Heated driveways and walkways also help with the longevity of the surface, so it’s a good investment if you can make it. If not, there are some alternatives you might have in your garage that can help. Heat guns and torches, or even hair dryers, can help you melt some of the stubborn ice spots.

Shovel It

There’s no cheat code for this one, just hard work. The best way to go about this is to shovel as the snow is falling to avoid having to chisel through a thick layer of ice and snow when it’s all done. You can use some of the above melting agents to soften the ice before heading out with your shovel to make this work a little easier. If you’re shoveling, remember, ice is slippery; it’s best to work in pairs just in case something happens.

Do you have a tried-and-true salt-alternative method for melting ice? Let us know! In the meantime, we’ll be bundling up and getting ready for the storm.

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