# How to Test Rock Salt for Safety
Icy weather brings danger to driveways, sidewalks and roads. During the winter months, precipitation accumulates on the ground and roads to form icy pathways that make it difficult to walk or control a vehicle. Fortunately, applying rock salt accelerates the melting of ice. Before using rock salt on an entire driveway, test it on one spot to determine its safety and effectiveness.
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Gloves
- Rock salt
Instructions
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1
Find an inconspicuous area to test the rock salt. Remove any snow covering the iced surface with a shovel or gloved hands. Place the salt on an small section of the iced surface. Allow a few minutes for the salt to penetrate the ice and begin breaking it up.
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2
Test the area that has the rock salt applied to it. Step on it or hit it with a shovel to see whether the ice breaks up. Review the surface to see whether the rock salt damaged its appearance. If not, then the salt is safe to use on the entire road or driveway.
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3
Lightly cover the rest of the road or driveway with the salt. Allow the salt to sit for at least 30 minutes. When the ice has melted, remove the slush with a shovel.
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1
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