What Can Be Used to Melt Ice in Driveways?

Salt

• Salt is a common and effective material to melt ice in driveways. Salt, however, has corrosive effects on metal and fabric, and lowers drinking water quality by entering groundwater. Salt can also damage nearby greenery. In 2007 a local news team reported that the city of Columbia, Missouri, used three parts cinder to one part salt; the color of the cinder attracts the heat of the sun and speeds up the melting process.

Fertilizers: Urea and Alfalfa Meal

• Urea is a fertilizer and although it is an effective way to melt ice the substance can burn nearby plants. Both urea and alfalfa meal are natural, but of the two alfalfa meal contains less environmentally damaging nitrogen. Because of alfalfa's salt-like texture, it provides traction while the ice melts.

Magnesium Sodium and Calcium Chloride

• The 2007 Missouri news report found magnesium sodium to be cheaper than calcium chloride, but that the calcium was more effective in melting driveway ice. The report stated that the City of Jefferson mixed calcium chloride in with rock salt when the job is particularly difficult.

Sugar Beet Juice

• According to Farmer's Almanac, the juice from sugar beets is an effective substance to melt ice. It can be used on its own or with a salt solution. The juice does not pose any danger to the environment, to pets or to cars.