How to Get Rid of Ice Without Shoveling

Fireplace Ashes

• Fireplace ashes absorb sunlight to melt ice faster than sunlight alone. Once the ice has melted, sweep the soot into your garden to repel slugs in the spring. You can also add it to the compost pile or directly into the tomato patch. The ashes do not damage concrete driveways or sidewalks.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate

• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is another environmentally friendly choice to melt ice. It does not contain the salt that damages plants and soil. Mix CMA with an equal amount of sand to increase traction while walking on the ice.

Magnesium Chloride

• Magnesium chloride melts ice quickly and does not damage older concrete surfaces. Do not use it on driveways less than 1 year old as it might damage new concrete that has not fully cured. It can cause moderate damage to grassy areas, such as yellow patches where the mixture runs off the driveway. Magnesium chloride is not safe for brick or stone walkways.

Radiant Heat System

• Radiant heat is an expensive, but completely labor-free, solution to get rid of ice without shoveling. You can use rolls of cable for sculpted or rounded areas and existing driveways, or radiant heat mats for newly constructed driveways and sidewalks. Some radiant heat systems have a snow sensor for automatic activation. You do not have to worry about chemical runoff into expensive or sensitive garden plants.

Heavy Plastic

• Avoid slipping and falling as you leave the house by covering the step with heavy black plastic. If you cannot find a large enough plastic sheet, then buy the large, thick bags used in the construction industry. Cut it large enough that you can anchor the ends with a flowerpot on each side of the step. This will give you a good grip on one side to lift and flip the plastic to the other side of the step. This method only works in small areas due to the weight of ice.