How to Melt Ice in a Driveway in Freezing Temperatures

Shovel off any snow from on top of the ice. Make sure to pile the snow where it will not eventually melt, return to the driveway and refreeze.

Chip ice into small, movable pieces using an ice chipper if the ice is thick enough to crack easily and the driveway surface will not be damaged by the chipping. Remove any dislodged ice.

Select a deicing compound based on cost, the lowest temperature the compound will have to work at and potential negative impacts on the surrounding environment and nearby vegetation. According to the University of Maryland Extension Service, sodium chloride, standard rock salt, requires a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Fahrenheit to melt ice and is inexpensive, but it can damage surfaces and plants. Calcium chloride, also potentially damaging to certain surfaces and plants, works quickly and melts ice effectively down to minus 22 F; the less harmful magnesium chloride works as low as minus 13 F.

Prepare the chosen compound, if the ice is thick, by sprinkling a small amount of water on the compound to help initiate melting.

Apply a thin layer of deicing compound to the ice, concentrating in areas where the ice is particularly thick or there is heavy foot traffic. Only use a small amount of deicer first, then repeat applications as needed.

Pretreat the driveway, as long as the driveway is cleared of snow and ice, before freezing rain or snow events. Dissolve deicer in warm water and spray this solution onto the driveway before precipitation begins to keep ice from bonding to the driveway surface.