How to Get Heavy Ice Off of a Driveway

Shovel away loose snow on the surface. If you have a snow thrower, use that to move the loose snow from the surface of the ice.

Add salt to your driveway. Obtain salt for this task in big bags at your local home improvement store. This may not dissolve heavy ice, but it will make it less slippery, allowing you a better surface on which to stand while you work. If no salt is available, sand or kitty litter will also do the trick.

Use a tool like those used to break up floor tiles or remove flooring adhesive from cement tiles to break up the ice. A sledgehammer, chisel or even a long-handled pry bar will all work, depending on whether you prefer to whack at the ice with force or try to get under it to break the ice up. Start in places where the ice looks weakest and thinnest. Some folks also use a spade shovel. Avoid a regular shovel for thick ice, as the shovel is likely to break before the ice.

Shovel the pieces that come loose into a pile at the end of your driveway, where it won’t block your way or any drains at the curb. Pick up bigger pieces by hand and toss them into the same pile.

Repeat these steps until your driveway is clear of ice and snow. Take frequent breaks to warm up inside and re-hydrate, and work at a steady pace to avoid overexertion and injury.

Shovel away any remaining slush. While it may look harmless, it can easily turn to ice, requiring another de-icing session for your driveway.