How to Melt Ice Off the Porch Fast

Ice or snow on porches or steps may occasionally present dangerous conditions following snow events or freezing rain. Homeowners with wooden or composite porches may also be concerned about the potential staining or corrosion that could occur if certain de-icing compounds are used or over-applied on the porch. There are certain practices that can be observed in order to melt ice off the porch quickly while minimizing the negative effects of any de-icing products used.

Snow shovel
De-icing compound

Instructions

- 1
  Shovel as much snow off the ice as possible. Removing snow from an ice layer allows faster melt, especially if the porch receives sunlight. De-icing compounds will also act more efficiently.
- 2
  Apply a de-icing compound evenly across the icy porch surface. There are several possible compounds that can be used for this. Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is a traditional and inexpensive de-icer but is corrosive and may damage vegetation and the porch surface. Salt-free de-icers that contain calcium magnesium acetate are more expensive but will generally be less damaging to the porch material and nearby plants.
- 3
  Shovel the area again once the de-icer has broken up the ice enough for manual removal. If patches of ice remain, sprinkle as little de-icer as necessary on those areas.

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