How to Melt Snow From a Front Porch

The icy and snowy months can present a continuous challenge when you must clear the walkways and driveways outside your home. Because you must keep the walkways free of snow to prevent injuries, you may be shoveling and chipping ice regularly. Take care to melt snow from a front porch to eliminate slips and falls when people come to visit.

Protective gloves
Ice melt product (sodium acetate or calcium magnesium)
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Apply the ice melt product early during a snowstorm when you notice the snow accumulating, generally when there is less than 1 inch.
- 2
  Scatter the ice melt product evenly over the front porch, wearing gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals. Apply approximately 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of ice melt product over a 100 square foot area.
- 3
  Shovel away slushy snow that begins melting after about 20 to 30 minutes.
- 4
  Reapply a second application of ice melt when you notice up to about 1 inch of snow accumulating again.
- 5
  Continue removing snow and applying additional ice melt as necessary to keep the front porch clear of snow.

Alternatives to Salting a Driveway

Salting a Concrete Driveway

Snow Removal