How to Melt Snow on a Driveway Fast

Pre-treat the driveway by scattering a thin layer of chemical de-icing compound evenly across the driveway surface before any snow events. This will prevent the formation of an ice layer bonded to the driveway surface under the snow.

Manually remove as much of the snow as possible by shoveling, plowing or blowing. Pile the snow where it will not cause any problems, taking into consideration where the melt will eventually run off to. The more quickly snow can be removed during and after snow events, the easier removal will be.

Apply a de-icing compound evenly across the driveway. The thinner the snow or ice layer, the faster the compound will be able to clear the driveway. There are many de-icing compounds available, ranging from the inexpensive but corrosive sodium chloride to a more expensive but less corrosive option like calcium magnesium acetate.

Lay down, if desired, waterproof electric heating cables to supplement de-icing compounds or as an alternative to chemicals. Loop the cables back and forth across the driveway so that no two portions of the cable intersect.