How to Mix Ice Melt Brine at Home

Salt brine has taken center-stage as a means of keeping roads, driveways and sidewalks ice free during the winter months. Rather than waiting to sprinkle salt on already treacherous roadways, forward thinking road crews spray surfaces with a salt brine solution in anticipation of snow and ice. Because the brine bonds salt to moisture, rather than relying on the brine formed as melting ice dissolves salt, melting can occur at lower temperatures and with a higher rate of success. Making brine at home is an easy and inexpensive way to keep driveways and sidewalks safe.

Things You'll Need

• Pump sprayer
• Bucket
• Rock salt or calcium chloride
• Water
• Mixing stick

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Instructions

1. Create a brine solution

   • 1

     Pour sufficient hot water into a bucket to fill the pump sprayer. If using rock salt, add to the water in a 1 to 5 ratio. Use a 1 to 3 ratio of calcium chloride to water if using that de-icing agent.

   • 2

     Stir the solution until all the salt or calcium chloride has dissolved. Pour the solution into the pump sprayer.

   • 3

     Spray a thin layer of brine across all potentially icy surfaces in advance of expected snowfall, freezing rain or sleet. Reapply brine as needed to prevent ice formation.