Different Ways to Melt Ice

Heat

• Applying heat to ice will melt ice quickly if the ice is in small amounts or in an indoor location. In extreme winter conditions, condensation on the inside of a window can freeze, causing thin layers of ice. You can turn up the heat source in a room to increase the overall temperature and melt the ice.

  Older refrigerators have freezers that accumulate ice blocks from freezing condensation. Every so often, the owner is required to remove the contents of the freezer, turn the freezer off and allow the ice to melt. This process is known as defrosting the freezer. To speed the process of chipping and removing the ice, apply heat from a blow dryer about 6 to 8 inches from the ice.

Chemicals

• Rock salt, potassium chloride and carbohydrate-based solutions come premixed and can be added to other liquid deicers depending on the situation. These chemicals should only be used as directed and outdoors. Some are more harmful to vehicles and pavements than others and these substances vary in cost. Rock salt is known to be relatively inexpensive, yet the high salt content can negatively affect the undercarriages of vehicles, damage asphalt and pollute waterways. Potassium chloride works better at temperatures below 15 degrees F but is about eight times more expensive than rock salt. The potassium solution is biodegradable, doesn’t have to be applied as often and doesn’t harm steel structures. It could leave surfaces with a “slimy” texture. The carbohydrate-based solutions are made from a corn or beet base and can be mixed with rock salt. They are biodegradable but the liquid can be thick when applied and it may give off a smell.