How to Melt Ice in the Driveway With Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol, commonly sold as rubbing alcohol, lowers the freezing point of water molecules when applied to ice. This basic thermodynamic reaction is the result of isopropyl alcohol molecules interacting with and speeding up water molecules, raising the temperature so the water molecules return to a liquid, rather than frozen, state. While rock salt is often used to melt driveway ice in winter, the stores may run out of the product. Isopropyl alcohol can be an effective alternative in a pinch.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic or metal pitcher
• Snow shovel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill the pitcher with isopropyl alcohol.

   • 2

     Pour the alcohol directly on the iced driveway a few inches from the ground to prevent splashing. Conserve the alcohol supply by pouring in a straight line from the driveway to the edge of the street, making two paths for vehicle tire tracks to use, for example.

   • 3

     Push the melting slush with the flat blade of a snow shovel as the ice begins to melt. This clears the path and prevents the liquid from re-freezing as the alcohol evaporates.