How to Remove Ice From a Bluestone Sidewalk

Scrape as much snow as you can from the blusestone sidewalk. Use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one, so you don't scratch or chip the stone. Expose as much ice as you can to light and air.

Scoop up ice melt pellets made with calcium magnesium acetate and sprinkle them in a thin layer over the icy sidewalk. Calcium magnesium acetate is less corrosive to stone and concrete than other types of ice melt, including rock salt. Allow the ice melt to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Use the plastic snow shovel to gently pry up ice pieces. Insert the tip of the shovel into a groove or divot created by the ice melt. Push the shovel blade parallel to the sidewalk to scoop up ice and slush. Never drive the shovel blade straight down to chip up ice because this will scratch and chip the bluestone.

Sprinkle sand over the bluestone sidewalk once it is clear of ice to provide traction for foot traffic. A light layer works well to break up any remaining ice bits and gives people's shoes some roughness to prevent slipping.