How to Clear Sleet Ice in the Driveway

A wintry mix of rain and snow, also known as sleet, creates dangerous conditions for roads and driveways. Clearing sleet from the driveway prevents thick slabs of ice from forming. Homeowners can remove sleet with a combination of simple tools, common household items and physical labor. Whenever possible, prepare your driveway by scattering sand over the pavement before the sleet begins to fall.

Snow shovel
Snow blower
Rock salt
Cup
Rake
Hammer
Course sand

Instructions

- 1
  Scoop loose snow and sleet from the surface to the side of the driveway with a snow shovel. Begin as soon as possible to clear the sleet before it freezes on the pavement.
- 2
  Wheel a snow blower over the cleared path to blow off any remaining water and snow.
- 3
  Cover any ice patches with rock salt to create traction and to melt the ice. Fill a cup with salt, and shake it over the iced pavement. Avoid spreading salt near the edge of the driveway, as it can be harmful to grass and other growth. Wait about half an hour for the salt to loosen the top layer of ice.
- 4
  Rake the top of each ice patch, or break them up with the tip of a shovel. Hit thick patches of ice with a hammer to create cracks, and then use the shovel to break them up into smaller pieces. Scoop up loose pieces of ice, and shovel them to the side before the sun goes down and they refreeze.
- 5
  Scatter course sand over the entire driveway to melt new sleet and to offer more traction for foot traffic and vehicles.

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