How to Clear Icy Stairs

Shovel or sweep snow from on top of the ice. Work from the top of the stairs to its bottom. Use a snow shovel to remove deep or heavy snow. Using a broom may be easier to remove light snow.

Sprinkle deicing compound evenly across the ice. Apply only a thin layer of deicer first, and then repeat the application later as needed. Choose the deicing material based upon the stairs' material, your budget, environmental concerns and temperature. For example, traditionally used rock salt is inexpensive and works at fairly low temperatures, but it can corrode or discolor certain materials and leaves salt on and in the area. In contrast, a salt-free deicer such as calcium magnesium acetate is more expensive than rock salt but also is less likely to damage materials or vegetation.

Treat the area quickly using a homemade deicing solution if the area is small enough and the temperature is near or above freezing. Make the solution by dissolving deicing compound, household salt or briny backwash in warm water in a container. Pour the solution on the ice to melt a path on the stairs.