Removing Ice from Stoop

A small area, such as a stoop, doesn't require extensive ice removal. Deicers can cause damage to concrete because of the accelerated freeze and thaw cycle that the chemical causes, and the runoff contains dangerous levels of salts that pollute streams, lakes and rivers. The salt in deicers can adversely affect plants, causing poor or stunted growth, leaf browning and leaf scorching. Sticking with more natural methods to remove the ice is beneficial to both the concrete and the environment. If natural methods don't work, a less harsh and less corrosive option is magnesium chloride.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Shovel
• Hoe
• Bucket
• Magnesium chloride

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Sweep or shovel off any of the snow covering the ice.

   • 2

     Chip away at the ice carefully with a hoe to dislodge any of the ice you can. Shovel the broken pieces of ice off the stoop.

   • 3

     Fill a bucket with warm water, and pour it over the stoop to melt a thin layer of ice. Keep pouring more water over the stoop until the ice is completely melted. Shovel off any slushy pieces of ice.

   • 4

     Sprinkle magnesium chloride lightly over the stoop if you are unable to remove the ice with other methods. The ice should thaw immediately. As it thaws, break it up with a shovel and move it off of the stoop.