How to Melt Really Thick Ice Off of a Driveway

Thick ice poses dangerous slipping hazards to cars and pedestrians alike. During freeze-thaw cycles, ice can build into layers too thick to be easily removed with mechanical methods. The best way to get rid of thick layers of ice on your driveway is with de-icing salts, many of which are available at home and garden centers. The granules go on easily and melt even thick layers of ice in minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• De-icing salt
• Shovel

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Scoop up the de-icing salt in a small container.

   • 2

     Broadcast about a half cup of salt per square yard of driveway. Keep the de-icing salt away from metal, soil and plants.

   • 3

     Wait for the salt to melt the ice. Check on its progress in 30 minutes.

   • 4

     Shovel the de-icing salt and slush off the driveway. Dump the slurry into the garbage can, not onto the grass, as salt will persist in the soil and kill plants.