How Much Salt on an Icy Sidewalk?

Deicing Products

• While nothing is wrong with using ordinary rock salt to melt ice, there may be times when you need a specially-formulated product. If you're a pet owner, choose a product made for homes with pets that isn't irritating to paws or poisonous when ingested. And if you own a home with cement walks, select an alternative product as well since rock salt can eat away at cement over time and erode its surface. Additional available products include those that are earth friendly, quick acting or formulated to work in even the coldest temperatures when regular salt fails.

When to Apply

• Once you've noticed that snow or ice is accumulating on your sidewalks, the time has come to spread the salt. Spreading salt before there's a heavy accumulation prevents the ice from adhering to the sidewalk as firmly as it can when the walk is salt free. Inspect your walks often during periods of heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain, and reapply the salt as needed. To prevent your walk from turning into a slippery slope after snow removal, apply one last layer of salt.

Amount of Salt

• Knowing exactly how much salt to use to gain the maximum effect without wasting resources needlessly is important. Experts from the City of Philadelphia recommend using use 1 pound of deicing salt for every 100 to 200 square feet per application. A thin, even layer of salt is typically enough to cause ice to melt effectively. Avoid missing any areas that could turn into slick spots that may cause pedestrians to easily slip and fall.

Methods of Application

• While placing your salt in a container and simply sprinkling it by hand is an option, salt can be irritating to the skin. If you have sensitive skin, wear work or snow gloves to protect your hands. Wash your hands well after salt applications if you choose to forgo the gloves altogether. Alternatively, use a plastic cup as a scoop, and sprinkle the salt that way, or use a handheld salt spreader for easy application and even distribution.