How to Melt Ice Patches on a Driveway

Shovel snow from the area where you need to remove ice. Use the shovel to break up and remove as much ice as possible as well. Hand shoveling is the most environmentally-friendly way to remove an ice patch from your driveway.

Spread a thin layer of rock salt or alfalfa meal over the icy area. While both products are non-toxic to pets and people, salt can harm plants and landscaping. Choose alfalfa meal if the runoff from the driveway will wind up in your yard. Both products melt the ice patch. For best results, lay the salt or alfalfa meal on areas that you know may become icy before a snow or freeze, which will help prevent ice from forming in the first place. Prevention is much easier than removing a thick layer of ice.

Mix two cups of water with one cup white vinegar. Pour this mixture over small areas of thin ice to melt them. Vinegar is easier on your landscaping than salt, and will melt the ice. Scrape the ice with your snow shovel and reapply the mixture, if necessary.

Spread a layer of kitty litter or sand over an icy patch. This provides traction while you wait for the ice to melt naturally.

Cover the driveway with a tarp prior to an anticipated snow or freezing conditions. Shovel the tarp, and remove it as well as any ice that formed on it, leaving an ice-free driveway.