How to Melt Ice on Wood Stairs

Deicer chemicals make quick work of melting ice on wood stairs, but rock salt products are never recommended for wood. The salt dries out the wood, causing it to become brittle so it cracks and splits. Not only does rock salt make the wood unstable, but it can also stain it. Safer, less corrosive and less abrasive deicing options include magnesium chloride or deicing products that specify they are pet safe. Not only are the products gentler on wood stairs, but they are also more environmentally friendly since they cause less harm to plants and trees.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Clean can or scoop
• Deicer, such as magnesium chloride
• Plastic shovel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Sweep the snow off of the top of the ice.

   • 2

     Sprinkle the deicer lightly over the ice. An empty and clean can or a scoop work well to hold the deicer and sprinkle it over the stairs. Start with a small amount and add more deicer as necessary. The ice should immediately start to melt.

   • 3

     Shovel the melting, slushy ice off of the stairs with a plastic shovel. Remove the ice immediately after it melts so it doesn't refreeze on the stairs.

   • 4

     Apply more deicer lightly to the areas where the ice doesn't melt completely. Continue applying deicer to melt the icy spots until all of the ice is removed from the stairs.