# Instructions for Spreading Salt on Sidewalks
Snow and ice are hazards to people walking on a sidewalk or stairway. Salt raises the melting point of water, making it harder for the water to freeze or stay frozen. The problem is accurately salting the surface so you don't do any damage, but making sure that you melt the hazardous ice. You also want to spread the salt as efficiently as possible so you're not out in the cold any longer than you need to be.
Things You'll Need
- Spreader
- Salt or ice melt
- Shovel or broom
Instructions
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Fill a spreader with enough salt to treat your sidewalk or stairway. A quarter to half a cup of salt per square yard of sidewalk is enough to get the job done.
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Walk down the center of your sidewalk and slowly crank the handle of the spreader so it covers the area of the sidewalk and doesn't get salt on your lawn. Salt may damage the lawn, causing extra work for you to repair it in the spring.
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Remove water and slush from the sidewalk or stairs immediately after thawing. You can use a shovel or broom. This will prevent the water or slush from freezing again as temperatures drop, keeping your walkways clean and clear of hazards.
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Repeat the process as necessary to keep the sidewalk and stairs clean and dry.
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Landscaping Walks & Pathways
- Cement Alternatives for Sidewalks
- Alternatives for an Icy Sidewalk Without Salt
- Instructions For a Walkway
- Landscaping Ideas for Along Sidewalks Leading to a House
- Salt Substitutes for Sidewalks
- Construction of Sidewalks
- Ideas for Sidewalks
- The Best Practices for Typical Concrete Sidewalks
- Sidewalk Design Guidelines for Drainage
- Types of Concrete Sidewalks
- Ideas for Resurfacing Concrete Sidewalks
- How to Make Forms for Concrete Sidewalks
