Got ice and snow on top of super cold temperatures this winter? “Everyday Cheapskate” reader Jennifer does, and she wrote, “Do you have a solution for melting ice and snow on walkways, driveways, steps and windshields?”
I do, and at least one of these homemade recipes is sure to come to Jennifer’s rescue, and quite possibly yours, too
All of these recipes and methods use ordinary household items most of us keep on hand.
NO. 1: BASIC DE-ICER
Into a large container or bucket, pour 2 quarts water, 6 drops Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol (70 percent or 91 percent). Dispense using a spray bottle or other type of garden sprayer. Spray the mixture on icy area or steps, and watch the snow and/or the ice melt, which is going to make your job of making those areas safe so much easier.
Why this works: Rubbing alcohol won’t freeze until it reaches at least minus 97 F. Because this recipe contains water, the mixture would freeze at a warmer temperature of perhaps minus 50 F. As for the Blue Dawn, just a few drops help break the surface tension of the ice and snow to get the melting process started.
Neither the alcohol nor the Blue Dawn content is harmful to landscape, pets or the environment, due to this being a very weak dilution.
NO. 2: LIQUID ICE MELT
Pour warm water into a bucket. Add rock salt crystals to it. (A good ratio is 1 gallon water to 1 cup rock salt, but this is not an exact science; you want to create salty water.) Stir occasionally until all of the salt crystals are completely dissolved.
Pour the saltwater solution into a sprayer. Spray the solution on frozen hard surfaces. The saturated force of the sprayer will penetrate through all the layers of the snow and melt it.
Why this works: Salt (sodium chloride) melts ice because adding salt lowers the freezing point of the water.
NO. 3: VINEGAR
Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water to produce an effective de-icer. Pour the mixture on iced surfaces, and the ice will slowly turn to liquid.
Why this works: The freezing point of plain white vinegar is 28 F, which is lower than water.
NO. 4: GRIT
A light application of sand, gravel, non-clay-based kitty litter or birdseed gives walkways more traction.
Why this works: In most situations, just adding a scant layer of grit to snowy surfaces provides the traction you need to safely get from here to there, whether you’re walking or driving a vehicle.
Caution: Do not use clay-based kitty litters for this purpose, since they will turn into watery sludge once they come in contact with moisture, and that will make the ground even more slippery than it was before.
NO. 5: SALT
Salt — rock salt or ordinary table salt — is the most basic ice melt found in just about any house. Simply sprinkle the plain salt across the snow-covered area, steps or porch. Salt will then spread through the ice layer, turning it into slush. Interestingly, salt is only effective to keep ice sloshy to 15 F. So, if it’s 14 F and lower, you need to use an alternative method.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, salts are less effective when applied in excess. Lesson to be learned: Use salt sparingly to treat treacherous ice on your driveway, steps and sidewalk. This will improve its effectiveness while protecting your landscape and hardscape.
Why this works: Salt (sodium chloride) lowers the freezing point of water. It is a perfect ice melt for your icy areas at very little expense.
NO. 6: BAKING SODA
Generously sprinkle baking soda on the ice- or snow-covered area, and wait for the ice to start melting. This may take a bit longer to melt than other options, but it will work. Do not use the soda-sprinkled path until the baking soda has done its job.
Why this works: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) contains salt, and as we know, that lowers the freezing temperature of ice.
NO. 7: RUBBING ALCOHOL
Mix equal amounts of rubbing alcohol and water in a sprayer. Spray solution on snow and/or ice to melt it. You can use this ice melt for windshields as well, without worry of damaging the vehicle’s paint job.
Why this works: The freezing point for rubbing alcohol is way below zero. Compared to ice and snow, it’s very warm.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everyday cheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” Tips can be submitted at tips.every daycheapskate.com/. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually.
Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
Ah, winter challenges! Dealing with ice and snow requires a thoughtful approach, and it seems like Jennifer has sought advice from Everyday Cheapskate. Let me delve into each method mentioned in the article:
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Basic De-icer:
- Ingredients: 2 quarts water, 6 drops Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid, and 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol (70% or 91%).
- How it works: Rubbing alcohol doesn't freeze until at least -97°F. The addition of water raises the freezing point, and Blue Dawn helps break the surface tension of ice and snow.
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Liquid Ice Melt:
- Ingredients: Warm water and rock salt crystals (1 gallon water to 1 cup rock salt).
- How it works: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, melting the ice. The solution is sprayed on frozen surfaces for effective penetration.
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Vinegar:
- Ingredients: Equal parts vinegar and water.
- How it works: The freezing point of plain white vinegar is 28°F, lower than water, making it an effective de-icer.
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Grit:
- Materials: Sand, gravel, non-clay-based kitty litter, or birdseed.
- How it works: Adding a layer of grit provides traction on snowy surfaces, improving safety for walking or driving.
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Salt:
- Type: Rock salt or ordinary table salt.
- How it works: Salt lowers the freezing point of water, turning ice into slush. Effective down to 15°F, use sparingly for better results and to protect the environment.
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Baking Soda:
- Application: Generously sprinkle on ice- or snow-covered areas.
- How it works: Baking soda contains salt (sodium bicarbonate), lowering the freezing temperature of ice.
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Rubbing Alcohol:
- Ingredients: Equal parts rubbing alcohol and water.
- How it works: Rubbing alcohol has a freezing point well below zero, making it effective for melting ice and snow. Safe for use on windshields without damaging the paint.
These methods leverage the science of freezing points, surface tension, and materials that alter the physical properties of ice. When applied strategically, they can make winter chores more manageable and economical.
