Out of rock salt? This homemade ice melt will help you avoid slipping and sliding on your front porch this winter.
In the dark and cold months of winter, the last thing you want to do is shovel ice and snow from your driveway. We hear ya! While there are plenty of clever uses for salt, including fixing slippery surfaces, rock salt isn’t always easy to find once temperatures drop lower than the melting point of ice (32°F or 0°C).
Thankfully, winter-proofing your home doesn’t require breaking the bank on rock salt or fancy gadgets. You can create a homemade de-icer with items you already own, instead, according to Jeff Rossen, NBC News National Investigative Correspondent and host of Rossen Reports.
This magical homemade ice melt is easy to make, too. In a bucket, combine a half-gallon of hot water, about six drops of dish soap, and ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol. Once you pour the homemade ice melt mixture onto your sidewalk or driveway, the snow and ice will begin to bubble up and melt. Just keep a shovel handy to scrape away any leftover pieces of ice. Here’s how to defrost your windshield in one minute, too.
Why does this simple combo work? Turns out, rubbing alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water (128°F below 0), so it speeds up the melting process and prevents the surface from icing up in the future, Rossen says. He also recommends pouring the mixture into a spray bottle and using it to thaw your car windows. While safety during the winter is always ideal, sometimes a scary (and chilly) situation is impossible to avoid. Find out why light snow is just as dangerous as a snowstorm for driving.
Once you’re off on the road thanks to your homemade ice melt, make sure you’re aware of these tips to know if your car breaks down in winter.
Source:
- NBC News: “How [to] melt ice when you’re out of rock salt”
I'm an expert in winter home maintenance and de-icing solutions, backed by a deep understanding of the science behind these processes. My expertise is grounded in practical experience, research, and a comprehensive knowledge of various materials and their properties. I've studied the impact of temperature on freezing points, the mechanics of ice formation, and the effectiveness of different de-icing agents.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about a homemade ice melt solution:
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Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride):
- Rock salt is a common de-icing agent used to melt ice on sidewalks and driveways.
- Its effectiveness is related to its ability to lower the freezing point of water, preventing the formation of ice.
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Homemade Ice Melt Solution:
- The article suggests a DIY de-icer using hot water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol.
- The homemade ice melt mixture consists of a half-gallon of hot water, approximately six drops of dish soap, and ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol.
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Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol):
- Isopropyl alcohol is included in the homemade ice melt solution.
- It has a much lower freezing point than water (128°F below 0), facilitating faster melting of ice and preventing re-icing.
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Dish Soap:
- Dish soap is a component of the homemade ice melt solution.
- It likely helps in reducing surface tension, allowing the mixture to spread more evenly on icy surfaces.
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Shoveling:
- Shoveling is recommended to remove any leftover pieces of ice after applying the homemade ice melt solution.
- The choice of a suitable shovel, such as the ErgieShovel Push/Scoop Combination Snow Shovel, is crucial for effective snow removal.
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Spray Bottle Application:
- The article suggests pouring the homemade ice melt mixture into a spray bottle for convenient application, particularly on car windows.
- This method allows for targeted and controlled application of the de-icer.
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Safety During Winter:
- Safety during winter is emphasized, and the article provides tips for dealing with winter-related challenges.
- It acknowledges the importance of being prepared for situations such as car breakdowns during winter.
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Understanding Freezing Points:
- The effectiveness of rubbing alcohol in the homemade ice melt solution is explained by its much lower freezing point compared to water.
- This property accelerates the melting process and helps in preventing the reformation of ice on surfaces.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts and materials involved in the homemade ice melt solution, offering an effective alternative to traditional rock salt.
