Every winter, sidewalks, porches, stairs, and driveways become slippery slopes of danger. The good thing is that it doesn’t take much effort to combat the icy terrain. With the knowledge and the right products, such as salt or popular ice melts, frozen sidewalks and driveways become safe again.
However, what about regular old household Epsom salt? Discover below whether it is the right tool in the fight against ice, and if so, learn how you should use it!
Table of Contents
Will Epsom Salt Melt Ice?
Epsom salt can melt ice but will do the job very slowly. Epsom salt’s chemical structure ismagnesium sulfate heptahydrate. It means each Epsom salt crystal has seven water molecules bonded to it. To melt ice, it needs to connect with the water molecules in the ice.
However, with seven water molecules already around the salt crystal, there’s a lot of competition, and the reaction is slow to occur. Epsom salts are a safer ice melt agent to use than table salt. They aren’t harmful to plants or vegetation. To increase your Epsom salts’ melting power, combine them with sugar in a 1:1 ratio. The sugar works with the Epsom salt to melt ice quicker than either agent alone.
Does Sea Salt Melt Ice?
Sea salt boosts more nutrients than ordinary table salt. Depending on the brand you purchase, your sea salt can contain magnesium, potassium, and calcium in addition to sodium and chloride. All these chemical ions will react with water tolower the freezing point.
If you spread sea salt over ice, the ice will melt. How quickly this happens depends on the temperature and size of salt granules.Finely ground sea salt has more surface area to interact with the ice. Therefore, it melts the ice faster than coarsely ground sea salt.
Does Kosher Salt Melt Ice?
Kosher salt has the same chemical formula as table salt but a larger, lighter crystal structure. When you use kosher salt to prepare food, a gentler salt flavor enhances the food. However, when using it to melt ice, this crystal structure does not provide an advantage over table salt.
Some argue that kosher salt provides additional traction while melting ice. The coarse flakes increase your grip on the ice, but only initially. Kosher salt dissolves into a brine to melt the ice. Once spread over the ice, you’ll only have a few minutes to benefit from the traction kosher salt provides before it dissolves into the ice.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Melt Ice?
Mixing hydrogen peroxide with water can create a solution thatremains liquid to -57℃. It’s an excellent combination for homemade ice packs.However, pouring hydrogen peroxide over ice doesn’t result in speedy ice melting. It can melt ice but takes up to three times as long as a sodium chloride salt.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent as well. That means that it may cause corrosion on many surfaces and metals. It is known to damage paint as well. If you use hydrogen peroxide, don’t use it near your vehicles or metals. It would be best to use personal protective equipment to prevent damage to your eyes and skin.
Does Vinegar Melt Ice?
Pouring vinegar over already-formed ice will only work if the vinegar is nice and hot. It means you’re using heat to melt the ice, not the vinegar. Vinegar on its own isn’t powerful enough to melt ice.
A commercially available ice melt product that combines vinegar with calcium and magnesium ions, known as CMA. The combination amps up the melting power of vinegar, making it a very effective ice-melting product. There is logic to trying to use vinegar to melt ice.
You can prevent ice from forming on your car windows by spraying them with vinegar. When mixed with water, vinegar lowers the freezing temperature, which can keep your windows free of ice in the cold winter months.
What Melts Ice Besides Salt?
Salt is effective at melting ice but can damage your car and driveway. Luckily,there are other optionsto melt it quickly.
Urea
A common component of fertilizer, urea can melt ice down to temperatures of 15℉. It’s environmentally safe and doesn’t cause damage to concrete. In the spring, you might notice that the edges of your lawn grow more vigorously thanks to the urea providing the grass with an abundance of nitrogen.
Beet Juice
Beet juice is a completely natural and safe wayto de-ice your home. The juice won’t harm plants or pets but may stain surfaces. Rinse off any treated areas with soap and water once the temperature rises above freezing.
Wood Ash
The remnants from your fireplace can help keep your driveway safe from ice. Wood ash contains potassium salts that help melt ice. Ash also absorbs solar energy, increasing the temperature to melt the ice.
FAQs
What’s the best way to melt ice?
The best way to melt ice is to prevent it from forming in the first place. Spreada combination of agents to prepare surfacesbefore snowstorms hit.
A layer of gritty material, like sand or kitty litter, followed by a layer of salt works best. If you can, apply a second coat partway through a storm. It will keep your surfaces as ice-free as possible.
However, storms don’t always give advance notice. You should follow the same procedure to melt ice after it has formed. Spread your gritty material to help you get traction before spreading your ice melt agent.
Once the ice has melted, shovel away the slurry and dispose of it in the trash to prevent damage to your driveway or yard.
How do I choose an ice melt product or agent?
Not all products melt ice at all temperatures. If you live in an extreme climate, your options for ice melts will be much more limited than those in more temperate climates.
Rock salt and other DIY ice melt products typically only work until 5℉. For temperatures below 0℉, you’ll need to turn to a professionally produced ice melt.
You also need to consider the surface where the ice melt will be applied since salt-based ice melts can damage concrete. Using the minimal amount of product necessary and quickly clearing off the salt-ice slurry can reduce damage to concrete.
Is it safe to use salt to melt ice if I have pets?
If you are treating your ice with a natural salt like rock salt, you shouldn’t have to worry about your pet. However, they may experience some irritation since the salty solution can dry out their paws.
Regardless of what ice melt product you use, it’s a good idea to clean your pet’s paws with a damp cloth if they have been exposed to the ice melt.
Don’t let your pet ingest snow with salts or ice melts in it. Even pet-safe agents like urea and magnesium chloride can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet if ingested.
Verdict: Will Epsom Salt Melt Ice?
Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, the chemical compound in Epsom Salt, can salt melt ice. However, it takes a bit longer to get the job done than many products available for melting ice.
That said, other household salts like sea salt and kosher salt also work in the same fashion. They all melt ice, albeit not nearly as efficiently as magnesium chloride or calcium chloride ice melts do. In addition, today’s market also offers numerouspet-safe ice meltsfor those with furry friends at home to think about.
What do you regularly use for melting ice and keeping frozen build-up from your sidewalks and driveway? Share in the comments section below.
FAQs
Will Epsom salt dissolve ice? ›
As the regular table salt, Epsom salt also melts the ice but in a very slow manner and is also costlier than regular salt. Epsom salt, also called Magnesium Sulfate, can be used for melting ice in the same process as normal salt. The freezing point of ice is lowered and thereby melting the ice or snow.
How long does it take for Epsom salt to melt ice? ›The third test pink himalayan salt made a bubble again pink himalayan salt melted at 60.2 minutes, sea salt melted at 63.7 minutes, and epsom salt melted at 65.8 minutes.
What melts ice the fastest outside? ›If you're looking for the fastest ice melt, salt is usually a clear winner. Why does salt melt ice? It works by lowering the freezing point of water molecules, or the freezing point depression. Rock salt is a great way to melt ice, but it can be pricey and bad for the environment.
What is the most effective substance to melt ice? ›- Calcium chloride is the most effective ice melt at lower temperatures.
- Since calcium chloride is exothermic and hydroscopic (water-attracting), it's one of the fastest-acting ice melts.
- Calcium chloride is one of the most widely used ice melts, after rock salt.
Epsom salt dissolves in water and can be added to baths or used as a cosmetic. However, there is no evidence that your body can absorb its minerals through the skin.
What else melts ice besides salt? ›- Sand. Sand not only absorbs sunlight, which can help snow and ice melt, but it also adds traction so that your friends and family don't slip and fall.
- Kitty Litter. ...
- Vinegar. ...
- Sugar Beet Juice. ...
- Alfalfa Meal. ...
- Coffee Grinds. ...
- Calcium Chloride.
The acetic acid in vinegar is a chemical compound that lowers ice's melting point, but it doesn't melt ice quite as well as rock salt and some of the above alternatives. Like isopropyl alcohol, vinegar can technically be used on its own, but it provides better results in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and hot water.
Do coffee grounds melt ice? ›Coffee grounds can also be spread on the ice instead of being tossed out. Like sand, the grounds absorb sunlight to make the ice melt faster and add a bit of traction. Wood ash, likewise, can be spread on the ice instead of disposed of. It absorbs sunlight to help ice melt and provides traction.
Does kitty litter melt ice? ›Cat litter: Using kitty litter is a great way to provide traction and prevent slipping on icy driveways and sidewalks, however, kitty litter will not help to melt the ice.
How fast does baking soda melt ice? ›After 15 minutes: The salt and baking soda ice cubes were quite melty and textured. Success! In conclusion: Baking soda works — not quite as well as salt, but it works! It is better than nothing, and will give icy surfaces a little grip, so it'll work in a pinch.
Does Dawn dish soap melt ice? ›
The combination of the dish soap, rubbing alcohol and hot water helps prevent further icing and speeds up melting process. Once the mixture is poured onto icy or snowy surfaces, it'll bubble up, and melt. Bonus use: put the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it on your car windows to melt away ice.
What is better than salt at melting ice? ›Calcium chloride is typically regarded as the best performing ice melt for fast melting and long lasting action.
What melts ice but won't hurt concrete? ›Calcium Chloride is the Best Ice Melt for Concrete
Hopefully, now you can understand that calcium chloride is an ice melt safe for concrete. It has a much lower risk of intensifying the freeze-thaw cycle like rock salt since it can work at much lower temperatures.
Vinegar is a great ice melter and can be used on sidewalks, driveways, and even in your home. Vinegar is also environmentally friendly, and cheap. A mixture of vinegar and water is better than vinegar alone because it has a lower freezing point than salt or calcium chloride.
What happens when you mix Epsom salt and vinegar? ›Vinegar and Epsom salt would not create anything. Vinegar and zinc, though, would create hydrogen.
What happens if you put too much Epsom salt in the water? ›Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), feeling very hot, slow heart rate, extreme drowsiness, or fainting.
Can I pour Epsom salt down the toilet? ›If you have Epsom salt in your kitchen or utility room, you can use it to help clear a toilet clog. Epsom salt creates a reaction when it hits water, and the fizzing can help dissolve a clog. Pour several cups of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl and allow the salt to sit for half an hour before you flush.
Does hand sanitizer melt ice? ›Can't get your key in the lock? Look through your bag for hand sanitizer. The alcohol content here also lowers the freezing point of water and melts the ice inside the lock.
How do you get rid of ice without ice melts? ›Instead, experts at professional landscaping and lawn care firms, such as Eden recommend combining ¼ cup of alcohol with 6 drops of concentrated dish soap and mix this in a ½ gallon of hot water in a bucket. This is an effective and inexpensive homemade anti-ice solution for your property.
Will baking soda melt ice? ›It is a perfect ice melt for your icy areas at very little expense. 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.
What helps ice melt faster? ›
Salt, baking soda, and sugar will all act to lower the freezing point of the ice, making it melt quicker than the untouched ice cube. Sand is another common substance that may be seen on the roadway. In fact, it is not used to melt ice, but rather for traction for shoes or cars. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc.
Will rubbing alcohol melt ice? ›For a solution you can stow away year-round, combine two parts rubbing alcohol with one part warm water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the surface of your sideway or driveway to gradually melt the ice.
Does hydrogen peroxide melt ice? ›Mixing hydrogen peroxide with water can create a solution that remains liquid to -57℃. It's an excellent combination for homemade ice packs. However, pouring hydrogen peroxide over ice doesn't result in speedy ice melting. It can melt ice but takes up to three times as long as a sodium chloride salt.
How do you get rid of ice naturally? ›Combine a solution of a half-gallon of hot water, six drops of dish soap, and 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol into a bucket. This is an effective and satisfying way to learn how to get rid of ice on your driveway as you watch the ice bubble up and melt away.
What happens if you pour hot coffee on ice? ›Can you put hot coffee on ice? Technically, you can simply pour hot coffee over ice. But I wouldn't recommend it! The ice will water down your coffee, and it won't get as cool either ... and perfect Iced Coffee needs to be quite cold.
What happens if you put ice in coffee? ›Coffee should be at room temperature or chilled before adding the ice cubes. Otherwise, the ice will melt quickly and you'll end up with a very watery brew.
How do you make homemade ice melts? ›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.
What can you put on concrete to melt ice? ›Rock salt (sodium chloride) is often the first deicing agent homeowners turn to because it's inexpensive and effective.
Is kitty litter good for icy driveways? ›Kitty Litter absorbs moisture and can provide traction on snow, slush, and ice.
What soda melts ice the fastest? ›Diet Coke melted the ice cube fastest, but the V-8 took nearly three times the amount of time to melt the same size cube.
Does vinegar make ice melt faster? ›
Vinegar melts an ice cube quickly because of its acidity. The reason is that the acetic acid in vinegar lowers the melting point, meaning that the ice cube will melt at a colder temperature. Therefore, the ice cube will melt faster with the lower melting point.
How does Dawn get rid of ice? ›It claims, "For icy step and sidewalks in freezing temperatures, mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 gallon of hot water. Pour over walkways. They won't re-freeze. No more salt eating at the concrete in your sidewalks!"
Why would you put dawn in the freezer? ›If you need a quick DIY ice pack, simply fill a gallon or quart freezer Ziploc or Hefty bag with Dawn soap, and freeze it. The soap won't freeze solid but instead creates a great gel.
What happens when you freeze Dawn soap? ›Dawn dish soap does not freeze at below zero temperatures. To prevent icy stairs, pour the mixture over the front step as soon as the temperatures begin to drop. The soap will not freeze thereby keeping the step ice free. It is inexpensive and will not damage any surfaces you put it on, like rock salt can.
What kind of salt breaks down ice? ›Road salt, or sodium chloride, works by lowering the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt even when the temperature is below water's normal freezing point of 32 degrees. When salt is applied, it dissolves into separate sodium and chloride ions that disrupt the bonds between water molecules.
Will vinegar melt ice on concrete? ›Vinegar can melt ice on the driveway when combined with wood ash and water. While vinegar is acidic enough to lower the melting point of ice, it needs these other ingredients to effectively remove pesky layers from the driveway.
What is the best product for ice on concrete? ›Calcium Chloride
This is a popular snow-melt product that's considered one of the best options for concrete. It's effective at lower temperatures (down to -26 degrees Fahrenheit) and works by breaking the bond between the surface of concrete and ice.
Create a Hot Water, Soap, and Rubbing Alcohol Mixture
Simply grab a bucket and add half of a gallon of hot water, one-fourth a cup of rubbing alcohol, and around six drops of dish soap. Once it's all combined, you pour the solution over the driveway. The snow should bubble up and begin melting.
Ice melts faster when salt is added as the salt lowers the freezing point of the water, this is known as freezing point depression. The more salt you add the lower the freezing point. This interesting feature of salt and ice can be used for lots of fun and easy experiments.
Will bleach melt ice? ›Other compounds and chemicals can be used to melt ice. Calcium chloride, sodium chloride and laundry detergent are very effective. Bleach is reported to work the fastest when poured onto ice.
What salt dissolves ice? ›
Road salt, or sodium chloride, works by lowering the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt even when the temperature is below water's normal freezing point of 32 degrees. When salt is applied, it dissolves into separate sodium and chloride ions that disrupt the bonds between water molecules.
How do you dissolve ice? ›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.
Does magnesium melt ice? ›More Effective Than Rock Salt
Magnesium chloride can melt ice and snow twice as fast as rock salt, another common deicer.
And since Epsom salts don't dissolve in cold water (water should be around 130 degrees Fahrenheit for them to dissolve), you're forced to forgo that miserable ice bath in favor of something warmer—and likely, more relaxing.
What melts ice the fastest in salt? ›Salt water freezes at a lower temperature than the 32 degrees F at which freshwater freezes. The difference between the air temperature and the freezing point of salt water is bigger than the difference between the air temperature and the freezing point of freshwater. This makes the ice with salt on it melt faster.
Will vinegar and salt melt ice? ›Vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar is a chemical compound that lowers ice's melting point, but it doesn't melt ice quite as well as rock salt and some of the above alternatives.
Does baking soda melt ice? ›It is a perfect ice melt for your icy areas at very little expense. 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.
How do you melt a block of ice quickly? ›Salt, baking soda, and sugar will all act to lower the freezing point of the ice, making it melt quicker than the untouched ice cube. Sand is another common substance that may be seen on the roadway. In fact, it is not used to melt ice, but rather for traction for shoes or cars.
What removes ice? ›Combine a solution of a half-gallon of hot water, six drops of dish soap, and 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol into a bucket. This is an effective and satisfying way to learn how to get rid of ice on your driveway as you watch the ice bubble up and melt away.
What is the best ice melt for pavers? ›Antunes adds, “Products that use Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) such as Fusion Melt, EnvironMelt, or Majestic Snow and Ice Melt are considered to be the most effective and least harmful deicers to use on your EP Henry paving stone installation.
What is the safest ice melt for concrete? ›
What is the safest ice melt for concrete? Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) and Sodium Acetate (NAAC) are often considered the finest concrete-safe ice melt solutions available. When applied to concrete, both CMA and sodium acetate are much less corrosive than a number of other ice salts.
What is better for concrete calcium or magnesium? ›Corrosiveness. Claim: Magnesium Chloride is less damaging and has less impact on concrete.
Does rain wash away Epsom salt? ›(Keep in mind that Epsom salt dissolves very easily in water, thus any amount of rain will likely wash them away.) The production of fruiting bodies is the most taxing process in the life cycle of a plant.
Does Epsom salt dissolve quickly? ›Once sprinkled into the water, Epsom salts quickly dissolve into the water, causing magnesium and sulfate ions to be absorbed into your skin.