How to de-ice your driveway and paths

Common ways to de-ice your driveway and paths

Gritting with salt and sand

One of the most popular ways to de-ice paths and driveways is to grit with salt. When used correctly, salt helps melt existing ice and prevents refreezing. Most People use rock salt, though it can stain or damage some driveways. To avoid this, patch test it on a small area first.

Salt can also harm plants and should be kept away from lawns and borders. Avoid letting pets ingest it, too.

If you’re wondering which is the best salt for de-icing your driveway, there are two main kinds:

• Brown rock salt – Contains dirt and sand for extra traction but can be messy and leave marks indoors.
• White de-icing salt – Cleaner and less likely to stain but typically more expensive.

Both types are widely available in DIY stores such as Jewsons and B&Q. Keeping a bag at home is just one of the ways you can prepare your home and garden for bad weather. If you run out, table salt or dishwasher salt are good substitutes – around one tablespoon will cover one square metre.

Sand is also an alternative. It won’t melt ice as effectively, but it provides grip underfoot. Just remember you’ll need to clear it away once the ice has gone. Sand is best for ice, frost and compacted snow – not fluffy fresh snow, where it simply sinks. 

Ice melt granules

Ice melt granules can be effective, but it’s important to check the ingredients to protect plants, pets and paving. Avoid products high in rock salt (sodium chloride); instead – choose granules containing CMA (calcium magnesium acetate), which are non-corrosive and kinder to the environment.

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol works really well because it has a natural freezing point. Mix two parts rubbing alcohol with one part warm water, spray it over your iced driveway or path, and it should begin to melt within 15-30 minutes. This is a good option for smaller icy patches or stubborn spots.

Shop-bought de-icers

Purpose-made de-icers are designed for speed and efficiency. Look for one that:

• Is high quality (so less likely to corrode your driveway)
• is pet-safe
• won’t damage plants or stain surfaces.

Avoid products containing ammonium nitrates or sulphates, which can wear down paving over time. For even application, use a watering can with a fine rose or a sprayer, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended amounts.

Homemade de-icers

If you prefer something gentler or more eco-friendly, here are some homemade de-icers that can help:

• Sugar beet juice – Not exactly a cupboard staple but known to lower ice’s melting point and kind to pets.
• Coffee grounds – Not a de-icer as such, but they add grip and absorb sunlight, helping ice melt faster.
• Vinegar – Mix 50% warm water with 50% vinegar. Strong-smelling but effective – especially for small areas.
• Cat litter – Offers traction but becomes sticky when wet. Not recommended unless you’re prepared for a big clean-up.
• Nitrogen-based fertiliser – Can lower the melting point of ice. Effective, but messy and needs sweeping up afterwards.

Fastest ways to remove ice from a driveway

Sometimes, you just need an instant solution. The quickest methods are:

• Rock salt – Works almost immediately, though effectiveness drops below -3.9 degrees Celsius. 
• Rubbing alcohol – Begins melting ice within 15-30 minutes.
• Some ice melt granules – Especially those designed for rapid action.

Combining salt with warm water can speed things along, but you should never use hot water – more on that below.

What not to use when de-icing your driveway

Avoid using hot water

It may be tempting to boil the kettle and pour it over the ice, but it’s one of the most dangerous methods. Hot water can:

• refreeze rapidly into black ice, increasing slip risks
• splash and cause burns
• damage concrete or asphalt surfaces.

Even cold water is unwise – it melts ice temporarily, only for it to freeze again into a slippery sheet. It’s never a good idea using water to de-ice driveways or paths.

General safety tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make de-icing safer and more effective:

Start early 

Fresh snow is easier to clear before it compacts. Use a shovel to remove loose snow first and if there’s no ice underneath, you’re done. Otherwise, apply your chosen de-icer or grit.

Protect yourself 

Wear sturdy boots with good grip, use gloves when handling de-icers, and wrap up warm. Clearing ice can be strenuous, so be sure to take breaks and only lift what you can comfortably manage. 

Take extra care with steps and slopes 

Ice builds up quickly on steep surfaces. Use more grit or de-icer on these areas and repeat regularly as needed. 

Be a good neighbour

If you have elderly or disabled neighbours who might struggle with icy paths, offer to help. Clearing the stretch in front of your property also keeps pavements safer for everyone.