How to Melt Ice From Stairs and Driveway Without Salt

Safe Ways to Remove Ice From Stairs

• Sand or Grit: Sprinkle sand, gravel, or kitty litter to provide traction on icy driveways, walkways, and stairs. While this affordable option it won’t melt the ice, it creates a non-slip surface.
• Coffee Grounds: While it does primarily provide additional traction, the dark color absorbs sunlight, warms up, and if it's just a thin frozen layer, it can act as a decent ice melter.
• Rubbing Alcohol, Dish Soap, and Water: Combine 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol with 1 teaspoon dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle, and apply to icy spots. Alcohol’s lower freezing point helps melt the ice, water washes it away, and the dish soap helps keep it from refreezing.
• Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): This alternative method is a safe option for ice melt. It's safer for plant life and pets (it can still cause mild irritation). It's effective at temperatures down to -25°F.
• Heated Mats: Lay down reusable heated snow melting mats that plug into an outlet. As long as you have an outdoor plug, this passive method that is particularly useful for frequently used staircases.
• Sugar or Sugar Beet Juice: We know, this sounds kinda weird. Spreading sugar or beet juice is an eco-friendly though, unconventional option. These substances lower the freezing point and improve traction, though it can be sticky to bring into your house so it might not be best for entry paths. Warning: Red beet juice will leave a color and can stain a concrete surface if not rinsed off.
• Boiling Water with Caution: Pour hot water carefully over ice to melt it quickly. Don't use excess water. Follow with a traction agent like sand, cat litter, or coffee grinds, to provide a gritty texture in case the water refreezing into sheets of ice.

Treating Wood vs. Stone vs. Composite Steps

Wood Steps

During snow removal, avoid using metal tools, as these can cause splintering. Harsh chemicals can strip away protective finishes, shortening the lifespan of your steps. Instead, choose sand for traction or a gentle de-icer like CMA (calcium magnesium acetate), which won’t damage this outdoor surface.

Stone Steps

Stone steps can handle heat well, making innovative devices like heated mats or more basic snow-melting systems like boiling water equally effective for melting ice without causing damage. However, avoid using abrasive materials like coarse salt or sand, which can wear down softer stones, such as limestone or sandstone, over time.

Composite Steps

Composite steps resist corrosion and moisture, but they can become dangerously slippery when icy. CMA is a good option in this case. To avoid scratching the surface, steer clear of coarse materials like sand and use liquid de-icers sparingly; overuse can leave residue or dull the finish.

At what temperature does ice start to form on steps?

Ice begins forming on surfaces when temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C). However, steps can freeze earlier in the winter months if they're shaded, made of a material that retains moisture, or exposed to wind chill. Use common sense to take preventative action when temperatures hover near freezing, such as pre-treating surfaces with a safe de-icing solution or ensuring they're dry before nightfall.