How to Salt a Driveway for Ice

Choose the type of salt based on your needs. The cheapest option is sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, which is effective to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Rock salt, though commonly used, is deadly to plants and can be corrosive to concrete but not asphalt. Potassium chloride is effective to the same temperature mark yet not harmful to plants. Calcium chloride is effective to zero degrees Fahrenheit, while magnesium chloride works in even colder extremes.

Remove as much snow as possible with your shovel before salting the driveway. The ice is the bottom layer that coats the driveway under the snow, and it will feel hard under your shovel.

Measure about 1 cup of rock salt per square yard from the bag or pour jug. Sprinkle it onto the icy patches to cover most of ice.

Don't use more salt than directed on your product's packaging, as it's harmful to plants and can corrode your driveway. Sprinkle enough to coat the ice in a thin layer.

Wait for the salt to melt the ice. This can take 30 minutes to an hour, so wait before putting down more salt. The ice will turn to slush if it's melting properly. Add more salt if the ice doesn't appear to be melting.

Break the ice apart with your shovel to aid in melting. As the salt works, the ice will be easier to break apart and remove.