How Do I Melt Ice If The Store Is Out Of Salt?

The big batch of winter wrath this week has caused a run on basic supplies at the hardware stores. So what if the shelves are empty where the salt usually sit? Grab a bag, box, jar or bottle of one of these alternative ice and snow melting supplies instead.

  • Calcium chloride
  • Alfalfa meal – fertilizer
  • Sand – absorbs sunlight and adds traction
  • Water softener solt
  • Bleach (highly corrosive, use sparingly)
  • Sugar – like salt, it lowers the melting point
  • Baking soda – it’s a kind of salt!
  • Vinegar
  • Concentrated isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol (kills grass)
  • Epsom Salt/Magnesium Sulfate
  • Ammonium sulfate – look for it in fertilizer (damages concrete)
  • Calcium magnesium acetate – sold under brand names like “Quad melt” and “Premiere Ice Melter”
  • Magnesium chloride – ask for it by name
  • Potassium acetate – sold under “Ice Clear” (corrosive)
  • Potassium chloride (damages concrete)
  • Urea – found in fertilizer

Salt only melts ice, by the way, it does not melt snow.

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