I have ice on my steps and sidewalk and a lot of people coming over today. i f I put hot water on them to melt the ice and then throw rock salt down on it, will it keep it from refreezing? It is only 5 degrees here. Other solutions are welcome.
2007-02-04 02:09:08 · 4 answers · asked by lori b 2 in Environment
Just use the salt or another ice melter (there are ones that are more effective and less damaging). Use sand for traction or break it up mechanically. Putting more water on it will only make it slicker, unless you can apply enough to melt every bit of ice (very unlikely).
2007-02-04 02:13:20 · answer #1 · answered by Bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have nothing else, use regular table salt. Start at the top step and work down. As the ice melts, the salt will follow down and melt the lower steps. Have a Cat? Use cat litter, although that can be tracked into the house.
Call one of the people coming over and ask them to bring whatever they have to solve the same problem.
2007-02-04 02:26:00 · answer #2 · answered by billy brite 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try sprinkling rock salt, sand, ashes or even cat litter on the steps. The gritty surface should not be as slippery. I keep a plastic jar of cat litter in the trunk of my car in case my wheels slip on ice in a parking lot and I need extra traction to get to a dry road surface. Sprinkle some on the tire and the ground in the direction the tire will move. But beware of sliding cars! Salt may not melt ice below 0 degrees F, but it will be gritty. Use something on your steps that will be easy to clean off your floors if tracked inside. Cat litter or sand may be easier (to vacuum?) than salt of ashes.
2007-02-04 02:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just use the salt to melt the ice and use something that is gritty to make the steps less slick.
2007-02-04 03:40:38 · answer #4 · answered by maidmaz 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋