Traditional ice melt works quickly, but these harsh chemical formulas can be incredibly damaging for decks, driveways, plants, and pets, even indoor floors, once residue is tracked inside.
That's why so many experts are switching this season to a DIY non-toxic ice melt solution instead.
It works just as quickly but without the harmful side effects. Here's how one pro makes the mix to help prepare a home for a freeze.
DIY Non-Toxic Ice Melt
No matter how you apply ice melt, those packed with harsh chemicals will almost always cause some form of damage to the environment, if not to your home. Not to mention that it is very dangerous for wildlife and pets, who may lick it off their paws and coat. The same applies to corrosive rock salt, which is why experts urge that you skip the salt each winter.
When winterizing a house and preparing your front porch ideas for festive guest arrivals, it is far safer to make your own ice melt. Better still, this quick DIY job before hosting Christmas only needs three ingredients that you likely already have at home:
- 1/2 gallon of warm water (not boiling)
- 6 drops of neutral dish soap. Dawn dish soap from Walmart is a good option, as is the EWG-certified non-toxic Attitude dish soap from Amazon
- 1oz of rubbing alcohol, also available from Walmart
Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love, swears by this mixture, calling it one of the few 'reliably safe' options.
'This DIY ice melt works surprisingly well, and it’s not harmful. It’s not going to harm any animals that come in contact with it, or cause skin irritation to humans,' he explains. 'It’s also not going to be much of an issue for nearby plants or grass.'
You simply combine the ingredients in a container and apply them to the icy spots. This might be easiest in a bucket, or even a watering can with a sprinkle head attachment from Walmart, for more even, direct application.
This ice melt alternative works because rubbing alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, meaning it not only melts existing ice but also limits refreezing.
It is also safe for use on various surfaces, including glass (such as your car's windscreen), wood, stone, and paving.
While pure rubbing alcohol can dry out plant leaves, heavily diluted, as in this mixture, the damage is minimal, and far less than that of harsh chemical ice melts and rock salt.
What to Shop
This handy watering can comes with a sprinkle head attachment to allow for more even application of your DIY ice melt, preventing missed, slippery spots.
Dawn dish soap has a gentle formula that is safe for contact with pets, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Rubbing alcohol helps to quickly melt ice without any of the harmful effects of harsh chemicals. Plus, it is a great addition to home first aid kits, perfect for having on hand during holiday hosting.
The Attitude products are verified by the Environmental Working Group as being the safer choice for homes, using non-toxic ingredients that have minimal impact on the environment and your health.
Keep your porch stairs safe for guests and family by adding non-slip stair treads, designed to offer traction in wet or frosty weather.
Leave a boot scraper by your front door to clean off the base of your shoes when you have been walking in public areas where they may have applied harsh rock salt or ice melt. This can prevent residue damaging the floor inside of your home.
Meet the Expert
While de-icing your entryway, consider some smart ways to remove snow from a driveway that won't risk injury. Plus, check the places you shouldn't clear snow to prevent unnecessary and potentially damaging work.
