Does Epsom Salt Actually Melt Ice? Experts Have the Answer

Winter can throw all sorts of extreme weather our way, from blizzards to ice storms and more, posing a maintenance headache for homeowners. Of course, we’d always like to be prepared to tackle snow and ice as it comes, but sometimes a surprise snow squall or night of freezing rain leaves us with icy steps we weren’t expecting.

​In that case, you may be wondering what common household items can rescue you in an icy pinch—and if you have Epsom salts in your bathroom cabinet, you may be in luck. Ahead, we spoke with experts to determine whether you can use Epsom salts to melt ice, how to do it the right way, plus other methods for safely removing ice from your property.

Can You Use Epsom Salt to Melt Ice?

Yes, you can use Epsom salt to melt ice. But it’s not the most effective method, our experts say.

​"Epsom salt is basically less effective rock salt. Generally, Epsom salt is more effective in areas that don’t get super cold," says Steve Corcoran, a home maintenance expert and CEO of Lawn Love. "It’s usually recommended only to try using it if your minimum cold temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit, because anything lower than that typically won’t be that affected by Epsom salt."

​Epsom salt, which is composed of magnesium sulfate, is also more expensive than conventional de-icing methods, so it's wise to use it on a smaller surface area, like your front steps, rather than coating your whole driveway.

How Does Epsom Salt Work to Melt Ice?

Epsom salt works by lowering the freezing point of water. "With a lower freezing temperature, that means water is less likely to turn into ice as temperatures drop, and existing ice may be able to melt," Corcoran said.

​That being said, Epsom salt doesn’t lower the freezing temperature as much as typical de-icing agents, such as rock salt, ice melt, or calcium chloride. "Rock salt or calcium chloride pellets will melt ice quicker and are cheaper per square foot," said Scott Flores, CEO of Empire Parking Lot Services. "They also work in lower temperatures than Epsom salt."

How to Use Epsom Salt to Melt Ice

Here’s how Flores recommends using Epsom salt to melt ice on your walkway or front steps.

1. Combine your Epsom salt with some sand or gravel for more traction.
2. Spread a thin layer of the Epsom salt mixture over your desired area, about 1 cup per 20 square feet. Note: Don’t leave it in heaping piles; the salt will not be effective that way.
3. Apply physical pressure or give it a light scrape shortly after application.

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The Most Effective Way to De-Ice Surfaces

While Epsom salt can work in a pinch, conventional methods are usually recommended for reliably and safely de-icing your driveway, walkways, or front porch. Here are some other ways to safely remove ice around your home.

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Pre-Treat Your Surfaces

If you know you’re about to get hit with a winter storm, take some time to pre-treat your driveway and walkway with a pre-treatment de-icing product that makes it harder for ice to bond to the surface in the first place.

Use Ice Melt or Rock Salt After the Storm

After you’ve safely removed the bulk of the snow, apply a product with either magnesium chloride (ice melt) or sodium chloride (rock salt). Both of these products lower the freezing temperature of water, like Epsom salt, but do so much quicker and at lower temperatures.

​Ice melt is generally safer for homes with pets and less harmful to concrete and plants. It’s also ideal for very cold temperatures, remaining effective down to around 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Rock salt is often significantly cheaper, but also more corrosive to your surfaces. It remains effective until temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

​For extremely cold temperatures, calcium chloride on its own or mixed with rock salt is most effective—it can melt ice up to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Scrape the Ice With a Shovel

Even with some of the above methods, you may be left with slippery ice, especially if your region just experienced an ice storm or freezing rain over a snowy blizzard. In this case, wait a bit after applying de-icing agents to let the ice soften, then use a snow shovel (or an ice chopper if you have one) to scrape it away. Avoid the impulse to dig straight down into the ice; instead, scrape it at an angle to protect your surfaces from cracking.