7 Salt-Free Fixes for Icy Walkways and Driveways

During winter, running out of salt can make it difficult to keep walkways and driveways safe. Although using no salt isn't ideal, several household remedies can provide traction for shoes and tires or melt ice temporarily. Snow and ice removal experts recommend having certain remedies and products on hand for when salt runs out and supplies can't be replenished before a storm. It's important to remember that traditional de-icers work by lowering water's freezing point through chemical action, while some alternative methods only provide traction to prevent slipping without melting the ice. Ahead, we share seven expert-approved salt-free fixes to provide traction or de-icing to your walkways and driveway.

Cat Litter

If you have a cat at home, cat litter has uses beyond the litter box. It also works as a salt alternative for adding traction to driveways, walkways, and other icy surfaces. Unlike salt, cat litter does not lower the freezing point of water, meaning it will not melt ice. Instead, it improves grip temporarily. "When applied to icy surfaces, non-clumping cat litter adds grit and texture, giving shoes and tires something to grip," says Earl Pitts, a New York City regional project lead and owner-operator at New York Residential Snow Removal. "It is especially helpful in very cold temperatures when salt becomes less effective or in areas where salt may damage concrete, landscaping, or pose risks to pets."

How to apply: After clearing snow and exposing the ice, focus on high-traffic and high-risk areas such as steps, walkways, slopes, and driveways, Pitts says. "It works immediately for traction, but users should not expect ice to melt," he says. "Once conditions improve, it should be swept up to avoid a mess or tracking indoors."

Sand

For non-cat owners, sand works similarly to cat litter. It will not melt ice, but it provides temporary traction to improve safety. "When spread over icy surfaces, sand increases friction, helping reduce slips and improve tire grip," says Pitts. "It is particularly useful in extremely cold conditions and in environmentally sensitive areas where chemical de-icers are discouraged."

How to apply: After removing snow, apply sand to high-traffic and high-risk areas such as steps, ramps, slopes, driveways, and entrances. It provides immediate traction but will not reduce ice thickness. When temperatures rise, Pitts recommends cleaning it up to prevent tracking indoors and clogging drains.

Unsalted Beet Juice

Before a big freeze, applying unsalted beet juice to your walkways and driveway helps prevent ice from bonding tightly to the pavement, making it easier to remove and reduce refreezing, Pitts says. "The natural sugars in beet juice generate mild heat as they break down, which speeds up the melting process," says Jan Gautum, CEO of Novus Maintenance Corp. "Many municipalities use beet juice blends as an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to traditional salt, and it's safe for pets and landscaping."

How to apply: If freezing temperatures are expected, pour unsalted beet juice into a spray bottle and apply it to high-risk, high-traffic areas. For broader coverage, mix it with water in a garden sprayer and apply it to walkways and your driveway, Gautum says.

Liquid Brine

Spraying liquid brine onto your walkways and driveway before a storm or freezing temperatures, or immediately after shoveling snow, lowers the freezing point of water and creates a barrier that prevents ice from bonding to pavement, according to Gautum. "This makes snow removal easier and significantly reduces refreezing," she says. "Because it's pre-dissolved, it works faster than granular products and requires less material overall."

How to apply: Using a garden sprayer or handheld bottle, spray the brine directly onto walkways and driveways.

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Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Calcium magnesium acetate is a reliable option to keep on hand whether you run out of salt or prefer to use it instead. It is biodegradable and lowers the freezing point of water without the corrosive effects of traditional salt, according to Gautum. "It's much gentler on concrete, asphalt, and pets, making it ideal for residential driveways and environmentally sensitive areas," she says. "It remains effective at lower temperatures and won't damage surfaces over time."

How to apply: After removing as much snow as possible, lightly spread calcium magnesium acetate over icy surfaces. Gautum recommends using a plastic scoop or spreader to ensure even distribution.

Magnesium Chloride

Another less corrosive option is magnesium chloride. It remains effective at temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit and is significantly less corrosive than rock salt, Gautum says. Homeowners often prefer it because it is gentler on driveways, landscaping, and pets' paws. For those who live in colder climates, stocking up on magnesium chloride is a smart way to prepare for a salt shortage.

How to apply: Lightly spread the pellets over icy areas, or apply the liquid form with a spray bottle after clearing snow.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride accelerates melting by generating heat as it dissolves, Gautum says. It remains effective at temperatures down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit and is more efficient than rock salt. "Many formulations are now available in pet-safe versions, making it a versatile option for homeowners who need quick results without harsh environmental impact," she says.

How to apply: A little goes a long way with calcium chloride, so avoid over-application and sprinkle pellets or flakes sparingly over icy areas, Gautum suggests.