How do you melt ice and snow outside?

Rock salt but be careful around plants and shrubs!

Hi in WV it is snowing now. .you can use kitty litter or go to let store and buy a brand that is safe for pets. .I have two cats in and out of house a lot. .they love the snow play in it. .also home depot sells it .sure online does. .can't remember the name . Put it in a metal canister in garage. .I also read in farmers Almanac baking soda works. .have not tried that yet. .we used ice melt one year eat our concrete walk away up. .had to redo. .Good Luck .

You can buy snow melt from your local hardware store also.

I have to try this Ice melter; 1/2 Gallon of water/ six drops of dish soap / 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol mix it together and spread it on ,They say it works?

We had a serious ice storm last year and because I was out of sidewalk salt, no kitty litter, no sand--I actually sprinkled sugar on the icy sidewalk. It worked! It was kind of an expensive way to use a 5 lb bag of sugar but better than breaking bones trying to get outside to walk the dog!

If you have concrete driveway or concrete paver walkway/driveway, don't apply salt, as it will eat away the concrete surface, over time.

You can apply sand for traction on conctrete and pavers, calcium chloride or magnesium chloride for asphalt, kitty litter, even ashes for traction.

They now sell mats which are electrically heated to dissolve snow and ice on walkways, porches and staircases.