The DIY de-icer — does vinegar really melt snow on your driveway?

Winter is in full swing, and the recent snowstorms and freezing temperatures are impacting thousands across the country. If you’re dealing with shoveling snow and removing ice from your driveway, this can be an arduous task.

While there are many ways to remove snow — with or without a snow blower, including rock salt and de-icers, it seems there is one household item that could also do the trick.

Not only is this item a cleaning staple in most kitchens, but has many great uses around the home. From effectively descaling and removing stains to unclogging a drain. So, can vinegar really melt snow? And what is the best way to use it?

Can vinegar melt ice?

The good news is that, yes, vinegar is a safe, DIY method for melting ice and snow around your property, making it a good alternative if you’re out of rock salt. So why is this? This is thanks to its acetic acid content, which effectively lowers the freezing point of water, making it quicker to melt. Although it’s recommended to use it with warm water for the best results.

However, there is one caveat. This method only works on thin ice and when temperatures stay above 28 degrees F. So if you're dealing with heavier ice or freezing weather, applying salt to your driveway is probably still your best bet to effectively melt snow.

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How to make a DIY de-icer with vinegar

In any case, it’s always good to have a bottle of DIY de-icer on standby. Simply mix equal parts of vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle or bucket before pouring onto your driveway or pathways. Wait for about 15 minutes before the light snow or ice should begin to melt, turning soft as it refreezes. But if you're dealing with a thick layer of ice, you may need to wait a little longer.

Essentially, this vinegar method makes it easier and quicker to shovel the slush off the driveway, making it less of a back-breaking chore. If you're working with a very thick layer of ice, this process may take a little longer

Alternatively, you could mix a half-gallon of warm water with six drops of dish soap and a quarter-cup of rubbing alcohol. Similarly, the alcohol has a lower freezing temperature than water, making this a key ingredient for your homemade de-icer. Or you could try this ‘nonstick driveway’ hack for clearing snow — and it works every time.

But if you’re stuck, vinegar is a go-to item to have around, which is why we always recommend keeping a bottle in the kitchen cupboard for that snow day.

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