Low-Cost Homemade De-Icer- It's easy and works!

[@dttrandom]

You can use a variety of household items that will dissolve in water as de-icer. The principle of lowering the freezing point of water is if it has more ions in solution then it'll be able to lower the freezing point of water more. Sugar works better than salt because a glucose molecule is C6-H12-O6, meaning it has 6 carbon ions, 12 hydrogen ions, and 6 oxygen ions, a total of 24 ions per molecule. Sodium Chloride is NaCl which is just one Sodium and one Chlorine ion, a total of 2 ions per molecule. This is also why de-icers made from Magnesium Chloride is better than Sodium Chloride because the Magnesium Chloride molecule has 1 magnesium and 2 chlorine ions making each of its molecules having 3 total ions. Calcium Chloride likewise. If you have lawn chemicals like herbicides and liquid fertilizers stored in the shed or garage you'll notice that they don't freeze in the winter, and that's because they're very complex blends of chemicals that in liquid solution have plenty of ions so it would take a very low temperature to freeze them.

[@fortcesta5128]

Thanks for contributing! This is very interesting. I never knew why it worked, just that it did.

[@اخوياهايصوانالايص]

So we add sugar and water that's it for melting ice bro

[@fortcesta5128]

@@اخوياهايصوانالايص If you are asking a question, the answer is yes

[@1-God1-Truth1-Life1-Forever]

Your yard and woods are beautiful. Hailing from NC where our ice cicles are giants if they reach 6 inches, so seeing your bohemaths was a real treat.

[@fortcesta5128]

Hello to North Carolina! Be safe. Any amount of ice can cause a fall. Thanks for watching! Take care.

[@AMC-eq3jr]

Never heard of this DIY deicer. Recipe: Melt 8 - 9 cups Water Softener Salt and 5 cups of sugar to 5 gallons of water. Thanks for sharing and stay safe.

[@fortcesta5128]

The salt is cheap if you buy water softener salt. Also, you can get 25 lb bags of sugar at warehouse clubs at very good price. Good luck!

[@AMC-eq3jr]

@@fortcesta5128 thanks, I'll check Costco / BJ's

[@johnassal5838]

@@fortcesta5128 You could also substitute calcium chloride in the form of pool shock for the water softener rock salt. The calcium has a lower freezing point and you should find it at pool supply outlets even when deicers are all sold out. I did that about five years ago and while I can't swear it's as cheap as water softener salt I remember it was cheap enough I bought a couple 50lb bags. One issue with it is that it comes in fairly big flakes that can apparently damage concrete as a deicer, not an issue if you're dissolving it into a brine though and the result ought to be less destructive to concrete than rock salt too.

[@fortcesta5128]

@@johnassal5838 Thank you for sharing your experience. Your contributions are greatly appreciated by all!

[@down2earth838]

Pickle juice works great too. I have a place near me I get for free ( from old pickle barrels ) for every 10 gallons I mix 16 oz rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol added to windshield washer fluid works great too for car window

[@fortcesta5128]

Thanks for your contribution to the post!

[@pamelamccrory7197]

Pickle juice is iron rich...drink it!

[@M_Ladd]

Try molasses inplace of the sugar. Works a lot better. Oh, forgot, if you have icicles it means the wsteris not draining down your downspouts properly because your gutters are clogged up. It eventually will damage your roof.

[@fortcesta5128]

Thanks for your comment! One of the premises was to have a low-cost de-icer. Bulk sugar is pretty affordable and easily attainable. I am not familiar with molasses or the best way of buying in bulk. Can you elaborate on this supply chain? We got new larger gutters to help handle the issues associated with clogging. Thank you, and stay safe!

[@M_Ladd]

@fortcesta5128 Molasses should be available at the same wholesale place as the sugar. Can't remember the ratio, but the cost is not as much as the sugar, nor the usage.

[@jlc3867]

9 ounces for 5gallon of water. This really helps the salt solution to "stick"

[@psdaengr911]

Subzero temps will make water freeze to the inside of downspouts and gutters. Heat loss wil lmelt snow just enough to run to the gutters. If they have "leaf guards" and it stays that cold they can freeze solid.

[@maustank8864]

You can lock the wand on and put it in the tank while mixing. Will help dissolve faster. Great video.

[@TheBladepolisher]

What do mean like California ? ? Dpn't forget we have the Sierra's and we get plenty of snow. Last year, we got 17' of snow. Great video ! ! Definitely need to try something. I have a stone driveway. Will have to hope the pads will be enough to make access.

[@fortcesta5128]

I'm sorry that CA is all grouped together. This area sees a lot of people from the Bay Area, which doesn't get much snow.

[@delvindoodles2182]

Thanks for sharing. Very much appreciated

[@fortcesta5128]

Merry Christmas, everyone! It could be a wild ride if you are in the Pacific Northwest for Christmas. High winds and winter precipitation are expected for the next couple days. Best of luck keeping those walkways safe!

[@807paperclip]

Like the video. The max salt one can put in water is 26% before it falls out of solution. Aiming around 21% is the best bang for your buck. Brine Hydrometer allows you to fine tune the mixture and see what works best without guessing too much. Been wanting to move up there for years now. I'm done in boise area. Hopefully Priest River one day.

[@807paperclip]

FYI watch out for ice damns building up on the roof. Can get a string of heat trace on the bottom part of the roof.

[@fortcesta5128]

That's exactly the data I was looking for- Thank you for contributing!

[@807paperclip]

​@@fortcesta5128 after doing more research the number is 23.3% solution. Best part is it will lower the freezing point on the concrete before a storm, cause the salt already had the reaction with the water. But either way sir, good luck

[@reccocon3442]

There are 2 types of water softener salts; sodium chloride and magnesium chloride think Mg will work just the same(?) do less damage on the driveway/cement but use less of(?) -main use of the dry coarse application.

[@jeffkirk4761]

Also, Magnesium Chloride is a safer for pets.

[@A3Kr0n]

I spray my driveway with my own urine. Its cheap and biodegradable.

[@ElBrodito]

Sugar is not really necessary if you’re already using salt. If you live in areas with average -20c at night, I recommend Magnesium chloride which has a -25c freezing point. Just a thought. Thanks for the video.

[@fortcesta5128]

Good to know. Thanks for contributing to the conversation!

[@francesfrancellaapfel9166]

Great idea

[@psdaengr911]

The only problems with brine as a deicer is it has a limited temperture range where it works, and the salt residue will hurt the paws of dogs whose owners walk them over it. I use salt but only on stairs and private walkways.

[@fortcesta5128]

Good points, for sure! My dog never spent much time in the driveway. The little time that was spent in the driveway didn't affect him. Thanks for contributing with this important consideration. Stay safe!

[@RandomStuffWithBill]

Ok so that works in general vs spreading the expensive salt stuff but if the ice and snow come back does this stuff being down already help in removal or melting or do you just have to go re apply it after shoveling / plowing?

[@fortcesta5128]

Excellent question! Unfortunately the answer is yes...to everything. The longevity of the treatment various directly with the ability to stay at high concentration and where you need it (in the driveway). If conditions stay cold, you will be more likely to leave a nice coating on the driveway for future use. If you get a thaw and surfaces get wet, you are diluting your deicer, making it less effective. If you have a steep driveway, like me, the deicer can migrate off the driveway. Time to reapply! Thanks for your question. Best of luck!

[@janetmonte797]

Can this be used on new concrete?

[@fortcesta5128]

As long as your concrete is fully cured, you should be OK. We use it on older concrete all the time. I have two houses, and one had a new concrete driveway installed this summer. I haven't had a lot of cause to use the de-icer yet. It's been mild, but the next several days will be below zero! Old man winter is coming! I would not hesitate to coat the newer driveway with this brine solution. Salt and sugar are fairly benign. Thanks for your question. Be safe. Good luck!

[@SUPERSAMPLES1]

God bless!!

[@ChesterLong-bj9dl]

They throughing salt in your gutters ,it will melt the ice and clear out your down spouts and under ground drains

[@6ftfemme725]

You had me @ Ryobi sprayer. I am building my tool stash and Ryobi is my choice.

[@fortcesta5128]

My sprayer just keeps going. They are very resistant to corrosion. Best of luck!

[@richardstewart6900]

@@fortcesta5128 Just got a smaller Ryobi sprayer at Xmas for spraying weedkiller on the drive. Maybe I've just found a use for it out of the growing season! 🙂

[@arkansaspeaches7928]

My drive is all dirt, will it work on it?

[@irishpi7521]

could I use this solution in a regular watering can that can withstand hot water? I don't have fancy tools lol

[@fortcesta5128]

Absolutely, just make sure that the salt and sugar are dissolved.

[@irishpi7521]

@@fortcesta5128 ty

[@fortcesta5128]

Absolutely!

[@Paulio91184]

How long have you been using it in that sprayer? I love the idea but I'm concerned that it'll destroy the sprayer. If it'll last this seems like the remedy for me. Thank you

[@fortcesta5128]

I have used the spray for 2 yrs. They are designed to handle chemicals of various corrosive levels. I also use a salt solution during the summer to kill weeds. It works and is much friendlier to the environment. You could always use one of those hand pump style sprayers used for insecticides. They are in the garden section in your hardware store. Good luck!

[@Paulio91184]

@@fortcesta5128 thanks for the reply... I have a hamd pump sprayer and actually made my first brine yesterday 👍👍... I may get a ryobi sprayer now

[@fortcesta5128]

@@Paulio91184Just be aware, those sprayers are not light, once they are filled. Best of luck!

[@russell154]

Nice solution (pun intended) but now I have a massive case of sprayer envy. So much so I went straight to Home Depot’s website to order that sprayer… sadly it seems that model they no longer make and the new model doesn’t look nearly as robust as yours. Anyway thanks for the solution.

[@jeffkirk4761]

@@fortcesta5128 You can also rig up a bicycle pump valve to the top of a hand pump sprayer and then use an electric tire pump to add pressure to the tank.

[@deborahfranzen7058]

So will you have a horrible ant problem in warm weather after using this?

[@fortcesta5128]

We have never seen any issues with ants. Consider that springtime in the PNW will get a ton of rain. This would dissolve any concentration of sugar and salt. Great question!

[@LeahYYC]

Best video I’ve searched for an de-icer brine 👏 I’m a new 🇨🇦homeowner & have. N facing corner lot w/ enormous foot traffic so by the time I get home, I shovel but usually have a good 1/2” ice compacted ice to deal with. Do you think this work in our winter temp of 12f to -58f? Thank you, Leah

[@fortcesta5128]

Hi Leah, I think you are safe in the 20s. If you can get some more sugar dissolved, you will have more success in the teens. Feel free to share your experiences. Best of Luck! Jeff

[@robertivey3268]

how safe is this on concrete? Thanks

[@fortcesta5128]

Thanks for your question! First off, this is applied to concrete. I'm not sure you caught that. There are a number of ways for measuring safety. You need to weigh which items are most relevant to your scenario. * The deicer definitely works, which means far less chance of falling. This is extremely important as our driveway has quite a grade. * I haven't noticed excessive deterioration to the actual concrete. This driveway is 35 yrs old, and has some pitting, but this existed long before I implemented the deicer. * Not using a deicer in this climate would allow water to melt and freeze many times over the winter. This action can also produce a negative affect on concrete. Once water gets into a crack, freezing will make the cracks expand. Hope this helps!

[@scottburns5049]

Try it before it snows

[@coachgeflores]

Interesting using sugar, in theory it should work fine and it won’t be corrosive like salt. The higher the concentration of the sugar or salt in your solution the more effective it is in lowering the melting point.

[@fortcesta5128]

I think you meant freezing point. It's all good. Best of luck!

[@kevinz9536]

Do you think this would attract ants in the warmer months?

[@danielcollins7588]

Some are saying molasses works good

[@fortcesta5128]

Thanks for your comment! Molasses has come up a couple of times from viewers. One of the premises was to have a low-cost de-icer. Bulk sugar is pretty affordable and easily attainable. I am not familiar with molasses or the best way of buying in bulk. Can you elaborate on this supply chain? How much does it cost compared to sugar. I love having this post become a community dialog. We are all just looking for good solutions in life. I encourage input and value the opinions of others. I try to learn something every day! Thank you, and stay safe!

[@kathyhayward5730]

@@fortcesta5128 Here in Houston, a 12-ounce jar of molasses is $3.62 ($0.30/oz). Corn syrup is $1.71 for 16 ounces ($0.11/oz). A 4 lb. bag of granulated sugar is $3.24 ($0.05/oz.). Google says "for every cup of sugar called for in a recipe, you can substitute 1-1/3 cups of molasses or 1-1/4 cups of corn syrup." So, if I'm doing the math right, sugar is still cheaper to use than molasses or corn syrup. The disadvantage of sugar is that it takes longer to dissolve, and any undissolved granules might clog the sprayer.

[@AAQI0504]

Can I use powdered sugar?

[@fortcesta5128]

Honestly, I guess you could. The premise behind the post was to come up with a low-cost option. Powdered sugar is more processed and will cost more than granulated sugar. Granulated sugar is readily available in bulk sizes at warehouse clubs like Costco, BJ's, and Sam's Clb, etc.

[@ManasiNehete-Matkar]

Moved to WI from TX 3yrs ago. It’s been interesting as far as weather. How did this solution fare afterwards? Any effects on driveway? Did you try a higher sugar content? Any after residues? I’ve also heard of dawn soap and rubbing alcohol recipe but haven’t tried it. I don’t have a sprayer, so was wondering if just using a garden hose attachment would be okay?

[@fortcesta5128]

I have not upped the sugar content. Our weather has been relatively mild. Maybe winter is waning. I'm not sure what type of sprayer you are referencing. The important thing is that the sprayer cannot dilute the concentration of the salt/ sugar mixture. This is from another conversation. I hope it helps. Fort Cesta 1 month ago Thanks for your question! First off, this is applied to concrete. I'm not sure you caught that. There are a number of ways for measuring safety. You need to weigh which items are most relevant to your scenario. * The deicer definitely works, which means far less chance of falling. This is extremely important as our driveway has quite a grade. * I haven't noticed excessive deterioration to the actual concrete. This driveway is 35 yrs old, and has some pitting, but this existed long before I implemented the deicer. * Not using a deicer in this climate would allow water to melt and freeze many times over the winter. This action can also produce a negative affect on concrete. Once water gets into a crack, freezing will make the cracks expand. Hope this helps!

[@jeepgirl1653]

$10 at Harbor freight . $15 at Home Depot or Lowe's.

[@JS-ud7ml]

Just use a pressure washer man.... aim it like a chisel under the ice and it will make quick work of all that. Hook the hose up to the hit water inlet on the washing machine hook up if it can reach or just regular outside faucet. Much easier and faster than all this mixology ect...

[@ellsgeiwitz2234]

It appears that salt asphalt is fine but on concrete will cause it to de-laminate. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJa0p5iZhMmaapI

[@stevedean9994]

I was very intrigued to watch your video. However, once I saw you were using Ryobi equipment, I immediately stop the video. Ryobi equipment is a tell tell sign of someone only scratching the surface of subject matter knowledge. Thank you for trying though and I hope your channel finds success in future vids.

[@pooka247]

Great idea