Melt ice off paths and drives quickly with 65p kitchen item
As temperatures plummet, a surprising item from your pantry offers a safer solution to common icy hazards.
With the winter weather remaining bitter and cold, people should remain on alert for signs of ice forming on paths and driveways. It can become a serious slip hazard, leading to potential injuries as people leave the house.
The latest Met Office reports claim that 'extensive snow' could hit some parts of the UK over the weekend, with temperatures dropping as a result. Low temperatures create the perfect conditions for sneaky patches of 'black ice' - a dangerous, thin layer of ice that is hard to spot.
It can be tempting to douse any stubborn ice patches with hot water to melt them away. Whilst this might work in the moment, there is a new risk of this fresh water freezing in its place, just delaying the problem.
Typically, salt is used to clear paths of ice with people laying some down ahead of chilly winter nights when the temperatures tend to plummet to their lowest. However, there's another alternative you can try if the shops end up being cleared out.
People will want to head away from the aisles in the supermarket selling the chemical de-icing products, grit and table salt and instead head towards the baking section. The team at Lottomart recommends using a baking soda solution for its effectiveness and environmental benefits.
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A spokesperson said: "Using a mix that includes baking soda rather than a standard de-icer brings several advantages. It’s inexpensive, kinder to surfaces, and most homes already have a box tucked away in the cupboard."
Prices vary from shop to shop, but options for baking soda (also called bicarbonate of soda) are surprisingly cheap. Aldi and Lidl both sell a 200g pack for 65p.
Baking soda is widely available and works by making cakes light and fluffy when it reacts with the other ingredients in the bowl. In terms of melting ice, the same chemical reaction lowers the freezing point of water, helping ice break down more quickly.
How to make the baking soda de-icer:
The Lottomart spokesperson added: "Compared with salt, cat litter, or harsher store-bought options, baking soda is one of the mildest substances you can use. It’s far less aggressive on paths, plants, and garden surfaces - and it’s a much friendlier choice for pets underfoot."
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Only half the pack is needed for the de-icing mixture, making it a budget-friendly option. To create the mixture, measure out 100g of baking soda (roughly half a cup) and combine it with 4.5 litres of warm water in a bucket.
Stir the solution thoroughly until the baking soda has dissolved, then apply it directly to icy areas using a watering can, jug, or spray bottle. After a short wait, the ice will begin to loosen and melt, reducing the risk of slips and making the space easier to navigate.
To make sure people have the best grip on the path or driveway, a light sprinkling of sand can help stop the newly melted ice from refreezing and provide more stable footing. Coffee grounds can also be used when you're in a pinch, or if you want to make the most of what you have at home before buying new products.
