Careful! It’s Not Good to Use Rock Salt on Your Driveway and Sidewalk!

Winter has come early this year. I say that because for the past few years snow came a little later than usual, and we haven't really had much of a white Christmas if at all.

Not this year! Snow and ice lead to slippery roads and tough travel. But we are blessed with top-notch road crews clearing our roads as best they can and spreading salt to keep our roads safer.

But what about at home? Should we be using salt on our sidewalks and driveways to melt the ice?

Actually, no, we shouldn't use rock salt at home on our sidewalks and driveways.

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WHY?

The Detroit Free Press website says, "Rock salt can contaminate drinking water, kill or endanger wildlife, increase soil erosion, damage private and public property and pipes, not to mention damaging cars."

SO WHAT IS A PERSON TO DO?

There are many other things you can use at home. Coffee grounds will work surprisingly, as will kitty litter. While they may not have the best melting power, they will give good traction so a chance of slipping is greatly reduced. And, you can even use fertilizer if it has a high percentage of nitrogen in it.

In our house, Susie and I use a product called Pet Safe Ice Melt. I buy it at the pet store. And, if you have pets, it is especially good because it won't hurt their little paws. This stuff works great and I know it won't damage my walks, driveway or even the grass and shrubs around it.

Bob Vila, one of the most trusted names in home repair and improvement, says there are many other alternatives to rock salt out there, so check them out.

And remember, try to stop it with the rock salt!