Icy driveways, pathways, and patios are a concern as snow falls across the UK (Image: Getty)
As parts of the UK remain under a blanket of snow, it’s what might be lurking underneath that has Brits walking on eggshells. When snow melts and conditions remain freezing, there’s always the risk of stepping on a slippery patch of ice.
This is not just inconvenient but can be a real hazard, potentially leading to serious injuries. Thankfully, you don’t need to resort to expensive solutions and chemical-laden commercial de-icers.
Instead, a simple solution could be in your kitchen cupboards, which will quickly make outside areas ice-free. The team at recommends whipping up a baking soda solution instead of the traditional method of throwing down salt.
A spokesperson said: “Choosing to melt ice with a solution including baking soda instead of a commercial de-icer has some real perks. It has a lower price tag, fewer chemicals, and chances are, you already have it in your kitchen.”
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an inexpensive, readily available mineral that can effectively lower the freezing point of ice, speeding up the melting process. You can buy a 200g pack for as little as 65p at supermarkets like Aldi, Tesco or Asda.
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Unlike traditional salts used in commercial de-icers, baking soda is less alkaline, meaning it’s gentler on your surfaces and won’t corrode materials like bricks, concrete, or metal.
The spokesperson added: “Baking soda is the least abrasive corrosive option compared to salt, cat litter or commercial de-icers. It’s safer for your driveway, neighbouring plants, garden, and pets – and you don’t need to worry about long-term damage from harsh chemicals.”
To start making the solution, combine 100g of baking soda (about half a cup) and 4.5 litres of warm water. Begin mixing the baking soda with the warm water in a large container, stirring until the soda dissolves completely.
Once mixed, pour or spray the solution directly onto icy surfaces like driveways, pathways, garden walkways or patios. After applying, allow a few minutes for the solution to work its magic.
Baking soda can be used to melt ice because it lowers the freezing point of water (Image: Getty)
The ice will start to melt, making the surface safer to walk on. For extra traction and to prevent the melting ice from refreezing again, you can apply sand as an additive once the solution has worked.
It will help improve grip and further reduce the risk of slipping, being especially effective on driveways or garden paths where extra traction is needed. .
There is the potential for more snow and ice this week. Yellow warnings are already in place for parts of the southwest starting on Wednesday, January 8.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: “There is a chance of a further spell of rain, sleet and snow moving in from the southwest on Wednesday to affect some southern parts of the UK. Whilst not all those in the warning area may be affected, it is possible that that 2-5 cm of snow may accumulate fairly widely.
“Whether this system will brush the south of the UK or miss us altogether still remains a little uncertain, but we’ll continue to assess this over the next day or two. Weather warnings may well be updated, so it’s important people stay up to date with the forecast.”