Using liquid ice melter is a cost-effective and easier way to keep your driveway or sidewalk clear this winter.

Keeping sidewalks and driveways free from winter snow and ice can be a daunting and endless task. Pre-treating surfaces with liquid ice melter is a cost-effective way to make the job easier.

Step 1: There are many formulations of liquid ice melter. The two most popular formulas contain calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. Both will do a great job preventing snow and ice buildup on driveways and walkways, and both are more environmentally friendly than their granulated counterparts. Choose a liquid ice melter that is available from your local hardware store or co-op.

Step 2: Use a hand-held pump sprayer to apply liquid ice melter to sidewalks and driveways. Spraying surfaces with a thin coat of product before a winter storm will prevent snow and ice from bonding to the surface, reducing the need to shovel.

Step 3: Use liquid ice melter to save time and money by reducing or eliminating the need for granular ice melter products.

Step 4: Use liquid ice melter to facilitate snow and ice removal. Liquid ice melter keeps moisture from bonding to the surface in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Shoveling snow is much easier when the snow is not bonded to the surface.

Step 5: Spray liquid ice melter on existing ice to melt the ice and to prevent additional ice from forming. Liquid ice melter can effectively melt snow and ice that is less than half an inch thick.

Step 6: Use liquid ice melter to prevent black ice from forming on handicap ramps, steps and other areas where slipping is an issue.

Step 7: Once applied, liquid ice melter continues to work for up to 14 days. It does not run off or get shoveled away with the snow. Precipitation will dilute it and reduce its effectiveness. Reapply liquid ice melter weekly during heavy precipitation periods and every other week when the weather is dry.

Step 8: Liquid ice melter is much less corrosive than granular products. Use liquid ice melter on concrete, wood, asphalt and metal to avoid potential damage from granular products.

Step 9: Use liquid ice melter to eliminate damage inside the home or business. Granular ice melt residue can be tracked in on shoes and boots, leaving white corrosive deposits on floors and carpets. Liquid ice melt stays on the surface it is sprayed on and does not get tracked inside.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.