Using Kitty Litter On Ice- Does It Work?

In the winter, you might have to shovel your driveway or walkway. You have no doubt noticed that it can be difficult to get traction on icy surfaces. The same is true for kitty litter, which is why you may have found yourself slipping and sliding when trying to use it in your shoes or boots. Fortunately, there are ways to keep yourself from falling flat on your face (or rear) when trying out this solution!

Here Are A Few Ways To Deal With This Situation: Salt, Sand And Using Kitty Litter On Ice.

Salt Is Corrosive

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using salt. While it might seem like a good idea to add some power to your traction aids, salt is corrosive and can actually damage your vehicle’s finish. If you’re looking for a way to get better traction on snow, consider using sand instead—it’s easier on the paint job and won’t leave a residue behind that may cause problems later on.

Sand Is A Mess

Sand is a fine grained material and with every step it leaves behind a trail of sand that can be tracked onto carpets, rugs, or wood floors. This can be both annoying and time consuming to clean up! To avoid this, wear footwear that covers most of your foot—such as boots or shoes with rubber soles—when applying sand for traction in slippery areas.

Using Kitty Litter On Ice

However, there are some disadvantages to using kitty litter on ice. First and foremost is that the sand can break down and clump together over time. This means that you may have to replace your sand once every few weeks or months to keep it in good shape for traction.

Another disadvantage of kitty litter and snow combination is its tendency to attract dust, making it less than ideal for use in a home where people suffer from allergies or asthma. Additionally, while the sand will be fine when dry, it can become very slippery when wet—so make sure that you’re aware of these risks before using kitty litter as an agent of traction outside!

Why Kitty Litter Fails and Shoe Ice Grips Win on Black Ice

When it comes to icy walkways or steep driveways, many people still reach for the nearest bag of kitty litter. But when you’re facing the invisible threat of black ice, you need more than just a dusty surface sprinkle—you need real traction that performs. Whether you’re trying to walk the dog or just take the trash out, slipping on black ice can turn into a painful and dangerous accident. This is where shoe ice grips can make all the difference.

So, what is black ice on roads exactly? It’s a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms when temperatures drop below freezing, especially after rain or snow has melted and refrozen. Unlike regular snow, black ice offers no visual cue—it looks just like wet pavement. That’s what makes it so dangerous. And no, it’s not just something you read about in headlines or weather apps asking, “Is there black ice near me?” It can be on your own front steps or driveway.

Now, while kitty litter might give a bit of surface grip in ideal dry conditions, it doesn’t hold up when things get wetter—or slicker. It clumps, turns mushy, and in some cases, becomes another slipping hazard. In contrast, shoe ice grips—rubber or metal cleats that wrap over your boots—bite directly into the ice, offering instant traction without mess, clumps, or cleanup.

You’ve probably seen people searching “how to drive on black ice video” tutorials during peak winter months. But even if you know the driving technique, if your footing on footpaths or while exiting a vehicle is compromised, the danger remains. That’s why pairing shoe ice grips with a reliable traction agent like Traction Magic can give you complete protection from ground to tire.

And for the science-minded folks asking “Is black ice a physical or chemical change?”—it’s physical. It’s simply water turning into ice, no new substance is formed. But while that’s great trivia, the real takeaway is: physical change or not, the risk is very real.

The Best Shoe ice grips Combo for Daily Winter Use

Navigating winter doesn’t mean choosing between mess and safety. You don’t have to depend on kitty litter or sand to keep from slipping—there are smarter solutions. The best move? Combine shoe ice grips for personal traction and a dedicated ice traction agent like Traction Magic for walkways and driveways.

Traction Magic’s natural, mineral-based granules act immediately on ice-covered surfaces. Unlike salt, which takes time to melt ice and can damage surfaces, this formula delivers grip on contact—no waiting, no mess. When you walk with cleats or grips and your surface is treated with an instant-traction solution, you’re ready to face even the most sudden black ice patches without hesitation.

It’s not just about prevention—it’s about preparedness. With a pair of grips and a jar of Traction Magic by the door, you’ll be ready for that early morning freeze or surprise snow dusting.

Conclusion

While using kitty litter on ice may have been a go-to trick in the past, today’s winter hazards—especially black ice on roads and walkways—demand smarter tools. With the rise in awareness around what black ice is and how to counter it, combining shoe ice grips and real traction agents like ice Traction Magic provides layered, reliable safety. Skip the mess, ditch the clumps, and step confidently with solutions designed for today’s winter challenges.

Other Ice Melt Products

Safe Paw

The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.

Buy Now

Safe Thaw

Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Ice and Snow Management You Can Trust.

Buy Now