how can I melt the ice on my deck stairs with items I already in pantry?

table salt works great- but it's expensive. If you've got a water softener, and you have the 'flakes' for it..that's even better. The only bad thing about salting steps is that if will age the wood faster(will expose the wood to freeze thaw cycles) so it's a good idea to sweep it off after you've melted the ice. Don't use hot water- as all you'll do is melt the ice that's on there and make fresh ice(unless it's above freezing). Anyway, just a few ideas. If you want something that's inexpensive and works good for traction on steps and won't harm it, get some #1 turkey grit at a feed store and sprinkle it on. Works great!

use some salt(table or rock)and kitty litter or even rice. You could just put a towel down so you can get down the steps without busting your butt. once you do get out try a product called Zeroice. it works great throw down just like rock salt and it melts the ice away quickly

If it's not too cold, salt. But be careful with that because salt will kill plants.

If you have it, you could use kitty litter to give you some traction.

Good luck!

Kitty litter and salt would be the best bets.

hot water first then brush off then salt and cat litter

Salt is the best solution.

Salt??

salt it