What You Should Know About Ice Melt

Even a small amount of solid ice can be treacherous on the walking and driving areas outside your home. Removing it with ice melt, a chemical product that is applied on surfaces to break down the bonds of ice, is an essential winter chore for many folks .

Ice melt creates cracks and flakes in ice and snow, making it safer to navigate and easier to remove altogether. But there are various kinds of ice melt products designed for different purposes and surfaces.

Ice melt products are vital for maintaining safe walking and driving areas during winter. They work by lowering the freezing point of water, allowing ice to break down and making removal easier. However, it is important to choose the right type of ice melt for specific surfaces, as some can be harsh on concrete, plants, or pets. Here is a brief breakdown of common ice melt products:

1. Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride):

   • Most common and affordable.

   • Works best above -7°C but can damage concrete and harm plants/pets.

2. Calcium Chloride:

   • Fast-acting and effective in extremely low temperatures (down to -32°C).

   • Less harmful to concrete but can still irritate pets' paws.

3. Magnesium Chloride:

   • Safer for the environment, plants, and pets.

   • Effective down to around -17°C but can be more expensive.

4. Potassium Chloride:

   • Gentle on vegetation but not as effective in cold temperatures.

   • Works best above -7°C.

5. Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA):

   • Eco-friendly and less corrosive.

   • Works better as a preventive treatment than as a remover.

Many ice melts also combine these chemicals to balance performance and minimize damage. When choosing, consider the product’s melting range, safety for pets, and potential harm to plants or surfaces like driveways or walkways. It is also good practice to shovel as much snow as possible before applying ice melt to avoid using excess product.

Consider the variety of options available.

There are many different kinds of ice melt products that are designed for different situations (Not all these Brands are available in Canada, but you should be able to find comparable products). Some come as a liquid formula while others may be pellets or granules. Some are made for specific surfaces or temperatures, and some are designed specifically for safe use around pets and children. Read product labels carefully to understand the features of each product and how it will work best for your situation.

Don’t’ confuse ice melt with rock salt.Though both are used to melt ice, rock salt and ice melt are two different products. Rock salt is a mineral form of sodium chloride. Ice melt is made from a blend of chemicals, typically with a main active ingredient of sodium chloride. Ice melt is formulated to be fast acting, long lasting, and to work in the coldest of temperatures.

Rock Salt	Ice Melt
Less Expensive	More Expensive
Adds Traction	Does not Provide Traction
Effective Down to -15°C	Effective Down to -25°C
Works Slower	Works more Quickly

When selecting an ice melt product, it is important to choose one that fits your specific needs and conditions. Here are key factors to consider based on the product types:

1. Form (Liquid vs. Granules/Pellets):

   • Liquid Ice Melt: Ideal for preventing ice buildup. It works well as a pretreatment before a storm or on surfaces where granular products might be messy or harmful.

   • Pellets/Granules: These are common for post-storm use. Granules penetrate ice faster, breaking it down to make surfaces safer. Pellets tend to be more concentrated and effective on thicker ice.

     
     

2. Surface Compatibility:

   • Some ice melts are formulated to be gentle on delicate surfaces such as concrete, wooden decks, or pavers. Look for products that mention being safe for use on these surfaces, especially if your driveway or walkways have recently been paved or sealed.

     
     

3. Temperature Range:

   • Products like Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride work in colder temperatures (down to -32°C), while others like Rock Salt are only effective above -7°C. Make sure the product’s melting range matches your region's winter conditions.

4. Safety for Pets and Children:

   • Some ice melts can be harmful if ingested or come into contact with pets' paws or skin. Products labeled pet-safe or kid-safe use gentler chemicals like Magnesium Chloride or Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA). These formulas reduce risks for irritation or toxicity while still effectively melting ice.

     
     

5. Environmental Impact:

   • If environmental safety is a concern, consider ice melts that are designed to be biodegradable and non-toxic to plants and waterways. CMA or Potassium Chloride are gentler on the environment compared to traditional Sodium Chloride or Calcium Chloride.

     
     

Always read the product label for application instructions and details on how it interacts with different surfaces, temperatures, and safety precautions. If a specific brand is not available in your area, comparing the active ingredients can help you find a similar alternative.