The Ultimate Ice Melt Buying Guide

January 23, 2024
Blain's Farm & Fleet

Discover the best ice melt to prevent slips and falls this winter.

As winter approaches, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with snowy and icy conditions. One essential product for managing winter weather is ice melt.

Whether you need to treat your driveway, sidewalks, or steps, selecting the right ice melt product can make all the difference in keeping surfaces slip-free and safe. Find the best type of ice melt for you with this guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Different Ingredients in Ice Melt

Most ice melts contain one of the three following active ingredients. These active ingredients are what actually makes the ice on your driveway or sidewalks melt. Each one has its own advantages and drawbacks.

Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, is the most popular type of ice melt. It lowers the freezing point of water, and as a result, melts ice.

Pros:

  • One of the most affordable options
  • Widely available
  • Keeps surfaces dry
  • Provides more traction

Cons:

  • Can damage wood or concrete
  • Can be harmful to vegetation if you use too much

Calcium Chloride

Unlike sodium chloride, calcium chloride works by drawing in moisture from its surroundings, which it uses to quickly melt ice.

Pros:

  • Melts ice faster than other options
  • Absorbs moisture well
  • Better for concrete than sodium chloride
  • Ideal for very cold temperatures

Cons:

  • Can be more expensive
  • Can burn your skin
  • Can be harmful for pets

Magnesium Chloride

Similar to calcium chloride, magnesium chloride uses moisture from its surroundings to melt ice.

Pros:

  • Not as damaging to surfaces as sodium chloride
  • Can be safer for pets than other options
  • Easy to clean up
  • Can be more environmentally-friendly than other options
  • Less corrosive than most other options

Cons:

  • Can be more expensive
  • Need to use more product than other options

Temperature

Different ice melt products have varying temperature ranges at which they’re most effective. Some products work well in mild winter conditions, while others are designed to withstand the extreme cold.

It’s important to select a de-icing product that matches the average winter temperatures in your region, to ensure optimal melting and prevent refreezing. Additionally, understanding the melting speed of a product can help you determine how quickly it will provide your desired results.

We recommend using regular rock salt for temperatures above 15° F and a mixture that contains either calcium chloride or magnesium chloride for colder temperatures of 15° F and below.

Shape

Similar to how ice melt products contain different ingredients, they also come in different shapes. This shouldn’t be the main factor that impacts your decision when choosing an ice melt, but it is something to consider.

You can find it in small, evenly-shaped circles (pellets) or crystals and flakes. Ice melt pellets tend to work faster to melt snow and ice. However, flakes are often easier to clean, won’t roll around as much, and provide more traction.

If you plan on using a spreader to apply your ice melt, make sure you select a product that will work in it. Typically, small pellets are the best option for that.

Kid- and Pet-Safe

Some ice melts can be harmful to humans and pets. They can burn your skin and your dog’s paws. And they can be dangerous if swallowed by children. To keep your family safe, don’t apply more than the recommended amount, and clean up the leftover ice melt after the ice has melted.

If you have a dog, we recommend you look for a pet-safe ice melt. Take extra precaution by covering their paws with booties, even when using pet-friendly ice melts. And always store your ice melt in an airtight container where animals and children won’t be able to reach it.

Environmental Factors

Depending on the type of ice melt you use, it could be harmful to the environment, especially if you use more than the recommended amount.

De-icers can contaminate water and harm vegetation. There are eco-friendly ice melt products available, which can be safer for plants.

Also be mindful that salt-based ice melts can be more corrosive and cause damage to the surfaces they’re used on, like concrete and wood. If this is something you’re concerned about, try to steer clear of regular rock salt when choosing an ice melt.

Once you’ve found the perfect ice melt product, it’s important that you apply it correctly. Read our article on how to properly use ice melt to learn more.

And for more buying guides like this one, visit our Outdoor Maintenance Blog.