How to Properly Use Ice Melt

Learn how to apply ice melt the correct way with this step-by-step guide.

When winter weather strikes, dealing with icy surfaces can be a daunting task. That’s why knowing how to use ice melt effectively is crucial to keeping your sidewalks and driveways safe and ice-free, especially if you live in the Midwest.

It’s extremely important that you know the proper way to apply ice melt. If you don’t use it correctly, it could harm the environment, kids, pets, and more.

Discover how to use ice melt to tackle icy conditions with confidence by following this easy, five-step guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Be Prepared

Always be ready for a snowstorm and freezing temperatures before they happen. To do this, you should always have ice melt on hand, just so you’re prepared in case of an unexpected snowfall.

And of course, regularly watch the weather, so you’re aware of when it’s supposed to snow and when temperatures are going to drop.

There are a variety of different kinds of ice melt products to choose from. Read the packaging, and find the best one for you. The standard type is sodium chloride, otherwise known as rock salt. You can also get a salt blend, which usually contains either calcium chloride or magnesium chloride.

We recommend using regular rock salt for temperatures 15° F and above and a salt mixture for colder temperatures of 15° F and below.

If you have pets, it’s best to find a pet-friendly ice melt, as some can be toxic to dogs or irritate their paws.

Make sure you store your ice melt in a tightly-sealed container, and put it in a cool, dry place that will be out of reach of children and pets.

2. Apply Before Snowfall

If you want your ice melt to be as effective as possible, you should apply it to your sidewalk or driveway in layers. This means you should spread it before and after a snowfall happens.

When you lay the ice melt down directly onto your walking or driving surfaces before it snows, you’re helping prevent ice from bonding to them. This is effective at stopping the issue before it even happens. It will also make it much easier to clear snow and ice from surfaces afterwards.

This step is extremely important for efficient ice removal, so don’t skip it! You can’t just spread ice melt on top of already-formed snow and ice and expect it to easily go away.

3. Remove Snow and Ice

Once it’s snowed, you should use a shovel or snow blower to remove as much of the snow and ice from your walkways as you possibly can. Having less snow and ice on surfaces will allow for the ice melt to be most effective.

4. Apply Ice Melt Again

Once you’ve cleared all surfaces as much as you can, it’s time to reapply the ice melt. When applying ice melt, make sure you read the directions on the packaging to determine the correct amount to use each time. Don’t use more than the recommended amount, as it could be harmful to vegetation.

You also want to wear long sleeves and gloves when applying the ice melt, to keep yourself safe.

Sprinkle the ice melt evenly across any icy surfaces. You can do this manually, or you can use a spreader to make it easier.

Ice melt may take several hours to work, so be patient. You may even need to let it sit overnight.

5. Clean Up Afterwards

Once the ice has melted, your job isn’t over quite yet. Now, you will need to use a shovel to remove any remaining ice melt, slush, and water. If you let the melted ice or slush sit on your walkways, it could end up refreezing, forcing you to have to repeat this process all over again.

And scoop up any leftover ice melt, and throw it away. If you allow it to sit, it could damage your sidewalk, driveway, or lawn. And it will leave behind a white, chalky residue, which you could end up tracking into your home.

If you track ice melt into your home, it could cause damage to your floors, and it will create a big mess for you to clean.

To avoid bringing ice melt inside, make sure you have a thick door mat in your entryway to wipe your shoes on. Or even better, take them off before going inside.

If you have dogs, we recommend filling a pan with warm water and having them step in it before walking in the house. Not only will this prevent them from bringing ice melt inside. But it will also help avoid it from potentially irritating their skin and feet.

For more snow and ice removal tips like these, visit our Outdoor Maintenance Blog.