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When the weather turns chilly, most people pull out heavy coats, rugged boots, and, of course, ice melts. Ice-melting products are an important line of defense against slick, dangerous conditions on driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces. Without using them, drip lines and low spots can turn into serious safety hazards.
We researched and tested 10 different ice melt products to see which delivered the best results. Nearly every brand improved walking conditions and had a positive impact on overall traction and safety. Some were more capable of handling the heavy-duty demands of high-traffic residential and commercial areas. Others were safer for pets and the environment, making them great for home use. Since it’s common practice to apply ice melts to areas where pets and kids may walk or play, we also spoke with the medical director of a veterinary emergency group to get their insights.
Based on our expert’s feedback and our hands-on test results, we chose the Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need as our top pick. If choosing a pet- and kid-safe option isn’t a priority, our recommendations also include value-focused, liquid, and roof-specific products that will go a long way toward cleaning snow and ice from your property this winter. Read on to learn which features to look for and why the following products are among the best ice melts in their respective categories.
- BEST OVERALL: Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter With CMA
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PETS AND KIDS: PlaySafe Ice Blocker
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CONCRETE: Green Gobbler Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH COLOR: Snow Joe Pet-Safer Blend Premium Ice Melt
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIQUID: Branch Creek Entry Fast-Acting Liquid Ice Melt
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SALT-FREE: Safe Paw Pet-Safe Salt-Free Ice Melt
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ALL-NATURAL FORMULA: Redmond Ice Slicer Nature’s Blend Ice Melt
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ROOFS: Roof Melt RM-65S Ice Melt Tablets
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
While they may not be quite as diverse as snowflakes, ice melts do come in a variety of forms, each with its own distinct features. We tested each product in the following list ourselves to help you choose the best ice melts for your needs.
Best Overall
Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need
What We Like
- Safe for pets, children, and vegetation
- Will not corrode metal, wood, or concrete
- Fast-acting, long-lasting formula works on contact and over time
What We Don’t Like
- Requires reapplication after every snowfall
Product Specs
- Form: Granules
- Ingredient(s): Calcium magnesium acetate; dolomite; proprietary organic compound (ProtectRX); sodium, magnesium, and potassium chloride
- Compatible surface types: Porches, walkways, driveways
This Natural Rapport ice melt is one of the safest ice melts for pets, plants, and the environment. It’s less corrosive on metal, wood, and concrete than conventional rock salt, and it is also safer on carpet and other flooring materials, should your furry friends or kids track it into the house.
Many environmentally friendly products melt slowly because they use mild formulas. But we were pleasantly surprised by how fast-acting and long-lasting this ice melt was. Its time-released formula not only started working right away but also kept melting, preventing our sidewalks and driveway from refreezing. The crystals are green, so it was easy to see where we’d applied them, helping to prevent waste. Also, our dogs repeatedly walked over the colorful ice melt with no adverse reactions.
Ultimately, this ice melt took the top award because it offers a combination of performance and environmental friendliness. It has organic compounds to help it break down quickly, and thanks to the inclusion of soil-supporting compounds, it may even enrich the soil to a small degree. We spread some over a patch of grass during testing, so we’re interested to see what happens over time.
Read our full review: Natural Rapport The Only Pet-Safe Ice Melt You Need
What our tester says: “We really loved this ice melt’s shaker container for easy spreading. The larger granules also minimized our need to reapply.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Best Bang For The Buck
Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter With CMA
What We Like
- Large quantity for a great price
- Melts ice quickly and color is highly visible
- Organic compounds minimize environmental impact
What We Don’t Like
- Green dye can leave some temporary staining
- Contains sodium chloride, which can cause corrosion
Product Specs
- Form: Granules
- Ingredient(s): Sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
- Compatible surface types: Concrete, asphalt, gravel, grass
Snow Joe is a leader in snow removal products, and it has formulated a fantastic ice melt product with the Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melter. It’s made for extreme cold and has a chemical composition designed with the environment, pets, and people in mind.
This blend has an anti-corrosion agent that helps it break down easily while minimizing damage to concrete, asphalt, and yards. It also has a green dye that makes monitoring its performance and presence on the ground easy. When the green coloring fades, it’s time to add more. This formulation did an excellent job melting ice and maintaining clear walkways. We also had a property management company test it, and they were impressed.
Though some may prefer ice melt that comes in a bucket or ice melt shaker, we found the durable bag-style packaging of this Snow Joe eco-friendly ice melt easy to reach into and move around. Be aware, however, that if the open bag gets wet, the contents will bind together and consolidate into a giant rock. We kept ours in the garage, and it was fine.
Get the Snow Joe enviro blend ice melt (various sizes) at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, Walmart, Best Buy, or Snow Joe.
Best For Kids and Pets
PlaySafe Ice Blocker
What We Like
- Applies evenly and easily with a sprayer
- Eco-friendly formula safe for pets, people, and yards
- Works well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
- Must be reapplied every couple of days
- Requires a dry surface to be effective
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Ingredient(s): Calcium magnesium acetate solution, potassium acetate, water
- Compatible surface types: Concrete, tile, stone, wood, asphalt
When we selected Branch Creek’s formulation (#6 on our list) as our favorite liquid formulation, it was a close call between that option and this one. Since this is also an environmentally friendly ice melt, it just made sense to recognize this product as an ice melt safe for pets and kids. Like our other favorite liquid ice melt, this one is best applied on a clean surface with a sprayer.
The 1-gallon bottle can cover 2,000 square feet and is effective on decks, concrete, tile, stone, and asphalt. The only downside is that it needs to be applied ahead of any icing to work most effectively. With appropriate planning, it can help keep surfaces clear and free of ice.
During testing, we applied the liquid to concrete beneath a drip line, and it helped mitigate ice formation for a few days. So long as you reapply it to very problematic spots every couple of days, the mild chemical formula will work well. We think it’s a great choice for places with moderate storms and periodic freezing issues. For constant freeze-melt cycles, something a little more powerful might be better.
Get the PlaySafe ice melt at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Chewy.
Best For Concrete
Green Gobbler Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt
What We Like
- Noncorrosive formula unlikely to damage surfaces
- Easy-to-spread pellets work faster than comparable products
- Creates exothermic heat to continue melting ice and snow
- Melts in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar options
- Pellets dissolve quickly when temperatures spike
Product Specs
- Form: Pellets
- Ingredient(s): 93 percent calcium chloride
- Compatible surface types: Driveways, sidewalks, pathways, patios, parking lots, porches, roofs
Those looking for a safe ice melt for concrete may want to give this Green Gobbler ice melting salt a go. Since calcium chloride is less corrosive to concrete than similar chemicals, it’s ideal for melting ice without creating potholes in driveways, pathways, and porches. It comes in easy-to-spread pellets that create exothermic heat to immediately start melting snow and ice, enabling them to work up to four times faster than traditional rock salt.
While we can’t verify that the formulation worked exactly four times faster, it did melt ice quicker than the other products we tested. We also liked that it doesn’t corrode and beat up concrete the way other ice-melting agents can. One of our testers will be pouring a new slab soon and is really focused on finding products that will help preserve its integrity. As an ice melt good for concrete, this will be a product he keeps on hand.
What our tester says: “The really nice thing about this product is that it works in extremely low temperatures. During the storm in which we did our testing, temperatures dropped to -6 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures at -20 or -30 degrees Fahrenheit aren’t uncommon here. Knowing this product will still perform at those extreme lows is great.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Best With Color
Snow Joe Pet-Safer Blend Premium Ice Melt
What We Like
- Safe to distribute without protective clothing
- Effective combination of organic compounds and sodium chloride
- Long-lasting formula that also works immediately
What We Don’t Like
- May require several uses for continued protection
- Green dye can leave temporary stains
Product Specs
- Form: Crystals
- Ingredient(s): Sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, CMA
- Compatible surface types: Walkways, driveways, parking lots, and steps
Color-coated crystals are this ice melt’s secret weapon for visibility. The coloration made it easy to see where we’d already spread the product, a visual cue that helped us reduce wasteful reapplication. As the crystals dissolved with the ice, they lost their color, signaling it was time to add another round.
While several other options on our list also use dyes for this same purpose, this one stood out better. That said, it did also leave some temporary staining. Some users mentioned using pressure washers or an alcohol-based cleaning agent to completely remove dyes after winter, though we didn’t need to do that in our tests.
This product worked very well for its intended purpose. It combines sodium chloride, the traditional salt compound used in ice melts, with milder magnesium chloride and the organic compound CMA, which is about as corrosive as tap water. This blend delivers great performance and scores high marks in terms of pet safety and environmental friendliness.
Get the Snow Joe pet-safer ice melt (various sizes) at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, or Snow Joe.
Best Liquid
Branch Creek Entry Fast-Acting Liquid Ice Melt
What We Like
- Safe to apply with a garden sprayer
- Works in frigid temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit
- Gentle and will not erode or corrode concrete
- Safe for use around pets, children, and vegetation
What We Don’t Like
- Must be applied before a snowfall for maximum effects
- Pricey compared to similar liquid ice melts on the market
Product Specs
- Form: Liquid
- Ingredient(s): Inhibited potassium formate, proprietary adjuvant formulation
- Compatible surface types: Walkways, driveways, parking lots, and steps
If a snowstorm is approaching, you may want to reach for this liquid ice melt. Apply it to pathways and driveways with a garden sprayer prior to the weather event, and ice and snow won’t build up. Since this de-icer works in temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use it the night before the storm to deliver ice-free walkways in the morning.
This was our first time using a liquid ice melt, and we were initially a bit skeptical. Once we filled our sprayer, however, we quickly started to reevaluate our initial opinions. The liquid came out in a fine mist, allowing us to apply the formula quickly and precisely. The 1-gallon bottle also lasted a lot longer than we expected, enabling us to cover a reasonably large area.
In terms of performance, this is a different type of product than many other ice melts. It’s not meant to make a big impact when sprayed over existing snow and ice. Instead, you clear all precipitation first and apply it to a clean surface. This allows the product to prevent ice from forming in future wet weather.
The main reason this option works differently is that it’s chloride-free. Chlorides are in most ice melters, and they are quite taxing on the environment and corrosive to some degree. As a chloride-free alternative, we can use this product on our new concrete driveway without damaging its surface. It also won’t chip away at an electric snow shovel or blower the way hard salt formulas tend to. melt products, chlorides are minerals that are quite taxing on the environment. Every chloride-based product is corrosive to some degree; this chloride-free alternative is not. Used on a new concrete driveway, for example, this liquid ice melt can prevent damage to its surface.
Get the Branch Creek ice melt (various sizes) at Amazon, Ace Hardware (2.5 gallons), or Walmart (2.5 gallons).
Best Salt-Free
Safe Paw Pet-Safe Salt-Free Ice Melt
What We Like
- Noncorrosive and nonconductive; pet-, people-, and planet-friendly
- Large quantity lasts for a long time
- Easy to spread and cover a reasonably big area
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t work well at extremely low temperatures
- Doesn’t melt as rapidly as salt-based products
Product Specs
- Form: Granules
- Ingredient(s): Modified carbonyl diamide crystals, special glycols, nonionic surfactants, accelerants
- Compatible surface types: Best on hard surfaces such as driveways, walkways, steps
Since almost all ice melt formulations contain salt or chlorides, this salt-free option from Safe Paw is quite unique. It’s a great choice if your household is sensitive to salts or if using anything corrosive is not viable (such as around a classic car, near expensive equipment, or on a newly paved surface). It’s also nonconductive, making it safe around electrical components.
This product comes in a granular form and doesn’t have sharp edges like rock salt. Thanks to its nonabrasive texture, our dogs had zero issues walking through it. They even played right where we tested this product and showed no adverse effects. That’s also likely partly due to the blend’s chemical composition, which isn’t as aggressive as other formulas. While that means it doesn’t melt ice as quickly as some of the heavier hitters we tested, it’s still effective.
In addition to melting a bit more slowly, it also doesn’t work at quite as low temperatures. In our tests, it melted ice in as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit but struggled if it was colder. Though the label claims it works at -2 degrees Fahrenheit, the manufacturer only guarantees it down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. We think 10 degrees is accurate—any lower than that, and we’d say all bets are off. So long as you know when and where to use it, you can rely on this salt-free formula around your sensitive family members and in spaces where you want to ensure the integrity of your equipment and surfaces.
What our tester says: “We really liked testing this product because it spread quite easily. We used an old cup to scoop and spread it without worrying about getting in on our skin. In fact, it spread nicely and didn’t cause a reaction even when we used our hands instead of the cup.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Safe Paw ice melt (various sizes) at Amazon, The Home Depot, Chewy, or Petco.
Best All-Natural Formula
Redmond Ice Slicer Nature’s Blend Ice Melt
What We Like
- Dye-free, urea-free, and polymer-free
- Safe to use around pets and children
- 10-pound bag covers up to 400 square feet
- Lower price point than similar ice melts
What We Don’t Like
- May leave a reddish residue if overapplied
Product Specs
- Form: Granules
- Ingredient(s): Sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, trace minerals
- Compatible surface types: Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots
Don’t let this ice melt’s small bag fool you: This Redmond’s Nature’s Blend is packed with concentrated dye-free, urea-free, and polymer-free nontoxic ice melt chemicals that effectively bust ice and slush over an up to 400-square-foot area. The all-natural blend is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), making it one of the best snow melts for use around children, pets, vegetation, and waterways. It’s safe and easy to apply via hand, shovel, or cup.
This pick’s unique formulation can melt snow quickly in temperatures approaching 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It works a bit more slowly at more extreme temperatures, but we were impressed by its overall melting capabilities in our tests. The fact that the mild formula is also easy to handle and safe around snow blowers, vehicles, and other sensitive items makes it ideal for residential use.
The Redmond Ice Slicer works well in climates with occasional storms and freezes. If you need something for a more extreme environment, you’re better off choosing another product, as overapplication of this melter can lead to red spots and smears on driveways and walkways. While we didn’t notice any spotting or staining during testing, Redmond’s more aggressive commercial- and industrial-grade ice melts might be better in colder and snowier climates.
Get the Redmond ice melt at Amazon or Ice Slicer.
Best for Roofs
Roof Melt RM-65S Ice Melt Tablets
What We Like
- Helps mitigate ice dams on roofs
- Tablets are lightweight and easy to throw
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t spread to cover larger surface areas
- Tablets can break and crumble in the container
Product Specs
- Form: Tablets
- Ingredient(s): Calcium chloride
- Compatible surface types: Primarily intended to work on roofs
When people think about removing snow from roofs, they often imagine doing so manually. That’s because few ice melt products are made to address ice buildup on roofs—which is what makes this ice melt such a unique product. The tablets are composed of calcium chloride and designed to be thrown onto roofs to prevent snow and ice buildup from wreaking havoc on gutters and adding weight to vulnerable areas. For those living in areas with heavy snowfall where ice dams often form, they are a worthy investment.
During testing, we aimed for problem spots and tossed the tablets up. While snow began to slough off the roof relatively quickly, we struggled to verify the exact rate at which the tablets melted the ice since we couldn’t see it happening from the ground. Still, for their intended purpose, they worked well.
The Roof Melt tablets aren’t granular or spreadable, so they aren’t compatible with larger surface areas like driveways. You could probably use them on the ground where drainage is constricted and problematic, but other options will be more economical for that purpose. If you deal with dangerous ice dams on your roof, however, these tablets are worth having around to quickly and easily resolve the issue.
Get the Roof Melt ice melt at Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Ice Melts
The best way to determine how effectively various ice melts perform is to fully test each product. As residents of Montana, we began our testing in the aftermath of a winter snowstorm that turned bitter cold. We applied the products to gravel, pavement, and grass in temperatures as low as -6 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the snow went through several melt/freeze cycles over the coming days, it formed icy spots under our rooflines and in several low spots. We tested the ice melts in freezing temperatures on water drips and overnight freezes that created walking hazards each morning. We analyzed how long it took to apply each product, how quickly they melted ice and snow, their degree of pet friendliness when used around our dogs, and a number of other hands-on factors. Lastly, we compared pricing, packaging, and ease of application.
What to Consider When Choosing an Ice Melt
Ice melt products are designed for use either before or after snow or ice has fallen. Their application prevents ice from forming or melts it into a slush that’s easier to clear with a standard snow shovel. Each type of ice melt will perform differently depending on its form and chemical composition. Other variables, such as temperature, ground type, melting time, and environmental impact are essential to consider before purchasing an ice melt product.
Form
Ice melt is available in solid and liquid formulations, each with pros and cons. Solid ice melt typically comes in pellets and granules. It works well for many applications and is typically the go-to solution for road crews dealing with icy and snowy weather. Pellets and granules are generally less expensive and easier to store than liquid formulas, and they add a “crunchy” texture on surfaces that adds grip for walking and driving. Their main downsides are that they scatter more easily across icy surfaces, making them harder to apply with precision, and that they tend to be slower acting and more likely to clump together, which sometimes makes them less effective.
Liquid ice melt is a wise choice for lower-temperature situations and times when faster results are necessary. That said, some products must be applied before ice forms rather than after. When applied, liquid is less likely to scatter, staying in place for longer-lasting results. Liquid de-icers, which tend to cost more, can be more challenging to transport and store because of their weight. Plus, if heavy rain ensues, the product can get washed away.
Self-heating ice melt, which comes in pellet and granular form, generates its own heat when in contact with ice and snow—a process known as an exothermic reaction. Unlike other products that must absorb moisture to create a brine to melt the ice, self-heating ice melt can get right to work.
Type
Ice melts work by absorbing the moisture on the top of the ice, creating what’s called brine, and working its way down to break the bond between the ice and the surface. This creates cracks and flakes that are safer to walk on and easier to remove. All of these products have a temperature limit. If temperatures plummet beyond a product’s ice melting point, the chemicals will no longer be effective. Here’s what to expect from the various ice melt types available:
Calcium Chloride
- Less expensive than sodium acetate but pricier than most other forms
- Available as pellets, flakes, powder, and liquid
- Forms a brine to lower freezing point and produces heat to melt ice
- Good choice for concrete
- Melting temperature of -25 degrees Fahrenheit
- Can kill plants if applied too heavily
- If it leaks into waterways, it reduces oxygen levels and can kill aquatic life
Magnesium Chloride
- Slow melting
- Available in pellets or granules
- More expensive than other ice melts
- Releases its heat to melt ice
- Less corrosive than calcium chloride or sodium chloride
- Somewhat safer for plant life
- Melting temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit
Calcium Magnesium Acetate
- Less corrosive than rock salt (sodium chloride)
- Available in pellets or granules
- Requires larger applications to be effective
- Pet-friendly
- Easier to clean up than others
- Melting temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit
Potassium Chloride
- Comes in pellets or granules
- Pricier and less effective than other forms, so it’s not used much anymore
- Safe for plants
- Melting temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit
Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride)
- One of the least expensive types
- Comes in granules
- Less effective in colder temps
- Corrosive to metals
- Leaves white residue on surfaces
- May kill plants if overused
- Melting temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit
Urea/Carbonyl Diamide
- Typically used as a fertilizer
- Comes in pellets or granules
- Contains nitrogen that can burn plants when applied in excess
- Rarely used anymore
- Not effective in lower temps
- Melting temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit
Surface Type
Many of the chemicals in ice melts can potentially damage surfaces, so it’s important to consider where the product will be used. The most common areas—driveways, sidewalks, decks, and porches—can be composed of different materials, such as concrete, asphalt, wood, and metal. Packaging and product descriptions of the best ice melts will reveal what materials they can be used on safely, so be sure to read this information prior to purchase. It would be unwise to apply a product that could corrode concrete, rust metal, or damage wood on those surfaces around the home.
Temperature
The quest for comfort and convenience in frigid weather has led to the invention of such products as heated jackets, heated gloves, and electric snow shovels. Similarly, certain ice melts have been developed to work in colder climates. Some products won’t work in temperatures lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is acceptable if the temperature in an area seldom gets that low, but these products won’t get the job done if you live in a colder spot. For locations where temperatures can reach less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll want to purchase a product specifically made for lower temperatures.
Melting Time
The time it takes a product to melt ice and snow depends on several factors. Liquid ice melters and self-heating ice melters act fairly quickly. Unlike solid melters that take time to absorb moisture and create the brine, liquid products are already a brine. Self-heating ice melters have a similar advantage: Instead of absorbing moisture, the pellets will heat up more quickly and melt the ice and snow faster than other ice melters. Regardless of which form you choose, there will still be some downtime while you wait for it to work, which you put to good use cleaning your windows with an ice scraper.
Longevity
Longevity refers to an ice melt’s ability to keep working beyond the initial application period. A long-lasting ice melter is especially helpful when snowstorms or icy rain continue throughout the day. Although long-lasting ice melt tends to be more expensive, the cost can even out since smaller amounts of product tend to get the job done.
Safety and Environmental Impact
The chemicals in some ice melters can be hazardous to pets and plants. According to Alex Blutinger, Medical Director of Veterinary Emergency Group in Greenwich, Connecticut, “Melting ice can be very dangerous to animals, specifically because of the harsh ingredients in ice melt products. Ingestion of these chemicals can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also irritate the paw pads and exposed areas of the limbs.” Dr. Blutinger says that, if you suspect your pet has been exposed to unsafe deicing chemicals, you should wipe your pet’s paws with a damp cloth or baby wipe to minimize ingestion through liking and reduce the risk of skin irritation. While using a pet-safe ice melt is smart, you can also reduce exposure using paw was or booties.
Certain elements in ice melters can also do environmental damage, such as killing wildlife that may ingest the pellets or aquatic life if the chemicals reach waterways. Many people are concerned about the impact of using large amounts of these products outdoors, so it’s important to read product information carefully to understand the dos and don’ts of using ice melt.
Tips for Using Ice Melt
To ensure you get the best performance out of your purchase (or even a homemade ice melt), try the following de-icing tips and tricks.
- Adding sand to ice melt can reduce the amount of product used. This will also reduce potential damage to surfaces and improve traction.
- Applying ice melts in layers will allow the product to work at its best. Adding a thin layer before, during (if possible), and after a weather event will yield the best results.
- Even when products are safe for specific surfaces and considered better for plants, it’s still a good practice to scoop and remove any remaining product after it’s done its job. This will decrease the risk of damage to surfaces, pets, and plants.
- Remove boots and wipe pets’ paws to avoid bringing chemicals into the home that could damage indoor surfaces.
- All ice melters are most effective on surfaces already cleared of snow. This way, the product can immediately tackle the dangerous slippery layer rather than working through all the snow on top.
FAQs
If you’re not keen to try to melt ice without salt and want more information about ice melts, here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
To remove ice from your driveway, we recommend the Green Gobbler calcium chloride ice melt highlighted above at #4 on our list. It’s safe to use near pets, children, and vegetation. Plus, this pick is easy to spread and works in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ice melters absorb moisture and create a brine that then melts snow and ice. This eventually breaks the bond between the ice and the surface, creating a slush.
Both. Applying ice melt before and after it snows allows the product to work at its best.
A solid, noncorrosive choice for concrete is the Natural Rapport ice melt. This ice melt is made with calcium chloride, which will not corrode concrete no matter how many times it is applied to outdoor surfaces.
It depends. Some but not all ice melt products are formulated to avoid damaging wood, so read product descriptions carefully.
Generally speaking, calcium chloride is better for ice melt. It’s effective at low temperatures, is a good choice for concrete, and comes in pellet, granule, and liquid forms. Since both types can be unsafe for use around plants or waterways, you may want to refer to the Type section above for more information, especially if you intend to use them around pets or kids.
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing grounds for winter products and snow equipment. With over a decade of professional writing experience, he also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for Bobvila.com.
Additional research provided by Rebecca Wolken.
