As anyone who lives in snowy climates can attest, a winter wonderland is not so wonderful when you’re trying to get the car out of the driveway or clear the parking lot and sidewalk to your business. Ice melt can be a useful product in curing those wintertime blues and minimizing slips, trips, and falls in snowy or icy conditions.

How does Ice Melt work?

Most ice melts are a blend of some or all of the following ingredients: sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride. Ice melt works faster and lasts longer than products like rock salt. Ice melt lowers the freezing temperature of water, which prevents ice forming on a driveway, sidewalk or parking lot as it would otherwise once the temperature of the surface falls below freezing (32°F or 0°C).

How should I apply Ice Melt?

Ice melt works best if applied in a thin layer before a storm, and then a light layer during the storm. This will make it easier to shovel or plow after the storm. Ice melt is effective in dissolving a thin layer of ice on the surface, but will not magically clear your driveway of six inches of snow! If you have a large area to cover, an ice melt spreader makes the work quick and easy! After clearing your sidewalk, parking lot or driveway of accumulated snow, a sprinkle of ice melt will help to dissolve any remaining icy patches to prevent slips and falls.

Is Ice Melt safe to use?

Ice melt is great to use if you follow a few safety tips. While excessive use of chlorides can cause concrete to deteriorate, if you clear excess ice melt from your pavement your concrete should be fine. Ice melt should always be applied with a light hand (think sprinkle, not pour) to prevent any damage. In clearing away ice melt once the weather has warmed, be sure to throw it away instead of shoveling it into the yard. Even environmentally-friendly ice melts can interfere with a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Is it okay to use ice melt if I have pets?

There are a few easy steps you can take to safely use ice melt when you have furry friends. Experts recommend rinsing your pet’s paws after contact with ice melt (or wipe them cleaning using baby wipes). Doggy boots are an inexpensive and foolproof way to protect pet paws from ice melt on walks. Removal of excess ice melt around areas where your dog potties or plays is also important to prevent ingestion.

BuyItBytheCase.com has several different ice melt products you can use to enjoy your Winter Wonderland without Slip Slidin’ Away!