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via merchantRock salt has a high potential for damaging porches and driveways, but it works in mild temperatures, when it can be used sparingly. It’s also traditionally one of the most affordable ice melts available, with a base cost that’s usually lower than other non-sale options.
Classic rock salt like Morton’s Safe-T-Salt is cheap, readily available and works to a low temperature of 5 degrees. Be conservative when spreading it, and avoid shoveling any slurry onto fragile plants or grass. The best bet is to take a layered approach: Apply a little and wait to see if you need more. If you end up with excess, scrape it up and place it in the trash.
- Affordable
- Provides traction
- Good solution for moderate winters
- Not as safe for plants and paws as other options
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via merchantIf you live in an environment with extreme cold, definitely take that into account when shopping for ice melt. Because ice melts work by lowering the freezing temperature of water, when the ambient temperature is cold enough, the ice melt simply won’t make a difference.
However, some ice melts have an “exothermic” reaction, which means they actually generate heat when interacting with snow and ice. That extra bit of heat means that they can be more effective in far colder temperatures. Green Gobbler is a good example of an exothermic ice melt. According to the manufacturer, it has an effective temperature range down to -40 degrees!
- Great for tough snow and ice
- Works quickly
- Compatible with spreader equipment
- Comes in resealable bucket
- Some users find it difficult to open bucket
- Don’t confuse similar packaging; this Green Gobbler product is not safe for pets
How We Chose the Best Ice Melts
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FAQ
How to Use Ice Melt
Ice melt works by lowering the melting temperature of water. So if it’s 20 degrees outside and your melt product lowers the freezing temperature down to 0 degrees, then the ice around your home will melt. However, it will refreeze if the temperature dips below zero. And that freeze/thaw cycle can damage your concrete driveway.
Look closely at concrete and you’ll see that it’s covered with countless tiny holes. Ice melt creates a salt and water mixture called a brine, which fills those holes. If it refreezes, it expands, widening the holes and creating pitting and scaling. This is most common when using ice melts such as rock salt (sodium chloride) where the brine refreezes in relatively mild temperatures.
When should you use ice melt?
The best time to put ice melt down is before it snows or freezes. This keeps ice from sticking to surfaces before they are covered. You can also apply ice melt on top of ice, although you should try to shovel away as much snow as possible beforehand.
How long does it take ice melt to work?
Generally, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes for ice melt to being working. Applying ice melt prior to a storm is ideal.
How much ice melt should you use?
Less is more when it comes to ice melt. Applying excessive amounts of ice melt does not speed thawing or make the ice melt more effective. Excess amounts can, however, cause damage to surfaces and pets.
Typically, you’ll want to use a half-cup of ice melt per square yard, but every ice melt product is different. Read the application instructions and ingredient list before using the product.
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