4. Pellets of Fire Snow and Ice Melter
Dart Seasonal Products of New Jersey came up with this magnificent melter that has a calcium chloride concentration of more than 90 percent. This means that you can use it in temperatures of –25 degrees Fahrenheit and more. The good thing about this melter is that even a little bit is extremely effective, and it prevents the pathway or driveway from refreezing.
Even though some might find this product a little on the pricier side, you can get away with using it just a bit because it is stronger than other products. Moreover, since it comes in a bucket, you do not have to worry about storing it properly.
However, we would advise you to be careful with these pellets in case you have pets. If they get stuck in the paws of dogs or cats, they can cause discomfort.
5. Play Safe’s Ice Blocker
Do you have pets in your house? If yes, this melter is made for you! Not only will it not cause harm to your lovely pets, but it will also not damage your concrete and vehicles. What makes it different from all the other products is that it does not contain calcium chloride. Instead, this melter is made up of calcium magnesium acetate- one of the safest salts available in the market.
The only drawback is that it works as an ice-preventer and is not the best product to use if you live in areas where it gets colder than –15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Play Safe’s Ice Blocker is stored in a jug, making it super user-friendly. Moreover, since it contains organic ingredients, it will not cause any harm to concrete, metal, or vehicles in your house.
Choosing the Correct Ice and Snow Melt
There are many different types of salts that you will find in the market. Below is an essential guide to help make you make your decision:
Calcium Chloride (CaC12)
This is a super popular ingredient in the market because it is effective in low temperatures, including –40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if used in excess, it can damage the plants and grass in your house.
Magnesium Chloride
This is an environment-friendly ingredient that is safe for pets too. It is useful in areas where the temperature falls to –13 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it may spoil asphalt, concrete, and plants.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
This is not as corrosive as other salts that contain chloride. However, it only works at temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Rock Salt
You may be tempted to opt for this due to its inexpensive nature, but it can damage any surface it is used on, and if pets ingest it, it can cause lifetime damage. Moreover, it is not effective in low temperatures.
Potassium Chloride
Even though this is safe to be used around pet animals, it harms plants and grass. Moreover, it works well in temperatures of 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
Urea/ Carbonyl Diamide
One of the safest ingredients that can be used around animals, this is also great for the environment. However, it is not our best choice for de-icing purposes.
When using ice and snow melters, remember to only target spots where you want to remove the ice and snow. Moreover, when you are satisfied, and all the snow has melted away, sweep up any leftover salt so that it is not ingested by pets and does not cause damage to children!
