To prevent accidents due to slippery driveways, sidewalks during snowy winters, one needs to be prepared for a solution beforehand. Either you can go for some ice melt readily available in the market or use salt instead. Nevertheless, there can be an instance when you run out of both rock salt as well as ice melt stock, and to tide over such a crisis, here we list out some of the best alternatives to salt which will serve as an ice melt.But first, let’s talk about some important topics that every homeowner must know. Ready? Let’s get into this.
Using Ice Melt Safely
When you’re using an ice melt to get rid of the snow/ice from your driveway most of the time you’re dealing with harmful chemicals. Therefore, it’s imperative to understand the correct usage of ice melt products. It becomes even more important if you have pets at home or if you’re a new homeowner and don’t want your property to suffer long-term irreversible damages. Speaking of which, ice melt for driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete surfaces should not contain chlorides in any form. Salt is a big no-no. If your concrete is younger than 12 months do not use any ice melt products on it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates to avoid overuse, which can lead to environmental and structural issues.
Exploring the Ways to Melt Ice Without Salt on Driveway, Concrete, Sidewalks
1. Rubbing Alcohol/ Isopropyl Alcohol:
Rubbing alcohol is not as effective an ice melt as salt. Nonetheless, it is not harmful or poisonous. The product has a freezing temperature of around -20 degrees Fahrenheit and slows down the freezing of water into snow and ice.
For making this simple homemade ice melt you need to add a cup of water to a spray bottle and top it with a cup of isopropyl alcohol. Every time you use this homemade ice melt remember to give the bottle a good shake.
Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust
This DIY is workable and easy to prepare. All you need is a spray bottle, water, and vinegar. The water and vinegar mix needs to be in the ratio of 1:3 that is 1 part of water and the other three parts vinegar. Give the solution a good mix before using.
3. Fertiliser:
The warming impact of ammonium sulfate, potassium chloride, or urea in the compost will help to melt the ice. But it can only be used as a temporary fix as its continued use will damage both the vegetation and concrete.
Eco Friendly Ice Melt
Safe Paw
The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands.
Beet juice together with a water-based salt brine makes for a good ice melt. For this DIY ice melt, you need to take 20% beet juice and mix it with 80% salt brine. Herein the beet juice will enable the brine to lower the freezing temperature of water even more.
5. Sugar:
Sugar is another good alternative to salt used for de-icing as it lowers the freezing point of the water. But as it is expensive, you may not intend to use it on broader surfaces.
Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw
Safe Paw, Child Plant Dog Paw & Pet Safe Ice Melt -35lb, 36 Pails
Pickle brine is an effective ice melt and the National Geographic claims it to be environmentally friendly than salt. For preparing your brine you need to mix 2 lbs. of salt in every gallon of water.
7. Sand And Ash Or Coffee Grinds:
You can dust it over the icy surface and the darker colors will absorb more heat and help to melt ice and snow. Sand and ash or coffee grinds are indeed the most natural ice melt.
Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust
There you go! There’s a plethora of ice melting solutions options you can choose from. However, selecting the right ice melt for concrete and other surfaces is a challenge. It’s so because it involves balancing effectiveness with environmental and pet safety. Effective ice melt solutions should not only melt ice efficiently but also minimize harm to pets and the environment. That’s why products like Safe Paw are formulated to be effective even at low temperatures, unlike many DIY solutions that may fail in extreme cold. It’s not only a popular ice melt for sidewalk, driveway and concrete but is also safe to use around pets and kids.
Winter Driveway Tips
Maintaining your driveway in winter doesn’t just involve deicing. Deicing is just a small part of winter maintenance tips and pieces of advice we always recommend our readers to follow. Implement these winter driveway tips to prevent ice buildup:
Regularly clear snow before it compacts and turns into ice.
Apply ice melt in anticipation of freezing weather to prevent ice formation.
Check drainage systems to ensure melting snow and ice can drain away from your driveway, reducing re-freeze.
Pet Safe Ice Melt
For households with pets, choosing a pet safe ice melt is essential to keep your furry friends safe during winter walks. Many commercial ice melts contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets if ingested or contacted. In fact, many homemade solutions might impact your pet’s health. In contrast, Safe Paw is a non-toxic, pet-friendly option that ensures the safety of your pets without sacrificing performance.
Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.
Closing Thoughts:
Though the above-listed DIY homemade ice melt options turn out to be quick remedies, they are not environmentally friendly. So, Safe Paw is undoubtedly the best alternative-100% safe on your kids, pets and environment. This said we once again reiterate that Safe Paw is effective in low temperatures of up to -2 degree below zero. There is no mess left over as in the case of beet juice etc. Safe Paw is also effective on concrete and does not result in any caustic impact on metals while salt in its place would corrode furniture, concrete and metals.
FAQs
A. While alternatives like vinegar can be corrosive, others, like sand, beet juice, or Safe Paw, won’t damage your surfaces.
A. This will depend on the weather conditions and the effectiveness of the de-icer. Monitor the area and reapply as needed.
A. Coarse sand is typically more effective as it provides better traction and doesn’t get compacted easily.
A. Yes, Safe Paw is a non-toxic, safe option for all pets.
A. Removing snow regularly before it has a chance to freeze into ice can make any ice melting efforts more effective.
Stay safe on slippery surfaces with a product that’s 100% natural and safe for pets, people, and your property. Use Traction Magic on sidewalks, steps, or as instant traction for your car.
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.
Prevent slips at home, work or on the go, The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow.
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.
Shweta, a passionate pet lover and environmental advocate, has dedicated herself to promoting winter safety for pets. Living amidst the scenic, snowy landscapes of Canada, she expertly merges her love for animals with her exceptional writing talents. Her commitment is deeply rooted in ensuring the well-being of pets during the harsh winter months.
