6 Ways To Safely And Effectively Use Ice Melts
Waiting for the white and beautiful winter season? Yes, we all are. But the slippery and icy sidewalk in winters can be challenging as it can result in dangerous slip-and-fall accidents. One of the most popular and effective ways to get rid of this treacherous layer of ice is by using ice melts. As you’re stocking up your ice melt supplies, here are the six best ways you can use the ice melt safely and effectively.
Non Toxic De Icer
Safe Paw
The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice melter for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands.
6 Ways To Safely And Effectively Use Ice Melts
1- Pre-treat the surface
Pre-treating the surface with ice melt means applying the ice melt before the storm hits. Pretreating leads to the formation of brine that prevents the snow from sticking to the surface. After the snowfall, whether you’re cleaning the snow manually or using ice-melt, it takes less effort and time if you have pre-treated surfaces.
2- Choose a safer option
It is common knowledge now that using rock salt is not the best way to melt the ice. As winter approaches, homeowners start hunting for ice melter safe for concrete, driveways, and roofs. Also, people with pets and children start looking for ice melters safe for dogs, cats, and kids.
Ice melter safe for concrete- Most of the ice melts are corrosive in nature (even that bag of salt that has a non-corrosive inhibitor). The fact is chloride causes corrosion. Choose an ice melter that is non-toxic, chloride-free, and salt-free.
Ice melter safe for dogs– Most of the Snow melters in the market are chemicals that are poisonous to animals. Some companies round off the sharp edges of the salt and claim themselves to be pet-friendly. The reality is they still contain those harmful chemicals that pets can lick from their paws and get sick.
Very few companies are actually salt-free and safe for pets.
3- Protect your eyes and skin
If you’re using chemical-based ice melt (particularly magnesium chloride and calcium chloride), wear appropriate eyewear and gloves to protect your eyes. Ice melters and even rock salt can cause eye irritation and skin irritation (including in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines if accidentally inhaled), and it can lead to severe vomiting/diarrhea in certain cases.
4- Don’t use large quantities
Overuse of rock salt or chemical ice melt can be harmful to delicate machinery, building materials, concrete, vegetation, pets, and kids. The best way to avoid this is to use an ice melter safe for concrete, dogs, and vegetation. Overdose of non-toxic ice melt will not be harmful. Another way is to use spreaders and guards and prevent ice melt from being applied to the areas that can be damaged.
5- Don’t wait until the last minute
If you’re considering clearing your pavement manually, don’t wait for the snow to stop. On the days when it is snowing heavily, shovel periodically so that it does not pile up and turn icy later.
6- Store properly
Ice melt bags should be stored in the dark, away from sunlight, air, and moisture. Since chloride-based ice melts are hygroscopic, they tend to absorb moisture from the air and degrade. Therefore, consider storing open bags in air-tight containers or bags. However, Safe Paw is one such product that comes with an extra coating that prevents it from reacting with the outside air and moisture, so you need not worry about storing the open bags.
Looking for ways to melt ice without damaging your concrete? Read here.
