5 Tips To Store Your Ice Melt Bags Safely

In low-temperature areas, ice accumulation during the winter season is a general problem, resulting in accidents all through the season. To tackle it people make use of ice melts or deicer for maintaining traction on ice that is highly important for slippery surfaces. As with any other product, ice melt’s optimal functioning and efficiency in melting ice would depend on how you store and use the product over a slick surface. Thus, such that your ice melt gives cent percent and long-term deicing results, you need to store it properly during periods when it is not in use or its use is not essential. Also, proper storage of ice melt would result in cost savings for you.

Storing Ice Melt Safely

Wondering how to store ice melt effectively through off-seasons? You’re not alone. Here’s how you can ensure your ice melt remains potent and ready for when winter returns.

Important Aspects To Consider When Storing Ice Melt

• Humidity – Let’s talk about humidity. It’s arguably the biggest threat to your ice melt’s shelf life. If you’re storing your ice melt in a place like a shed or garage, consider using a dehumidifier during damp seasons. Why? Because storing ice melt safely means keeping it dry. Humidity can turn your efficient ice melt into a solid block, unusable and frustrating when you most need it. Humidity of the place or the room where the ice melt is stored should be a prime consideration as it may cause the ice melt to perform marginally and hamper its effectiveness in melting ice.
• Sunlight – And sunlight? Keep it away from your ice melt. UV rays can break down the chemicals in ice melt, diminishing its melting capabilities. If your storage area has windows, think about using curtains or placing the ice melt in an opaque container to shield it from light exposure. Likewise, sunlight can also be eroding the efficiency of your ice melt. Being a chemical, any external treatment or input such as heat or/and water causes the ice melt to react, and the problem with such a reaction is that the ice melt then functions with less efficacy when applied over a slick surface in the next winter season.

Worth mentioning, proper ice melt storage will be primarily dependent on the composition of the product.

Ice Melt For Concrete

Suggested Here Are Some Tips On Storing Your Ice Melt Bags

1. Best storage practice for unopened ice melt product at the season end:

Supposing you have an unopened ice melt bag at the season end, you may keep or store it as it is. Nevertheless, we advise you to cover the product with a dark wrap to offer an extra layer of protection from moisture. The dark wrap will also prevent the ice melt from turning brittle due to exposure to ultra-violet or UV rays.

2. Storage tip for open ice melt bags:

When you have opened ice melt bags, ensure that you store the same in air-tight containers and away from air, moisture and sunlight. Note you need to fully seal ice melt bags, as, on exposure, they will draw moisture from the air, leading it to harden and degrade in quality. Ice melters with compositions such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are hygroscopic and tend to draw moisture from the air.

Safe Paw ice melt on the other hand ensures that you need not make an extra effort in storing the open ice melt bags with its Safe Paw ice melter 35 lbs pail packaging. This is because Safe Paw features an extra layer that checks its reaction with any external element, including air, moisture, and sunlight for that matter. Moreover, Safe Paw ice melt offers a safe way of providing traction on ice in the ice caped regions, enabling mobility in such areas.

3. The appropriate place for storing ice melt:

A controlled environment such as a garage, shed, or basement will be the most appropriate place for storing the ice melt. Some ice melts are packaged or sealed in UV and water-resistant packaging to ensure that they remain safe-guarded against these natural elements.

4. Rule of thumb when storing ice melt:

Ice melt should be kept or preserved in air-tight containers in a humidity-controlled environment and away from sunlight, air and moisture.

5. Choose top quality ice melt product for longer shelf life:

Your optimal storage condition for ice melt will work only if the product is of at least good quality. So, go for better quality ice melt products such that your ice melt does not become damaged during the off-season months.

Temperature Control: What’s the Ideal Setup?

First things first: keeping your ice melt in a controlled environment is key. What does this mean? Essentially, avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. Ice melt doesn’t like it too hot or too cold; it thrives in moderate temperatures. Why? Extreme cold can cause some types of ice melt to harden, while excessive heat can trigger it to clump or even degrade. A basement or a shaded part of your garage might just be the perfect spot.

Containers Matter: Choose Wisely

Now, onto containers. The best containers for ice melt? They need to be airtight. This is not just a suggestion—it’s a must if your ice melt bag has been opened. If left exposed, ice melt can absorb moisture from the air, leading to clumping and a reduction in effectiveness. Plastic bins with tight lids or dedicated storage pails are ideal choices. Just scoop your ice melt into these containers and seal them up tight. It’s that simple, but it makes a huge difference.

Consistent Checks: Stay Ahead of the Game

Regular checks are also a good idea. Every few months, inspect your storage area and containers for any signs of damage or exposure. Catching issues early can save you a lot of hassle and ensure your ice melt is effective when winter rolls around again.

Incorporating these storage tips will not only extend the life of your ice melt but also maximize its performance during the cold months. It’s all about understanding and controlling the environment around your ice melt to keep it in peak condition. Simple steps, big payoff—ensure your walkways and driveways remain safe every winter without the last-minute rush to buy new ice melt.

All-Season Tips for Storing Ice Melt:

• Invest in Storage Containers: Use storage containers designed for ice melt to keep it dry and easily accessible.
• Label and Rotate: Label your ice melt containers with purchase dates and rotate them to use older stock first.
• Keep Away from Moisture: Avoid storing ice melt near water sources or in damp areas to prevent clumping.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect stored ice melt for signs of moisture or clumping, and reseal containers as needed.
• Choose Safe Products: Opt for ice melt products like Safe Paw that are safe for pets, surfaces, and the environment.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Conclusion: 

Proper storage of ice melt is essential to maintain its effectiveness and ensure your preparedness for winter weather challenges. By following storage best practices and using reliable products like Safe Paw, you can safeguard the quality of your ice melt and be ready to tackle icy surfaces whenever the need arises.

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.

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