Easiest Way To Melt Ice (It’s Not Salt!)

Getting rid of the treacherous layer of snow from your driveway and sidewalk is critical. Most often homeowners use salt to deice the snow outside their homes on the driveway, sidewalks, parking lots, and stairs. However, it is not the best way to avoid slip and fall accidents. 

In this article, we will discuss all the commonly available opinions to melt ice and help you choose the best one.

Rock Salt

Rock salt, commonly known as sodium chloride, is used throughout the country to melt ice and prevent new ice from forming on roadways, walkways, and parking lots. 

Animals may be harmed (salt exposure can cause irritated paws, dehydration, bacterial infections, and other ailments) Can hasten the corrosion of metals and cause concrete deterioration over time. When used in excess, it might harm shrubs and other plants. Salt runoff has the potential to contaminate local rivers. Only at temperatures over -10°C does it perform correctly.

But hey, there’s no need to stick to old-school rock salt for de-icing! Why not explore rock salt alternatives that are kinder to our environment and safer for our pets?

The Lowdown on Rock Salt Alternatives 

Turning away from traditional rock salt doesn’t just help protect your car from rust; it’s a huge win for your garden and local wildlife too. Have you heard about sustainable ice melt products? These are the unsung heroes that don’t harm your green pals or furry friends. They include options like beet juice and cheese brine, which sound quirky but do the trick by lowering the freezing point of water, similar to salt, but without the corrosive side effects.

Diving into Natural De-Icers 

Moving to natural de-icers, these are your go-to if you’re looking for something home-grown. Simple household items like sugar or even coffee grounds can provide traction and a slight melting effect without the harshness of chemicals. And yes, they’re way easier on the environment too.

The Beauty of Salt-Free Ice Melt 

If you’re committed to going all-in with eco-friendly options, then salt-free ice melt is your best bet. These products often use materials like urea, and calcium magnesium acetate, which is much gentler on surfaces and living things alike. They’re effective enough to keep your walkways safe without the ecological baggage of salt.

Whipping Up DIY Ice Melt 

Feeling crafty? DIY ice melt solutions can be a fun project. Mixtures like rubbing alcohol and dish soap diluted in water can create a safe melting agent that’s easy to spread and doesn’t leave harmful residues. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly!

Shoveling

One of the oldest methods of clearing snow from your driveway is shoveling. However, this is not the easiest and safest method either. Many homeowners are injured each year while shoveling snow. Some of these individuals shovel snow at inopportune times, resulting in hospitalization. Shoveling snow is a difficult task if you don’t know when and where to start and when is the optimum time for snow shoveling.

Chemical Ice Melt

Most ice melt products you’ll find in the market have sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or magnesium chloride as key ingredients. Not only are they safe for your property and the environment, but they may also cause serious harm to your pets. Some health issues that can develop in pets after swallowing chloride-based, as well as homemade ice melters, include nausea, increased urination, irregular blood pressure, dehydration, and neurological abnormalities. 

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Paw Safe Ice Melt

Safe Paw

Safe Paw is the ice melt that does not harm concrete and it complies with the severe environmental regulations set forth by US regulatory agencies.

It has two ice-fighting mechanisms. When the unique outer core comes into contact with ice, it quickly liquefies and begins to melt and break up the ice’s surface. Then it penetrates deep into the ice to finish the melting process.

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.

Glycol is used in Safe Paw to defrost the ice and prevent additional freezing. Safe Paw ice melt not only melts current ice but also protects the surface to prevent ice from accumulating in the future. 

Winter Safety Tips: Keeping Everyone Safe

Now, applying all these fantastic alternatives requires some know-how. Always sprinkle your chosen ice melt evenly; clumps can lead to uneven melting and refreezing, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. And while we’re at it, here are some quick winter safety tips for your driveway and sidewalk:

1. Driveway Safety: Always clear snow as soon as possible to prevent it from bonding to the surface. Apply your ice melt afterward to prevent ice from forming.
2. Sidewalk Safety: For pedestrian areas, consider gentler, pet-friendly deicers to protect those little paws and boots that might cross paths with your sidewalk.
3. Road Safety: If you’re responsible for larger areas, like roads, you might need a heavier-duty solution. Still, it’s worth looking into bulk purchases of eco-friendly deicers.

And remember, whatever product you choose, moderation is key. Overuse of any product, even the most natural ice melt, can lead to environmental damage. So, take it easy, apply it thoughtfully, and keep those winter blues at bay with your new, greener de-icing methods!

Safe Paw is undoubtedly an ice melt that does not harm concrete, kids, pets, and the environment. The ice melter ingredients are all-natural. SafePaw 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. It also saves you from the efforts and dangers of shoveling the snow.

Other Ice Melt Products