Ice Melt Shelf Life- Do Deicers Expire?

The Winter season and its relationship with ice melt are nothing new for most people residing in the United States. Whenever the winter season arrives, people start thinking about how they will protect their family and property from the snow that will get deposited around their properties. 

In their fight against the snow, they often choose various deicers available in the market or homemade ice melting solutions to help them. However, most of them end up with leftovers after the winter season. Now the question that comes to their minds is what to do with the leftovers? Will it be safe to use next year? Or will it expire?

To get the answer to all these questions, read this article!

What is a Deicer?

Deicing is the process of snow or ice that gets deposited over a surface. The chemical or device used in the process is known as a deicer. In this article, we’re talking about chemical deicers. 

Types of Deicers-

The most popular ice melts are generally the ones that have salt as the primary ingredient. These ice melts include- Sodium Chloride (common salt), Calcium Chloride, and Magnesium Chloride. However, these ice melts are very harmful to pets, children, and concrete. So if you want an ice melt that comes with no side effects, you need to stay away from these ice melts. 

Safe Paw is an ice melt that is 100% safe for the environment, children, pets, and concrete. It’s a urea-based ice melt that is affordable and easy to use. 

Pet Friendly Ice Melt

Do Deicers Expire?

Now the real question comes, do these devices expire? So if we talk about salt-based, the simple answer is NO. Salt-based deicers don’t expire as salt is a mineral that never rots or gets worse. For other deicers like Safe Paw, they too don’t have an expiration date, and they can easily be kept for the next year.

However, here’s the thing, the deicers of all types should be kept properly and shouldn’t come in direct contact with pets and children. This is because if ingested, they can be harmful. Also, salt-based deicers can cause dry paws in pets. 

How to Store Deicers Properly?

Now that you know that deicers don’t come with an expiration date, you should know how to store them for the next year properly. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind while storing deicers-

• They should be tightly sealed and protected from moisture and direct sunlight. 
• They should be kept in a climate-controlled area. 
• If you plan to store in mass, try to store outside your house. 

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Moisture Control for Ice Melt

Got a stash of ice melt? Here’s the scoop on keeping it dry: moisture control is crucial! Why fuss over it? Well, when ice melt absorbs moisture, it can clump or even become a solid block—totally not what you want when you’re trying to sprinkle it on your icy walkway. The key here is airtight storage. Think of using sealed bins or heavy-duty bags that lock out dampness. Stash your ice melt in a dry spot—like a covered shed or your garage. And here’s a pro tip: throw in some desiccant packs, the kind you find in new shoe boxes, to suck up any stray moisture!

Salt-Based Ice Melts

When it comes to melting ice, salt-based ice melts are like the old-school champs. But hold up, they’re not without their downsides. Sure, they’re cheap and get the job done fast by lowering the freezing point of water. But, think about the aftermath—corrosion galore! They can eat away at concrete, damage metal, and if Fido licks his paws after a walk, it might just end up with a vet visit. It’s a trade-off: quick melting action for potential long-term damage.

Chloride-Free Ice Melts

On the flip side, chloride-free ice melts are like the gentle giants of the deicing world. No chloride means less risk of corrosion and pollution, making them friendlier for your pets, plants, and all sorts of surfaces. They might not always work as quickly as their salt-based cousins, but they definitely play a nicer game with the environment. Ideal for those who want a safer option without the corrosive baggage!

Long-Term Ice Melt Storage

Thinking ahead to next winter? Storing your ice melt long-term is a smart move. Keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid any loss of effectiveness. If you’ve got bulk amounts, consider keeping it in airtight containers to fend off moisture. And don’t forget about location—store it off the ground to prevent any chance of water seepage. Properly stored ice melt can last through several winters, ensuring you’re always ready for whatever Jack Frost throws your way.

Managing your ice melt properly ensures it remains effective and safe to use, safeguarding both your immediate needs and the environment. Isn’t it great when safety and preparedness go hand-in-hand? So, next time you’re stocking up, think beyond just the price tag or melting power. Consider how your choice affects everything around you—from your pet’s paws to the concrete under your feet.

Final Thoughts-

After reading this article, you must have got the answers to your questions related to deicers. But here’s something you still need to know, you need an ice melt of high quality. Investing in a cheap ice melt has its consequences. Such ice melts might be practical but have harmful effects. So buy a good quality ice melt or have reasonable homemade ice melting solutions for safepaws and safe life. 

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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