Non-Toxic Ice Melter
Finding the best ice melter is not as easy as it sounds. Not every product labeled “safe” is non-toxic. So, what is a non-toxic ice melter? Non-toxic de-icer is free from harmful chemicals making it safe for the environment, pets and humans. Some ice melters cause damage to concrete surfaces, cars and pets, including scaling and flaking, color corrosion, vomit, and diarrhea brought about by these products. We suggest categorizing non-toxic ice melting products into three categories; natural occurring, mechanical and non-toxic de-icers.
Natural Occuring Safe Ice Melts
Sand
As plain as it sound, this is a good ice melt and a traction agent. Sand is most convenient because you can use it on large and small areas. It is easy to clean, cheap and easily available.
Ashes
As crude as it may sound, ashes serve as good de-icers. It melts ice fast and provides traction.
Sugar beet juice
Beet juice is also a common de-icer. It melts ice and it is safe for the environment and animals.
Urea
This is a natural ice melter. It is safe for pets and the environment, though caution should be taken when using it near a garden.
Mechanical Ice Melters
Snow-melt mats
These mats work by continuously clearing ice and snow from the surface. They come with a good grip that offers prevention to slip and fall accident.
Heated mats
They are used the same way like snow-melt mats. They have an electro-plastic material that makes them strong enough to withstand harsh weather and last long. They are for outdoor use.
Battery/Electric snow blowers
As the name suggests, these machines are used to blow ice and snow and consequently melt it away. They are good to use on large areas.
Non-Toxic Family safe de-icers
Safe Paw Ice Melter
Safe Paw is a non-toxic enviromentally safe product to use around your family, pets and home. This sub-zero effective ice melt is safe for concrete, decking and lawns.
Here are a few guidelines to help you buy a non-toxic de- icer.
Be sure to read the application instructions as some of these require application prior to snowfall and others can be applied on top of snow and ice.
Make sure you read the label. The products you buy must be branded salt and chloride free and much better if it is labeled “pet safe” or “kids’ safe”. Also find out more about the ingredients used. Get on to Google search and find out the safety of common ingredients or chemicals used.
Do not be lured to buy cheap products. “Cheap is always expensive.” Ingredients used to make safe ice melt agents cost more, so they will be more expensive.
What sets apart a non-toxic ice melter?
The word ‘non-toxic’ clearly indicates that the de-icer should be free from any kind of toxins/contaminants. Ensure you get an ice melter that does not contain any of the harmful chemicals listed below.
Ice Melt Ingredients to avoid:
Sodium chloride
This is what forms rock salt. When ingested (mostly by pets), it irritates their gastrointestinal system. It is also detrimental to their paws when salt gets logged into their paws.
Potassium chloride
Similar to sodium chloride, when ingested, it causes gastrointestinal irritation and diarrhea.
Magnesium chloride
Once ingested, irritation and gastrointestinal distress occurs. So, ice melts containing magnesium chloride are equally hazardous.
Calcium salts (calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate and calcium carbonate)
These salts are very harmful. When ingested, they cause severe local irritation and gastrointestinal distress as well.
In conclusion, always put safety first. A good non toxic ice melter should the melt snow and ice and keep the environment and animals safe. Buy Safe Paw and you will not regret. It is our choice because it delivers. Clear your sidewalks, driveways, storefronts, and anywhere else with the best.