The first icy morning always arrives sooner than expected. A little planning keeps your driveway, walkways and steps safe without damaging concrete, lawns or garden beds. Here is how to choose the right ice melt and use it the smart way.
How ice melt works
Ice melt lowers the freezing point of water. When the pellets touch ice or snow they make a brine that eats down through the ice and breaks its bond with the pavement. That is why a thin, even layer works better than a thick pile, and why applying it before a storm can save you a lot of chipping later.
Common types of ice melt
- Rock salt (sodium chloride): inexpensive and widely used, but it slows down a lot in very cold weather and is the hardest on concrete, metal and plants.
- Calcium chloride: works at much lower temperatures and gives off heat as it dissolves, so it melts fast. A good choice for the coldest nights.
- Magnesium chloride: works in cold temperatures and is generally considered gentler on surfaces and plants than rock salt.
- Blends: combine ingredients to balance speed, low-temperature performance and cost.
Every product lists its own working temperature and coverage on the label, so always check it before you buy and apply.
Step-by-step: using ice melt the right way
- Shovel first. Remove as much snow as you can so the ice melt goes to work on the ice, not on loose snow.
- Spread thin and even. A hand spreader gives you an even layer and keeps pellets off your gloves and out of the lawn. Our Ice Melt Premium Blend 20 lb bundle and Prestone Driveway Heat 20 lb bundle both come with a hand ice melt, salt and seed spreader.
- Pre-treat before a storm. A light application before freezing rain or snow helps stop ice from bonding to the surface.
- Do not over-apply. More pellets do not melt faster; they just leave more residue to track inside.
- Sweep up leftovers. Once the surface is clear, sweep up extra pellets and slush so they do not end up on plants or carpets.
Protect concrete, plants and pets
- Avoid using de-icers on concrete that is less than a year old unless the product label says it is safe.
- Keep ice melt off lawn edges and garden beds where you can. Brine running off the driveway is what usually damages plants.
- Wipe pets' paws after walks and store ice melt sealed and out of reach of children and pets.
- Follow the label for application rates and safety directions.
Our ice melt picks
- My Garden Pool Ice Melt Premium Blend 20 lb + hand spreader
- Prestone Driveway Heat 20 lb + hand spreader
- Prestone Driveway Heat concentrated ice melter, 20 lb
- Prestone Driveway Heat concentrated ice melter, 9.5 lb jug
Browse everything in our ice melt collection or the full Winter & Auto Care page. Orders over $50 ship free.