Ice melts come in a variety of application methods and formulas specifically made for surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, and glass. For homes with pets or children, there are options that are eco-friendly and don’t use harsh chemicals to melt ice quickly. We researched dozens of melts, evaluating them for Our top pick, Green Gobbler Pet-Safe Ice Melt is an effective product that can be used around pets and plants. It uses magnesium chloride to melt ice in super-low temperatures. While no ice melt is “safe” for pets, the ASPCA says this product’s primary ingredient, magnesium chloride, can be less dangerous to pet paws than other materials used in ice melts, but it can still cause them to become sick if they ingest it while trying to lick the substance off their paws. This ice melt is a bit expensive, but buying in bulk—the bucket is pretty heavy at 35 pounds—helps keep the per-use cost down. (It does come in a smaller 15-pound size but it is more expensive by weight.) Just keep in mind that if you plan to move the bucket when it is full, you may need some muscle to get the job done. The bucket also has a lid that is very secure, and we’ve noted that many people have said that they’ve struggled to get it off. Price at time of publish: $73 We like that you can spread this product straight from the bag or by using a spreader. We would prefer that the 20-pound bag it comes in be resealable. So, plan to use all of the ice melt at once or have a way to store it, preferably in a sealed bucket. Price at time of publish: $7 The manufacturer claims this product can melt ice to a slurry in temperatures as low as minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit. A half cup of pellets should be sufficient to melt ice on a walkway or driveway up to 10 feet long and 3 feet wide. If your driveway or sidewalk is longer, you may need more than a single bag. Price at time of publish: $18 National Blue Ice Melt product comes in 20-pound and 50-pound buckets—difficult to move but perfect if you need to purchase ice melt in bulk. The blue color comes from dye that is meant to show where you have applied the ice melt, reducing the likelihood that you use more of the product than necessary. The dye is water-soluble, so it disappears and doesn’t stain as the ice melts. Price at time of publish: $45 This liquid product comes in a bag with a resealable pour nozzle. But you apply it by spraying, requiring a separate, dedicated sprayer (not included). You can use any standard sprayer, but we recommend using a separate hose from the one that you use with your plants. Expect the 5-gallon package to cover around 5,000 square feet (slightly larger than a basketball court). We have not noted any special danger to pets, although any ice melt can be harmful if ingested or licked off paws. You can also use it, as directed, around plants, although you should try not to spray directly on vegetation. It is also biodegradable. You can consult the UL Safety Data Sheet for more information. Price at time of publish: $62 The trick for best effectiveness is how to get the tablets onto your roof, since the manufacturer says you need one tablet for every square foot of roof. Randomly throwing them onto your roof can be haphazard. If your roof is particularly high, you might need to do this with a ladder.Price at time of publish: $41 While it is okay to use carefully, as directed, around vegetation, this isn’t the best option if you have pets who run around on your driveway. Calcium chloride can irritate pet paws and can be harmful if ingested, such as by licking paws. The manufacturer specifies that you shouldn’t use this product on concrete that’s less than one year old, has exposed cracks, or is composed of stone, or brick masonry. Price at time of publish: $11 We like that this product is sold in 6.5-pound containers you can easily pour from, reducing the need for a separate spreader. It’s best to sprinkle this product on the targeted surface before the snow falls and ice forms, then again at various intervals. This also means you use the product more, requiring more frequent purchases. Price at time of publish: $17 Because this is a liquid, you needn’t worry about bringing in unmelted pellets into the house, where pets can eat them. However, we remind that despite manufacturer claims, no ice melt is truly “pet safe” or “pet friendly.” Magnesium chloride, like other chlorides used in ice melts, can harm pets if they ingest it, such as by licking paws coated with the liquid. We strongly recommend that despite manufacturer claims, you keep pets away from treated surfaces. Price at time of publish $60
Ingredients
Remember the word “chloride.” Sodium chloride (common table salt) not only is a food seasoner but also a well-regarded ice melt. But other salts are equally effective and not as corrosive to paved surfaces and concrete. Besides sodium chloride, commonly sold as rock salt, the most common chlorides used in ice melts include magnesium chloride and calcium chloride. Some products combine multiple chlorides; calcium magnesium acetate, for example, combines calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. All of these can corrode surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, if applied in too-high concentrations. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is the least costly ice melt. It is more corrosive to concrete than other chloride ice melts. It also doesn’t melt ice as fast and is less effective at lower temperatures. Sodium chloride also irritates pet paws and can harm pets if ingested, such as when they lick their paws to get the stuff off. Magnesium chloride is less corrosive than rock salt and milder than calcium chloride, but that means you need to apply more of it. Magnesium chloride is also considered less pet-dangerous than other chlorides. Calcium chloride creates heat as it absorbs moisture, thus melting ice more quickly than rock salt. It is considered less corrosive to concrete, although it can irritate skin and thus is more dangerous to pets than magnesium chloride. Potassium chloride is infrequently used, because it melts ice slower than other chlorides and can damage concrete. It also becomes ineffective at temperatures below 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
Surface Type
Some ice melts work better on different surfaces or are configured for particular surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Concrete is one of the most sensitive surfaces to freezing and thawing, which makes concrete-friendly options that use calcium chloride the best options. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride also are effective on asphalt.
Temperature
Based on their ingredients, ice melt pellets or sprays are effective until the temperature drops to a certain level. Calcium chloride can be effective as low as minus-25 degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium chloride loses effectiveness at about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but when added to calcium chloride (calcium magnesium acetate), it also can be effective at minus-25. Sodium chloride is least effective in extreme cold, at only 15 degrees above zero Fahrenheit.
Environmental and Safety Impact
Most ice melts use some combination of chlorides. In certain quantities, all chlorides can harm plants. Some products add dyes to show where you have spread the ice melt. Those can stain surfaces and contaminate water.
Melting Time
Most ice melts start working in around 30 minutes, depending on the temperature and depth of ice.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. After growing up experiencing harsh Midwest winters, Katie knows the value of ice melt to keep surfaces clear and reduce slipping.
