Ice Melt Frequently Asked Questions
Our pet friendly ice melting products are free of sodium chloride and have reduced chloride levels which lower the likelihood for discomfort to a pet’s paws. If you notice your pet is licking its paws or is showing signs of discomfort, simply wipe the pet’s paws with a warm, wet washcloth.
Yes, but it is important to use as little material as needed to do the job and to sweep away any excess.
Our family of products offer varying performance at different price points. As a rule of thumb, the lower the melt-to temperature stated on the bag, the better the product will perform in terms of melting speed and efficacy.
Concrete less than 1-year old is not hard enough / dry enough to resist freeze-thaw cycles created by ice melt products. For this reason, it is best to use traction control products like limestone and sand. These products will not melt ice, but they will provide traction for pedestrians and pets.
The key to reducing the potential for ice melt damage is to reduce the occurrence of freeze / thaw cycles. The best defense to this is to remove any excess product or pooled water from the concrete surface once the deicer has done its job.
Note: Properly mixed, poured, and cured concrete surface will also help to resist damage from freeze / thaw cycles.
Our ice melt products are dyed blue or green for two reasons:
- It is easier for the applicator to see where they are applying product.
- The color also helps the applicator see how much product is being applied. Over application can lead to adverse effects to vegetation, concrete, and metal.
If you are aware that your pet has ingested ice melt, monitor their behavior. If they begin to show signs of discomfort or in an extreme case, start to vomit, call your local veterinarian immediately.
Be sure to seal all ice melt containers tightly and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Potentially. If over applied. The best way to avoid vegetation damage is to use a product that works fast and at lower temperatures. This allows for fewer applications, which means less exposure to surrounding vegetation. Always read and follow label instructions.
When used excessively, ice melt can be tracked into the home and may cause damage. To reduce potential damage, apply according to label instructions and sweep up any excess product as soon as possible.
The chlorides contained in granular ice melting products are commodities and by nature, contain inert ingredients and impurities. These impurities do not always break down completely and when product is over-applied or used regularly during the winter season, a residue can build up and be noticeable on sidewalks or even inside homes and buildings. It is always recommended that a good matting system be used to reduce the residue that can be tracked in beyond the entrance. It is also recommended that product be applied at the recommended rates.
It is recommended that the product be stored in a place of low humidity. An effective deicer has the potential to draw in moisture from the air. This can cause the product to react within the package, create a liquid, and potentially harden in the bag. If you experience hardened product, the product can normally be broken up easily and will become free flowing and useful with a little agitation.
NO. The dyes we utilize are non-toxic, non-staining, and water soluble.
YES. It is recommended that you remove accumulated ice and snow prior to spreading ice melt. Ideally, you want to be able to see portions of the concrete surface prior to spreading ice melt. The more ice and snow you can remove, the less product you will need to apply.
Small amounts of unused ice melt (3 lbs. or less), can be disposed of through your everyday trash. If you are looking to dispose of larger amounts, it is recommended that you call your local trash facility for further instructions. All EC Grow ice melt products are non-hazardous.
All chloride-based ice melting products are corrosive to metal to varying degrees. However, the weakening of a metal structure by a chloride-based deicer would take many years of misuse to cause serious structural issues. As a precaution, keep deicing products away from metal.