Most ice melt is some combination of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and sometimes magnesium chloride regardless of the brand name. If you want to avoid doing damage you can add some sand to your salt mix so you have less salt and it spreads cleaner. It’s best to apply in layers before, during, and after the storm.
Key Takeaways:
- It helps to mix or dilute an ice melt with an inert substance like sand to reduce chemical damage to concrete surfaces
- Ice melt is most effective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While many companies advertise “pet safe” brand of ice melt consumers should still be careful with pets around these chemicals.
“Most ice melts are blends of the same ingredients: sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride.”
Read more: https://www.consumerreports.org/exterior-maintenance-repairs/best-ice-melt-how-to-use-ice-melt/