The 10 Best Salt For Asphalt Driveway, Tested And Researched

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Salt For Asphalt Driveway
Best Salt For Asphalt Driveway

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Green Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt

Green Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt for fast acting treatment on any outdoor surface. This safe and effective way to remove ice, snow, and slush from decks, siding, and roofs. Packaged in a reusable pail with lid that also has a carrying handle. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Snow Joe AZ-25-EB Melt-2-Go Nature Pet Friendly Blended Ice Melter

The Snow Joe Melt-2-Go Ice Melter provides a greener, yet an equally effective, deicing alternative to more harmful melting agents. This innovative mixture of water and nutrients hydrates the ice while reducing the amount of chloride that can damage vegetation and waterways. The non-toxic, biodegradable formula is also safe for pets and children, making it perfect for all walks of life. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: JUST FOR PETS Snow Ice Melter Paw Rock Salt

Keep your backyard safe from slippery paws and melting snow with JUST FOR PETS Snow & Ice Melter. This safe, effective, and easy-to-use product melts ice, makes snow fall off your roof like a waterfall, and leaves the area clean, fresh, and free of any harmful chemicals. Read Review

4. Best Safety: Safe Thaw Industrial Strength Salt Chloride-Free

Safe Thaw is the 100% salt-free ice melter on the market and it is 100% safe for pets, children, surfaces, and the environment. Safe Thaw will not damage your equipment or harm your plants. Safe Thaw will dissolve ice without diluting salt water which can then harm the ecosystem. Read Review

When it comes to maintaining your driveway, you want something that will keep on giving. Something that will help you with the upkeep and not put any more strain on you than necessary. Well, one of the best things you can do for your asphalt driveway is to use salt as a natural preservative. Salt is effective because it reacts with moisture in the atmosphere and locks it into ice crystals. These crystals cause micro-cracks in the pavement and allow water to seep through.

Even if the outside temperature drops again, the remaining moisture won’t have a place to go due to ice cover so it won’t freeze back up again. Using salt as a natural preservative works especially well when used in conjunction with a proper sealant. Sealants protect against UV rays, insects, rain and snow while also sealing in protection from soil and other contaminants. The sealant also prevents larger pieces of gravel or dirt from getting beneath your driveway as they would when walking or driving over them directly.

Our staff had to concentrate on studying over 16 hours to acquire such outcomes for readers. Such research depends on both customer star ratings and interviews with customers about their experience of the product. In addition, we recommend Green Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt as one of the ideal selections. For your convenience, we've included an in-depth buyer's guide and other excellent alternatives for you to choose the final option.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Green Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt
Our Score:
9.7
Green Gobbler
  • MELTS SNOW AND ICE IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES (as low as -10°F): Pet Safe will generate exothermic heat over a short period of time. In a test, our product melted twice as much ice as rock salt in 21°F!
  • PERFECT FOR SPREADERS. Because of its small, round pellet shape, Pet Safe can be used in various ice melt spreaders.
  • MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE FORMULA HARVESTED FROM THE DEAD SEA. Magnesium chloride ice melt has a notoriously low toxicity level making it less toxic than calcium, potassium or sodium chloride.
  • 30 DAY HASSLE FREE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. We value our customers and we stand behind ALL of our products 100% with no questions asked! If you are not pleased simply call or email us with your order number and we will reimburse you in FULL!
  • SAFER FOR PETS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. Pet Safe is highly unlikely to burn or irritate the skin or pets paws. Pet Safe won't harm plants or cause spalling on driveways and concrete that's been properly set and cured.
  • Questions, Text 563563 to chat directly with a Snow Joe expert
  • ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE: Leaves no slimy residue behind, making it safe to use on grass, turf, around trees and other vegetation. Protects surrounding hardscapes and softscapes when used as directed.
  • PET FRIENDLY: Formulated from nature’s own ingredients, EB Ice Melt provides a greener solution to deicing that is safer for pets. Unlikely to irritate paws or cause rashes.
  • FAST-ACTING IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES: Goes to work immediately upon contact with snow and ice to accelerate the deicing and melting process. Pre-treating surfaces will also prevent ice and snow from accumulating.
  • SAFE TO HANDLE: When used as directed, EB Ice Melt will not dry out or irritate the skin and can be safely and easily dispensed without requiring the use of protective clothing. MELT EB is specially treated with an anti-caking agent to extend shelf-life and improve dispersion.
  • ANTI-CORROSION FORMULA: Enhanced with high levels of CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) compared to other environmental ice melt blends. EB Ice Melt delivers fast and effective results without damaging surfaces such as concrete or metals.
TOP Choice #3 JUST FOR PETS Snow Ice Melter Paw Rock Salt
Our Score:
9.3
JUST FOR PETS
  • ❄️NO CHLORIDES – NO MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, NO CALCIUM CHLORIDE & NO SODIUM CHLORIDE - Ingestion Of Certain Chlorides (salts) Can Cause Severe Gastrointestinal Signs As Well As Local Irritation From Dermal Skin And Paw Contact. There Is No Shortage Of Information Online About How Bad Chlorides Can Be To Pets. Just For Pets Snow & Ice Melter Is Chloride-Free
  • ❄️DID WE MENTION IT WAS SAFE? Safe For All Pets Paws, Skin and Eyes - No Chlorides, Salts Or Sharp Rock Salt. Safe For Children - No Harmful Chemicals. Safe For The Environment - No Harmful Chemicals. Will Not Chemically Attack Concrete or Asphalt. ALSO SAFE FOR USE ON: Sidewalks, Patios, Porches, Wood Decks, Lawns, Driveways, Roofs, Brick, Stone, Parking Lots. Will Not Harm Interior Flooring Or Rugs. Will Not Damage Bushes, Flower Beds, Grass, Shrubs, Trees
  • ❄️NO SHARP ROCK SALT, SALT-FREE – Walking On Rock Salt Can Be Excruciating To Your Pets Feet. Sharp Rock Salt Granules Can Become Stuck & Lodged In Paws Causing Pain & Soreness With Every Step. Not Only Does Just For Pets Not Contain Rock Salt, Our Ice Melt Consists Of Soft Round Pellets That Are Easy On The Paws And Two Times The Coverage Of Rock Salt
  • ❄️WORKS ON CONTACT TO CRUSH & MELT SNOW, ICE AND FROST - Powerful Pellets Instantly Generate Heat On Contact With Ice & Snow To Speed The Deicing And Melting Process. Safe at low temperatures (-15 degrees C). Pellet Design Is Compatible With Any Spreaders, Including Rotary Spreaders
  • ❄️OUR PRODUCT WORKS - 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE – Not Satisfied? We'll Refund Your Money, No Questions Asked. Call Or Email Us With Your Order ID And We’ll Take Care of The Rest
  • NON-CORROSIVE & LONG SHELF LIFE - It’s non corrosive and non-conductive. No damage to delicate machinery or worry about short circuits. Get instant melting without worrying about property damage. Concentrated formula assures long-term, maximum effectiveness from season to season
  • EXCELLENT SPREAD RATE - Covers 100 square feet per pound; Safe formula won't harm eyes or skin; Size: 10 Lbs 7oz
  • PET-SAFE ICE MELT: Safe Thaw ice melt from the makers of Safe Paw is safe to use around plants, dogs, pets, and children; Ice melt won't damage concrete and is environmentally safe for land and waterways
  • MELT ICE IN 10 MINUTES: Ice melting crystals prevent water molecules from reforming to destabilize and melt ice particles in 10 minutes
  • MELTS IN ULTRA COLD CONDITIONS: Safe Thaw crystal leaches out a de-icing liquid to speed up the melting process even in sub-zero temperatures
  • Less Corrosive - Kinder to the environment than traditional rock salt ice melters and less corrosive to concrete than sodium chloride and calcium chloride
  • Effective at Low Temps - Works at temperatures down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Works Immediately - Deicer instantly melts ice on driveways, sidewalks, steps, balconies, patios, walkways, roadways and more
  • Pet Safe Ice Melt - 100% Magnesium Chloride formula won't burn or irritate pets' paws and comes in a round pellet form with no jagged crystals
  • OMRI Listed - Listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute for organic use
6 Pure Original Ingredients Ice Melt Pellets
Our Score:
8.7
Pure Organic Ingredients
  • Always pure ingredients with no additives
  • Effective in Temperatures as Low as –25ºF
  • Packaged in Utah, USA
  • Pure Original Ingredients Ice Melt Pellets
  • Safe for Use on Sidewalks, Concrete, Driveways and Parking Lots
  • NON-CORROSIVE & LONG SHELF LIFE - It’s non corrosive and non-conductive. No damage to delicate machinery or worry about short circuits. Get instant melting without worrying about property damage. Concentrated formula assures long-term, maximum effectiveness from season to season.
  • MELT AT LOW TEMPERATURES - Guaranteed to melt at low temperatures (-2°F), it’s non-toxic and biodegradable
  • VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED FORMULA - Unlike other Pet Safe Ice Melts, Safe Paw's patented formula is guaranteed to not hurt people, pets, and the planet.
  • EXCELLENT SPREAD RATE - Allows a typical back yard to be treated to make a safe winter play land for pets and people. Can be used for a long time on small and large areas.
  • PEOPLE & PET SAFE - Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm animals or children, and it won’t damage your property. That’s Safe Paw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet. Your grass, plants, and foliage are safe! Safe on eyes, skin and paws. It’s safe around and if ingested. Best of all: 100% salt & chloride free.
8 Qik Joe Instant Snow and Ice Melt
Our Score:
8.5
Qik Joe
  • PREVENTS REFREEZING: Qik Joe prevents refreezing of ice and snow; Once your sidewalk, steps, driveway, or parking lot are clear, they will not refreeze; This provides safer conditions for cars and pedestrians in extreme cold weather
  • MELTS MORE ICE, FASTER: Qik Joe Instant Ice Melt is specifically designed and formulated to clear ice and snow as quickly as possible; Its spherical shape bores straight down through ice and the calcium chloride formula works fast and prevents refreezing
  • GENERATES HEAT ON CONTACT: Qik Joe uses an “exothermic action” to generate heat when pulling moisture out of the air to form its brine solution; This works more quickly than other products which require direct contact with moisture sources
  • EASY TO USE AND SAFE FOR LAWNS AND CONCRETE: Qik Joe is easy to apply with a shaker or straight from the bag; Does not harm grass, shrubs, plants, concrete, or asphalt; Leaves no unsightly white residue; Follow instructions on packaging for best results
  • EFFECTIVE AT SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES: Because Qik Joe generates its own heat, it remains effective at temperatures down to -25° F; This will allow you clear surfaces in lower temperatures than other products which are ineffective below 30° F
  • MELT AT LOW TEMPERATURES - Guaranteed to melt at low temperatures (-2°F), it’s non-toxic and biodegradable
  • PEOPLE & PET SAFE - Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm animals or children, and it won’t damage your property. That’s Safe Paw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet. Your grass, plants, and foliage are safe! Safe on eyes, skin and paws. It’s safe around and if ingested. Best of all: 100% salt & chloride free.
  • EXCELLENT SPREAD RATE - Allows a typical back yard to be treated to make a safe winter play land for pets and people. Can be used for a long time on small and large areas.
  • VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED FORMULA - Unlike other Pet Safe Ice Melts, Safe Paw's patented formula is guaranteed to not hurt people, pets, and the planet.
  • NON-CORROSIVE & LONG SHELF LIFE - It’s non corrosive and non-conductive. No damage to delicate machinery or worry about short circuits. Get instant melting without worrying about property damage. Concentrated formula assures long-term, maximum effectiveness from season to season.
  • EASY TO USE AND SAFE FOR LAWNS AND CONCRETE: Qik Joe is easy to apply with a shaker or straight from the bag; Does not harm grass, shrubs, plants, concrete, or asphalt; Leaves no unsightly white residue; Follow instructions on packaging for best results
  • MELTS MORE ICE, FASTER: Qik Joe Instant Ice Melt is specifically designed and formulated to clear ice and snow as quickly as possible; Its spherical shape bores straight down through ice and the calcium chloride formula works fast and prevents refreezing
  • PREVENTS REFREEZING: Qik Joe prevents refreezing of ice and snow; Once your sidewalk, steps, driveway, or parking lot are clear, they will not refreeze; This provides safer conditions for cars and pedestrians in extreme cold weather
  • GENERATES HEAT ON CONTACT: Qik Joe uses an “exothermic action” to generate heat when pulling moisture out of the air to form its brine solution; This works more quickly than other products which require direct contact with moisture sources
  • EFFECTIVE AT SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES: Because Qik Joe generates its own heat, it remains effective at temperatures down to -25° F; This will allow you clear surfaces in lower temperatures than other products which are ineffective below 30° F

What to Look For in a best salt for asphalt driveway?

We're sure you've purchased something and afterward regretted it. We are all concerned about the items we purchase. The easiest method to prevent these concerns is to conduct a thorough study before purchasing the best salt for asphalt driveway.

That is also why we decided to introduce this post in order to provide you with advice on how to avoid buying errors when selecting the best salt for asphalt driveway.

Minimum Temperature

Ice melts are usually required to reach a minimum temperature of between 0° and -40° Fahrenheit. Some can even be used below -15°F. You should make sure that you get something that will withstand the extreme cold temperatures in your region.

Environmental Factors

The chemicals found in your ice melting will have an adverse effect on the surroundings, as we've already mentioned.
Different products can have different effects on the animals and plants of the environment, as well as man-made materials like concrete or grates.
When you are choosing your product, and later when it is applied, be mindful of the environment.
This article provides more details about the impacts of deicing chemicals upon soil, vegetation and groundwater.

Intended Surface

Some ice melts are not suitable for all surfaces. You should look for an ice melt that's anti-corrosive and formulated specifically for you, like a roof deicer. It's a good idea, if you're not sure, to try the ice melt first on a small area of your driveway or sidewalk.

Type

There are two types of ice melts: liquid and solid. You can sprinkle solid ice melt pellets by hand, or using a handheld or small-handheld sprinkler. You can spray liquid ice melt with any handheld sprayer. Additional equipment may be required, which could increase the cost of your liquid ice melt.
You can also buy ice melt that is specifically designed for roof deicing. They come as tablets which can be used to throw onto the roof, sometimes with help from a ladder. The ice melts and then runs off the roof like water.

Package Size

While bulk purchases offer the greatest value, it is best to buy large quantities. If you do not want to throw away your ice melt, however you can store large containers of icemelt during the summer heat. Take into account how many tons of ice or snow you expect to get in the coming year. Stock up accordingly.

FAQs

Can You Make Homemade Ice Melt?

Effective ice melting can be done with items that you have around the house. A large amount of isopropyl ethanol (rubbing alcohol), mixed with warm water and some dish soap can be used for smaller deicing areas like the windshield or walkway. This makes it safer for you and your pets.
Even though regular table salt might be useful, they will kill your grass and leave you with a damaged driveway.

Is Ice Melt Environmentally Friendly?

Ice melt in large amounts can be harmful to the environment. Large quantities of chemical deicers can get into storm drains and then into waterways (e.g. rivers or lakes). They often react with other chemicals in water and cause damage to wildlife and fish. It is important that you only apply the necessary amount and not to spread it to areas where there are plants.

Is Ice Melt Pet-safe?

Although "pet-safe" may sound a little broad, it is true that any ice melting is potentially dangerous for your pet. Their paws can be irritated and burned by sodium and calcium chloride. Many melts are toxic and can cause serious injuries if they are ingested. Also, be aware of how to store ice melt.

What's The Best Ice Melt For Asphalt?

The best asphalt ice melt is sodium chloride, also called "rock salt". This deicer is what you will see on roads and highways in snowstorms. It is also less expensive than other ice melts, and it can be effectively used on gravel surfaces. Asphalt is not immune to all possible damage but it is more resistant than concrete to chloride-based, ice melts.

How Do You Use Ice Melt?

Apply a thin coating of concrete to your ice and snow melt. Scotts offers a wheeled spreading tool that can be used to cover larger areas than driveways or small walkways.
Ice melt performs at its best when laid before storms and prevented from freezing.
Use a snow shovel to remove snow that is already on the ground.

What's The Difference Between Ice Melt For Driveways Or Sidewalks And Ice Melt For Roofs?

Magnesium chlorineide is the best option for roofing because unlike sodium chloride and other ice melting options, it won't cause damage to your roof shingles. Magnesium chloride is a little safer than sodium chloride and will not pose a threat to the landscape or lawn if it leaks off the roof.
We have had success with roof rakes to remove snow from roofs.

Conclusion

Finally, the best salt for asphalt driveway may be readily used and offers a range of options to meet your needs. When looking for another kind of best salt for asphalt driveway, which we recommend  Safe Paw Dog Pet Friendly Saltless Ice Melt, all of these characteristics are significant. 

We've combed through all of this data in order to assist you in making the best decision possible. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you discover the best salt for asphalt driveway in the comments section below!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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