The Best Salt For Blacktop Driveway In 2024
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter
Harris Kind Melt is a 100% safe and effective alternative to toxic chemical ice melters. Harris Kind Melt breaks down the molecular structure of water molecules, making it impossible for insects to enter. Our all-natural ice melt will not harm children or pets, unlike traditional chemical ice melters. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: Scotwood Industries Driveway Heat Concentrated Ice Melter
Scotwood Industries 9.5J-Heat Driveway is an effective pellet ice melt in concentrated form. The hygroscopic formula draws moisture from snow and ice, allowing for an efficient and fast melting process. Designed for use in harsh winter climates, the product eliminates the need to shovel, plow or salt your way to a safe driveway. Read Review
3. Best Exactly: Snow Joe AZ-25-CC Resealable Ice Melter
The Snow Joe AZ-25-CC allows you to quickly melt ice without leaving a mess. This unique formulation of calcium chloride crystals is enhanced with extenders for long-lasting traction control, so your walk is safe and sustainable. Read Review
Many homeowners are worried about how much salt is safe to use on their driveway and sidewalks. While there are many factors that affect the rate at which salt will drain from a sidewalk or driveway, one thing is for sure: Blacktop and sidewalks treated with a high concentration of salt will not be safe for years. On top of that, excess amounts of salt can damage your home's foundation and cause other problems too.
That’s where the right brand of salt comes in! Many people believe that one type of salt is good for all types of surfaces. The truth is – it depends on the exact brand you use; some brands have stronger chemicals than others. Here we’ll go over what factors you should consider before buying your next salt, and explain why one brand might be better than another when dealing with blacktop or sidewalk applications.
We think the best salt for blacktop driveway that is available now is HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter. We also provide you with Scotwood Industries Driveway Heat Concentrated Ice Melter model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice. And bellow are the helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.
RELATED: Picking up the best salt for driveway is important to ensure you have the right type of salt that will keep your home safe and healthy.
Our Top Picks
- 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
- Less Corrosive - Kinder to the environment than traditional rock salt ice melters and less corrosive to concrete than sodium chloride and calcium chloride
- 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
- Prestone 9.5J-Heat Driveway Heat Concentrated Ice Melter 9.5 LB is an effective pellet ice melt in concentrated form.
- The hygroscopic formula draws moisture from snow and ice, allowing for an efficient and fast melting process.
- Use it to melt down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Product melts faster than blended de-icers and rock salt. Safe for use with vegetation.
- Does not harm concrete with proper use. Does not cause powdery white residue.
- MELTS DOWN TO -25°: MELT calcium chloride crystals effectively melt ice and snow on contact, even at temperatures as low as -25°F
- NON-TRACKING: When used as directed, MELT calcium chloride crystals will not track from your shoes onto your home’s floors or carpets
- LONG LASTING: Formulated to last up to 24 hours, MELT calcium chloride crystals go to work immediately upon contact with snow and ice and continue working all day long to ensure your surfaces are safer and ice-free
- INSTANT HEAT: MELT calcium chloride crystals generate heat instantly upon contact with snow and ice, thereby accelerating the melting process
- FAST ACTING: MELT calcium chloride crystals are specially formulated with super-enhanced melting properties to deliver fast and reliable results
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Trust in a product that doesn’t use calcium chloride or any harmful chemicals. These pellets aren’t harmful to the environment because they draw in moisture from the environment, making it safer for you and the planet.
- NON-TOXIC, SAFE & STAIN FREE: Keep it Green Ice Melter is the best option for your home and your family because it is pet friendly, child safe and won’t harm vegetation. Better yet, it won't stain carpets, kitchen floors, concrete, brick or stone.
- QUICK & EFFECTIVE: Don’t let snowy weather stop you from hitting the road. Melt away snow and ice in an instant! This powerful CMA sidewalk deicer works on contact to de-ice steps, pavements, driveways and other road surfaces immediately.
- GREEN COLORED SALT: This green tinted snow melting salt ensures you see what area has already been salted, so you don't waste. These pellets work on contact and continue to work even in very cold temperatures. The easy pour spout spreads the salt evenly.
- FERTILIZES YOUR YARD: Keep your lawn or yard healthy and lush even through winter weather. Unlike typical ice melts ours is combined with a time release fertilizer that distributes nutrients into the soil once the ice melt washes away.
- ❄️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
- ❄️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
- ❄️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
- ❄️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
- 5 POUND BAG SIZES MAKE APPLICATION EASY: All of our salts come in multiples of 5-pound bag sizes, which means you won't have to lug giant, heavy bags or tubs of salt around your yard to spread the ice melt salt around your sidewalk or driveway. These conveniently-sized bags are made to help you safely and easily treat your yard without breaking your back, because you've probably already done that with all the shoveling.
- HARVESTED FROM THE PACIFIC OCEAN: Ice Melt Salt is produced in a food grade facility and contains all the trace minerals and beautiful, irregular grains you'd expect from Pacific Ocean coarse sea salt. It's an excellent salt for traction and for de-icing.
- SAFER FOR PETS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. Because it is all-natural and food grade, it won't harm kids or pets if accidentally ingested while outside playing in the snow, and it won't burn paws or skin. It won't cause spalling on driveways and concrete that's been properly set and cured. As with most de-icers, pay special attention to ensuring that de-icers are not applied to grass or vegetation, and do not melt into those areas too much.
- MELTS SNOW AND ICE IN COLD TEMPERATURES (as low as 15°F): Applying Ice Melt Salt when the snow or ice begins to accumulate prevents ice from forming. Clearing as much snow as possible prior to applying Ice Melt Salt provides excellent, fast melting and traction.
- EXCELLENT TRACTION: The coarse grain size and irregular shape of the all-natural salt grains not only make this product quick to work, but also give your shoes and vehicles great traction while it's working.
- SAFER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT including run-off and landscaping. Contains significantly lower amounts of potentially harmful chlorides than alternatives. Non-toxic to plants. Plus, it's less likely to cause damage or corrosion to concrete or metals than other common salts.
- OUTPERFORMS ROCK SALT, melts 2X more ice than traditional rock salt and remains effective at lower temperatures (to -13°F).
- ALL-NATURAL MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE (harvested from the Dead Sea) has been reported by the Department of Health and Human Services to be significantly less toxic to humans and animals than other ice melts (non-toxic in standard amounts). In fact, in other forms, it is used as a dietary or livestock feed mineral supplement.
- EASY APPLICATION simply distribute the product over the desired area by hand or using a rotary spreader. It's best to apply before a big storm to prevent the formation and accumulation of ice and snow, but it can also be applied on top of ice and the round shape will bore into the ice and provide maximum melting power.
- ROUND PELLETS are perfect for use in a rotary spreader. With no jagged or sharp edges and an all-natural, non-exothermic reaction, you can apply these without fear for your pet's paws.
- Clears ice and snow from driveways, walkways and steps
- Scientifically proven to melt ice and snow in normal winter temperatures ( 5°F and above)
- Provides traction for getting out of snow drifts, can be stored in vehicle trunks to provide extra weight and improve driving stability
- Melt ice down to 5°
- CLEAR PROTECTION – Provides a long-lasting, non-glossy invisible coat to concrete surfaces. Will never leave any residue or alter the color or appearance of your concrete driveway, sidewalk, or patio. Masonry waterproofer that will last for up to 5 years
- EASY TO APPLY – First step is to ensure your concrete surface is fully cleaned and clear of dirt, dust, grease, oil, efflorescence, etc. Use a low-pressure pump-up garden sprayer to evenly coat your driveway. Avoid puddling or ponding. 1 gallon will give 90-150 sq.ft. of coverage
- WATER REPELLENT – Water-based eco-friendly silane/siloxane rain guard penetrating concrete sealer that bonds with the minerals in concrete and masonry to provide with you long-lasting water protection. The breathable sealer causes the water to bead instead of seeping into the concrete
- 3 YEAR WARRANTY – MasonryDefender offers a 3 Year Limited Warranty on Horizontal Concrete Surfaces
- POWERFUL CONCRETE SEALER – Keep your driveway looking new and protect it or other concrete surfaces from pitting or cracking. Best suited to protect against ice melt salts or chloride ions, freeze thaw damage, efflorescence stains, and more.
- QUICK & EFFECTIVE: Don’t let snowy weather stop you from hitting the road. Melt away snow and ice in an instant! These powerful pellets work on contact to de-ice pavements, driveways and other road surfaces immediately so you can get going.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: Trust in a product that doesn’t use harmful chemicals. These pellets aren’t harmful to the environment because they draw in moisture from the environment, making it safer for you and the planet. Made with calcium, magnesium and sodium.
- NO STAIN & NO DAMAGE: Blue Heat Snow and Ice melter is a non-harmful option for your home and your family because it won’t harm vegetation or stain carpets, rugs or kitchen floors. It’s safer for children, animals, plants, concrete, brick and stone.
- SUPERIOR MELTING POWER: This ice melter starts working on contact and it’s effective in temperatures as low as negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit. A blue tint makes it easy to see where product has already been distributed to prevent over-application.
- MADE IN THE USA: All of our products are made in the United States with quality care. As one of the highest grade ice melters you can rely on this de-icer to get the job done in any condition. Available for home and bulk supply.
What Should You Know Before Selecting best salt for blacktop driveway?
Our website is an online source that provides clients with a diverse selection of best salt for blacktop driveway. Many items on the site perfectly suit the demands of clients and serve their intended function.
So, how can you determine which of the best salt for blacktop driveway is the best fit for your needs? Don't be concerned! This article will walk you through all you need to know about the best salt for blacktop driveway before you buy it.
Minimum Temperature
Type
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
Intended Surface
Environmental Factors
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.
FAQs
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
In short, you have just been shown all the things related to best salt for blacktop driveway, including the top models, buyer’s guides, and the comparison between products as well. At this moment, it’s obvious that you acquire the mentioned information and are ready to pick one among the list of best salt for blacktop driveway above. In case there is no model that suits your needs, then Snow Joe Melt CMA Blended Ice Melter AZ-25-EB will be the best to pay attention to. Hopefully, our sharing today will help you choose the best item for your requirement.
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About Sara Ryan
