The Best Salt For Driveway In 2024
By, Sarah CombsUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter
Harris Kind Melt is a new breakthrough in pest control. This product is a safe, natural and effective alternative to harmful chemicals that can cause health hazards or damage your home. Harris Kind Melt goes the extra mile to protect your loved ones and the animals in your life by providing a pet friendly solution that is simple and easy to use. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Natural Rapport Pet Friendly Safe Ice Melter
Natural Rapport is a safe and effective way to clear ice from your sidewalks, walks, and driveways. Natural Rapport is a proprietary formulation that is safer for your pets, children, and carpet and tile when little feet or paws track some in the house. The safe deicing formula is easier on a pet paw and works better for melting ice. Read Review
3. Best For The Price: Scotwood Industries Driveway Heat Concentrated Ice Melter
Make your driveway safe and free of ice with Prestone 9.5J-Heat. This heat concentrated ice melter contains a hygroscopic formula that draws moisture from snow and ice, allowing for an efficient and fast melting process. It will leave your driveway safe for easy driving in no time at all. Read Review
4. Best Exactly: Snow Joe Resealable Bag Premium Calcium Chloride Crystal Ice Melter
Snow Joe’s patented melt-2-go process is the fastest, most effective way to melt ice. Snow Joe’s unique formulation of calcium chloride crystals is super-enhanced with extenders for long lasting traction control and instant melting power. With its patented design, using Snow Joe’s product will save you time as well as money and your sanity. Read Review
If you have a driveway, chances are you’ll end up getting lots of salt used on it in the winter. You might want to consider which kind of salt is the best for your driveway. Salt is extraordinarily effective at removing snow and ice. Not only does it help prevent re-deposit with regular use, but it also helps prevent against harmful effects like ice damming and cracking of concrete. There are many different types of salt available, but they all work in the same way: by dissolving substances such as ice or calcium carbonate from natural sources like chalk and stone.
They also have an anti-craving agent that will have a minimal impact on other non-targeted substances like grass and sidewalks. The different types of salt contain different minerals that will have a different effect on your driveway depending on what you’re trying to achieve. This article covers everything you need to know about using quality salt as well as some alternatives if you don’t want to use sodium chloride or rock salt in your driveway.
After lots of research based on customer feedback, We think the best salt for driveway is HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and many other good choices so that you can decide which one is the best for your requirements.
RELATED: You need salt to melt ice, but which one is best? Find out what type of salt is the best salt to melt ice and how to use it in your home this spring.
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
- LESS HARMFUL TO LAWNS AND GRASS - Safer for trees and other vegetation. Our non-hygroscopic ice melt is environmentally formulated with biodegradable soil supporting compounds, making it less harmful to plant life compared to competitors.
- NO NEED FOR A SHAKER BOTTLE - Our easy-to-apply cap allows you to use the perfect amount every time. Plus, the green colored crystals won't clump and help you see exactly how much you have applied. Simple and effective, it saves you time and money.
- WORKS FAST AND LAST 3X LONGER - Our fast-acting, "time release" formula lasts longer and helps prevent re-icing on your driveway, sidewalk or patio. The jug has up to 25% more ice melt than our competitors, so our 10 pound jug will last even longer.
- SAFER FOR CONCRETE, METAL, AND WOOD - ProtectRx, our proprietary, organic technology, reduces corrosion rates by up to 75% compared to regular ice melters and rock salt. It is safer for your vehicles, equipment, and other surfaces.
- SAFER FOR PETS - Made in the USA. Our proprietary, eco-friendly formula is safer for your pets, children, and carpet and tile when little feet or paws track some in the house. The safe deicing formula is easier on a pet paw and works better on ice.
- 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.
What Are the Main Ways for Picking best salt for driveway, According to Our Experts?
Even during the shopping process, many things need to be considered. There are many different ways to access research material. Understand this. Our entire team is ready to lend you a hand, offer advice, and provide answers to your problems.
You should be able to access the best salt for driveway more easily with the tremendous rise of information sources. For you, our research ensures precision and objectivity thanks to our experts that work hard to get it.
Please follow the bellow points before selecting the best salt for driveway:
Minimum Temperature
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.
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
RELATED: Discover the best salt for snow melting this winter. Learn about different varieties of salt and their effectiveness in melting snow and ice quickly and safely.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In general, it's difficult to say who creates the best salt for driveway since each firm has unique qualities, features, and pricing points that set them apart from the competition. We only suggest products from the most outstanding manufacturers on our site, so you can rest assured about their quality.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance with your problems. Wish you a happy shopping!
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