The Best Salt For Sidewalks In 2024
By, Katie FinnUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Snow Joe AZ-25-EB Melt-2-Go Nature
MELT EB is the most advanced snow de-icer ever! It goes to work immediately upon contact with snow and ice to accelerate the deicing and melting process. It is safe, easy-to-use, and mess free. MELT EB prevents ice and snow from accumulating on treated surfaces by pre-treating them with MELT EB. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: Safe Paw -100% Safe for Pet People Property Plane
Safe Paw is the perfect solution for a pet lover’s outdoor space. Safe for all dogs, cats and other animals, it contains no abrasives or harsh chemicals that can harm your pet’s sensitive paws and skin. Safe Paw has a concentrated formula that lasts through multiple seasons to provide maximum effectiveness. With the ability to be applied to small and large surfaces, you can use this product to make a safe winter play land for both pets and people. Read Review
3. Best Performance: Natural Rapport Pet Friendly Ice Melt Rock Salt Alternative
Natural Rapport Pet Friendly Ice Melt Rock Salt Alternative is a safe deicing product with a proprietary, eco-friendly formula used to prevent ice from re-icing. This is a safer alternative to the salt that may be harmful to your pet's paw, children and the surface of your home. It is also faster acting than other deicing products on the market. Read Review
4. Best Safety: HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice Melt
HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice Melt is a natural ice melter for outdoor use, designed specifically for the care of your furry friends. This non-toxic and eco-friendly product melts ice quickly and easily without harming your pet's paws or nearby plants and shrubs. Read Review
5. Best Versatile: Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt
Safe for your furry friends and for 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. Perfect for spreaders. Because of its small, round pellet shape, Pet Safe can be used in various ice melt spreaders. Read Review
There are many factors that contribute to the wear and tear of a sidewalk. Aside from the natural wear and tear of traffic and foot traffic, there are other factors such as construction, weather conditions and more that cause sidewalks to need maintenance. It’s important when caring for your sidewalk to consider which salt is best for it.
Specially if you have little space available or you don’t use salt regularly because of the cost or annoyance factor that comes with it. In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of using different types of salts in order to help you determine which one is right for your specific situation.
However, after investing in 18 hours, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: Snow Joe AZ-25-EB Melt-2-Go Nature. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one, Safe Paw -100% Safe for Pet People Property Plane. It could better suit your needs.
RELATED: When it comes to the best salt for ice on concrete, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all option. In this article, we'll take a look at the different types.
Our Top Picks
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Works Immediately - Deicer instantly melts ice on driveways, sidewalks, steps, balconies, patios, walkways, roadways and more
Effective at Low Temps - Works at temperatures down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit
Less Corrosive - Kinder to the environment than traditional rock salt ice melters and less corrosive to concrete than sodium chloride and calcium chloride
OMRI Listed - Listed with the Organic Minerals Research Institute for organic use
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PREMIUM ICE MELT: Melts to -15°F The faster an ice melter works, the less chance there is for a mishap to occur. That’s why National Blue Ice Melt contains two patented accelerating agents. National Blue Ice Melt has been shown in Strategic Highway Research Program testing, to exceed the melt value of a theoretical 50% calcium chloride blend.
PET + CONCRETE FRIENDLY: National Blue Ice Melt will not harm concrete and vegetation when used according to label instructions. Ice Melt contains no added magnesium chloride which has been shown in studies to chemically attack concrete. Incorporating liquid anti-icing practices with dry application rates is essential to reducing chloride and salt impacts on the environment. Safe for pets and their paws
BETTER INGREDIENTS: Magnesium Chloride Free! Commercial strength, professional ice melter down to -15°F. Contains 10% Calcium Chloride.
SIZE: Optimized particle size for controlled spreading, allowing you to melt more with less cost. National Blue Ice Melt also contains anti-caking agents that ensure easy flow for ice melt spreaders and longer storage life. Contains a water soluble non-staining coverage indicator. Making it easier to see when spreading.
ANTI-CAKING: National Blue ice melt contains an anti-caking agent that helps for easy flow for ice melt spreaders and longer storage life
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
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
MELT ICE IN 10 MINUTES: Ice melting crystals prevent water molecules from reforming to destabilize and melt ice particles in 10 minutes
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to Look For in a best salt for sidewalks?
Sometimes, purchasing a product can draw some difficulties for shoppers, and that's why you shouldn't waste your time on unreliable sources of information. A variety of variables impact the best salt for sidewalks, along with all of the ones listed below. The formative assessment varies depending on the types and functions of the product.
We will give you some purchase guides to help you with your selection proc in the following sectors. Continue reading to learn about what you should look for when looking for the best salt for sidewalks:
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.
Intended Surface
Package Size
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.
RELATED: With the right type of salt, you can enjoy a safer driveway for years to come. Find the best salt for blacktop driveway in this article.
FAQs
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.
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.
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 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.
Generally, new information is continuously included into of best salt for sidewalks. Visit our sites for revisions and improvements regularly.
You now have a far better knowledge of how to purchase the best salt for sidewalks on the market. Hopefully, we've supplied you with enough information to help you make an informed decision. We'll see you in the following article.
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About Katie Finn
