Types of Snow & Ice Melt Products at Do it Best
Do it Best offers snow and ice melt products for treating sidewalks, steps, driveways, porches, and other outdoor areas around the home. The types of snow and ice melt products offered at Do it Best are compared in the table below:
Product Type | Best For | How It Works | Key Considerations |
Driveways, sidewalks, steps, and other paved surfaces | Lowers the freezing point of water and helps melt ice on the surface | Performance varies by ingredient, temperature, application rate, and surface type | |
Walkways, slopes, gravel areas, parking spaces, and very cold conditions | Adds texture and grip over slippery surfaces to improve traction | Does not typically melt ice and may require sweeping or cleanup after the thaw |
De-icing Ingredients
Checking the active ingredients of ice melt products is one of the best ways to understand how a formula will perform. Keep in mind that effectiveness depends on pavement temperature, not just the air temperature shown in the forecast.
- Calcium chloride: Works quickly and performs well at lower temperatures. Calcium chloride ice melt can irritate skin or paws and affect concrete, plants, and metal, so be careful with application.
- Magnesium chloride: Also performs well in colder conditions than traditional rock salt in most cases. It can attract moisture or leave residue, so careful application is important around concrete, landscaping, pet areas, and metal.
- Blended formulas: Combine multiple ingredients to balance melting speed and temperature range. Performance varies by blend, so always review the full label for temperature limits, application rates, and surface precautions.
For more detail on application methods, read Ice Melt 101: Everything You Need to Know.
Choosing the Right Snow and Ice Melt Product
Consider where the product will be used, the expected weather, and how the area is used. These considerations can help decide which product is best:
- Expected Surface Temperature: Look for the product’s effective temperature range on the label. Some formulas continue working in deeper cold, but traditional rock salt is better for less severe conditions.
- Surface Type and Age: Read the label before applying any de-icing products to concrete, asphalt, pavers, brick, stone, wood, or metal. You’ll want to be more cautious around new, damaged, poorly sealed, or decorative surfaces regardless.
- Area Size: A small container may be enough for multiple applications on steps or short walkways. For larger driveways or frequently treated areas, you may want a larger bag for less-frequent restocks.
- Application Method: Pellets, crystals, and granules can spread differently. Select a formula that works with your handheld salt spreader or broadcast spreader.
- Household Activity: Homes with children or pets should choose products with pet-safe ingredients and follow recommended application guidelines.
Make sure to buy enough ice melt before winter. Demand can increase quickly when winter storms come through, so having ice melt ready avoids an extra trip when roads are already difficult.
Get Ready Before Snow Starts Falling
A good winter setup may include ice melt, a snow shovel or pusher, an ice scraper, and other snow removal tools. Browse the rest of our snow removal tools to prepare your home, and always make sure to safely remove snow and ice from your property.
Browse snow and ice melt products online and find the option that best fits your property winter weather conditions. Order online for home delivery or get same-day pickup at a nearby Do it Best location.
Snow & Ice Melt FAQs
Keep it in its original package in a dry location away from moisture, children, and pets. If the original bag is damaged, place it inside a weather-resistant container and label it.
Some products may work with salt broadcast spreaders or handheld spreaders. Check the ice melt label and spreader manual first, then use the recommended setting to avoid under or overapplication.
Certain products are labeled for pretreatment, which may help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the surface. Confirm that the specific formula allows pretreatment and follow its timing and application instructions.