Liquid Ice Melt

An alternative to ice melt salts

Liquid ice melt is an alternative to using ice melting salt to remove ice from driveways and walkways. It is more environmentally safe and easy to apply using a standard liquid sprayer.

Liquid ice remover works because the liquid ice melt is much heavier than water so it will penetrate snow and ice causing it to melt. Most liquid ice melt products are fast acting deicers that make ice and snow removal much easier. When the liquid ice melt is sprayed on snow or ice it starts to melt immediately.

One drawback is if you have a thick layer of ice on your driveway or walkway the liquid tends to dilute as it melts the ice, making it less effective. Once the liquid migrates underneath the ice it will loosen the ice from the surface making mechanical removal more practical. Unlike salts, most liquid ice melt products do not require sunlight to activate the melting process although it will work better in the presence of sunlight.

While liquid melt can work in very cold temperatures, it works very well when the temperature is as high as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It isn’t recommended when the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Fahrenheit. As the liquid melts the ice it will eventually become diluted to the point where it no longer works. At the point where it stops working the liquid needs to be reapplied.

Some state highway departments use liquid ice melt as well as most airports. Liquid ice melt is used on airports because any of the salt type ice melts is destructive to airplanes. Once the surface ice bond is broken, regular traffic loosens the rest of the ice which aids in its removal. When applied in a heavy stream it penetrates the surface to break the bond at the asphalt or concrete surface.

For home use most liquid ice melts are a little expensive but it is very effective for deicing and an ice remover. Liquid ice melt can be purchased in one and five gallon containers at most hardware stores and home improvement supply centers.

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