Winter is well on its way. As the temperatures continue to drop lower, the risk of slips and falls climbs higher. Businesses and homeowners alike need to take steps to protect themselves, their patrons/loved ones, and the community as a whole. The best safety precaution you can take is using de-icing salt.
But what is de-icing salt made of, exactly? The last thing you want is to inadvertently cause harm to the environment or your sidewalks with corrosive de-icing salt ingredients. That’s why we created this guide to put your concerns at ease.
Our de-icing salt here at Jennychem is meticulously crafted in accordance with BS3247:2011, the British Standard for de-icing salt. It’s almost 100% sodium chloride, which is pure rock salt. Some of our formulations are equipped with anti-caking properties to enhance performance.
Learn more below, including how to use a salt spreader with our de-icing salt so you can protect your property and all who come in contact with your walkways. Shop Jennychem today and invest in peace of mind!
So, what is de-icing salt made of? We mentioned our de-icing salt ingredients already - pure sodium chloride. But just as with questions like, what is antifreeze made of, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Rock salt is just one of the many different types of salt you have at your disposal. We’ll unpack all the common ingredients you may find in de-icing salt below, including the pros and cons each brings to the table.
This is the most widely used de-icing agent for a reason - well, two reasons. Affordability and accessibility. Sodium chloride effectively melts ice in temperatures down to around -7°C.
It has a coarse texture that provides traction on slippery surfaces, keeping pedestrians and vehicles safe from slipping around.
But, it’s best reserved for milder winters as it may become less effective in extreme cold. It may also become corrosive to concrete and metals, and may even harm vegetation when used in excessive amounts.
Calcium chloride is a more powerful de-icer that works at much lower temperatures than sodium chloride, melting ice in as low as -30°C conditions. It releases heat through an exothermic reaction the moment it’s applied, accelerating the melting process.
This is why it’s relied on in the coldest climates across the UK, such as Scotland. But given that any region the UK can experience dramatic temperature drops, it’s worth having on hand just in case.
The only downside is that it’s more expensive than rock salt. It can also cause corrosion if not used carefully, just like rock salt.
Another effective low-temperature de-icing agent is magnesium chloride, which is often the go-to choice for those who want to avoid environmental harm while keeping walkways safe.
It works similarly to calcium chloride but is generally considered less harmful to vegetation and surfaces. It works down to around -15°C, too.
Magnesium chloride also produces less dust compared to other salts, which can be beneficial for those who are managing high pedestrian traffic areas and are worried about making a mess.
For a gentler de-icing agent, you may consider potassium chloride. It works down to 10°C, but it’s typically combined with other salts for stronger melting power.
That being said, its less aggressive nature is what draws many to rely on this salt over the alternatives. It’s gentler for more sensitive areas, such as near landscaping or water sources.
So if you’re trying to preserve plants around your walkways, this may be your best bet. Just be aware that it comes at a higher price tag than other types of salt.
Now, what is de-icing salt made of besides some type of salt? It varies greatly from product to product. Some, like our white de-icing salt, are pure salt without any additives. However, you may find other de-icing salt ingredients used from time to time as well.
Anti-caking agents, for instance, prevent clumping, ensuring that the salt spreads evenly across surfaces. We include these in one of our other formulations so that customers can choose from a few different options based on their needs.
Meanwhile, some formulations also include dyes, which help users visually track treated areas. This sounds great in theory, but it does raise red flags surrounding the use of artificial colouring agents on the ground as these can work into the water system.
Other additives may enhance melting efficiency or extend the longevity of the salt’s effectiveness on surfaces. Always read the ingredients label on a salt you’re considering and verify that it aligns with your needs and standards for environmental-consciousness.
Speaking of the environment, you may have access to more gentle, eco-friendly and pet-safe alternatives. One of these is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), a biodegradable compound that effectively melts ice while causing minimal harm to plants, animals, and concrete.
Or, you could try using beet juice, sometimes blended with rock salt, which enhances ice-melting properties without increasing salt content.
These alternatives tend to cost more than their pure salt counterparts, but pet owners or those trying to minimise environmental impact are typically willing to pay for peace of mind.
You may be wondering, what happens when you put salt on ice? More specifically, how does salt melt ice? Let’s examine the unique characteristics of de-icing salt below and why it’s a must for safeguarding your property this winter season.
De-icing salt lowers the freezing point of water, creating a brine solution when it comes into contact with snow or ice. This prevents ice crystals from forming and water from re-freezing in temperatures above the salt's effective range.
The salt essentially draws moisture in, forming a saline solution that keeps the surface wet rather than frozen. This creates a safer, slip-resistant surface and makes subsequent snow and ice removal easier with a weaker bond between the frozen layer and the ground.
We probably don’t have to remind you just how much of a risk slips and falls pose - for you, your loved ones, or even random passersby on your property. De-icing salt is something every business and home needs on hand when winter’s chill creeps in.
It can prevent accidents on steps, pathways, and driveways, keeping the area safe for family members, visitors, and delivery personnel. It’s not just a matter of safety, though - it may even be a compliance concern for businesses.
The last thing you need is a lawsuit on your hands because an employee, patron, or vendor injured themselves as a direct result of your negligence.
It’s clear that de-icing salt is an absolute necessity in the UK, but it’s not without its potential problems - specifically for the environment and the surfaces it’s commonly used on.
Salt runoff can infiltrate nearby soil and water sources over the course of winter, impacting local plant life and aquatic ecosystems. We mentioned there are environmentally friendly alternatives, but this is still a concern.
Worse, frequent exposure to salt can cause concrete, metal railings, and other materials commonly used in walkways and buildings to corrode faster. This is why you need to make sure you’re setting yourself up for safety and success in putting down salt on the ground.
We’ll share tips on sourcing the right salt for your unique needs and how to actually use it below.
The specific salt you apply and how you use it influences its performance and eco-friendliness. So, start by choosing the ideal salt for your needs and learn more about making the most of it to keep your surfaces safe and compliant.
First things first, head over to Jennychem and stock up on the UK’s premier selection of de-icing salt and streamline your application efforts with our salt spreaders. We’ve been the trusted choice for more than 35 years in a row now, and have a variety of options to choose from:
Each of these products has its place, and if you aren’t sure which is right for you, don’t play the guessing game. Get in touch with our world-class customer service team and we’ll guide you in the right direction.
Don’t forget a grit bin and salt spreader this season, either. These will help you cover your surfaces more consistently in less time, saving effort while guaranteeing results.
When you apply your salt makes a big difference in how effective it is, too. We suggest applying the salt before a freeze rolls in, as this can prevent ice accumulation in the first place. Being proactive helps provide peace of mind while reducing the amount of salt required later.
However, you’ll need to apply salt when snow and ice are already present from time to time as well. This helps melt the frozen layer and prevents it from re-freezing.
Overusing salt can harm vegetation and surfaces, while underuse might leave areas exposed. You need to find the sweet spot where you get the job done without causing harm.
For pathways and walkways, we recommend a rate of 10-20 grams per square metre. For roads and car parks you’ll need to be more aggressive with a rate of 20-40 grams per square metre depending on ice thickness and temperature.
We have a more detailed guide on how to melt ice on concrete if you’re interested in learning more. It’s fairly simple, though.
You need to keep your unused salt stored in a dry, protected area to prevent moisture exposure. This prevents it from clumping which would reduce effectiveness and create headaches when trying to spread the salt.
We touched on the role of our grit bins earlier, these are a great investment in the longevity of your salt surplus. You can rest assured your salt is ready to use when you need it. Otherwise, any airtight storage bin will do.
So, what is de-icing salt made of? We hope this overview of the de-icing salt ingredients has left you with a clear understanding of your options and the role each plays in protecting against frozen surfaces that pose a slip-and-fall risk.
From rock salt to advanced ice melt solutions, each type has unique strengths suited to different needs - whether it’s cost and convenience, environmental friendliness, or fast-acting nature in the harshest conditions. Whatever you end up choosing, Jennychem has you covered.
Our blog has more resources on topics like how to build a salt spreader DIY, sugar vs salt which melts ice faster, how much is a salt spreader, how to unfreeze screenwash, does salt kill weeds, how to make windscreen de icer, and more.
Otherwise, it’s time to set yourself up for success this winter season at Jennychem. From the best windscreen de icer to our unbeatable salt selection, we have everything you need to conquer the cold this year. Browse our catalogue today!
