Ice Melt Salt Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes and Stay Safe with Kilgore's Winter Products

As the seasons change, winter weather creates safety hazards on driveways, sidewalks, and entryways. Bulk road salt and Ice melt salt products, when used correctly, can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents and minimize property damage. However, the wrong application or product choice harms the environment and leads to costly mistakes.

Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center offers a wide range of de-icing solutions designed to meet Utah’s winter challenges. From bulk road salt to eco-friendly ice melt products, Kilgore provides homeowners and property managers with the products they need to keep surfaces safe and accessible throughout the winter months.

Common Ice Melt Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Understanding the correct application and selection of ice melt products is crucial for optimal results. Below are five common mistakes and tips to ensure safe and efficient use.

1. Not Using Ice Melt

Skipping ice melt to save time or money can end in dangerous ice accumulation. Even after shoveling, thin layers of ice are left behind and create slip hazards. Applying ice melt prevents refreezing and reduces the risk of accidents, which can be far more costly than the ice melt itself.

Kilgore’s bulk road salt and standard road salt both prevent ice formation, making them a smart investment for safety. For small areas, consider Kilgore’s convenient ice melt salt bagged products are best for porches and entryways.

2. Using Too Much Ice Melt

Overapplication of ice melt salt or bulk road salt is a common mistake that can harm landscapes, corrode concrete, and increase product waste. More is not always better—most products are designed to spread and activate in small amounts and many are concrete safe ice melts to protect your surfaces.

To prevent waste, use a spreader for an even application. Kilgore’s colored ice melts make it easy to monitor coverage and avoid overuse. Always follow product instructions for recommended quantities.

3. Applying Ice Melt Incorrectly

The wrong application can reduce the effectiveness of ice melt. For best results:

• Apply ice melt before snow freezes to prevent ice bonding.

• Spread the product evenly using a handheld or walk-behind spreader.

• Clear snow before applying ice melt to exposed surfaces.

Kilgore’s pet-safe de-icing products are specially formulated to work effectively without harming your furry friends or delicate surfaces.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Ice Melt

Different ice melt products are designed for specific temperature ranges and surfaces. Using the wrong type can lead to inefficiency or environmental damage. For example:

• Calcium chloride works quickly in extreme cold (down to -25°F).

• Magnesium chloride is effective at low temperatures and is less harmful to vegetation.

• Sodium chloride (rock salt) is cost-effective but less effective in extreme cold.

Kilgore Salt Lake Landscape Center offers all of these options, including eco-friendly blends and professional products like bulk road salt designed for low-temperature environments. Ask a Kilgore staff member to choose the best solution for your needs.

5. Not Cleaning Up Excess Ice Melt

Leftover ice melt salt can damage floors and carpets if tracked indoors. Sodium chloride leaves a white residue, while calcium and magnesium chloride can create slippery, oily films.

To prevent issues:

• Use track mats at entryways.

• Clean residues promptly with appropriate cleaning agents.

• Vacuum or mop regularly to prevent buildup.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Property

Selecting the right de-icing products for your property is important for maximizing safety, minimizing environmental impact, and cost efficiency. Kilgore Landscape Center provides many products made for Utah’s winter conditions, each designed to meet specific de-icing conditions.

• Bulk Road Salt: This popular product is ideal for large-scale snow and ice management. Whether for long driveways, parking lots, or public pathways, bulk road salt delivers consistent performance. Its coarse grains ensure prolonged melting action, helping to maintain safe surfaces during heavy snowfall. By purchasing in bulk, property managers can efficiently cover expansive areas while minimizing costs.

• Coarse grains for extended melting action

• Cost-effective for large areas

• Ideal for parking lots, driveways, and public pathways

• Purple Heat Ice Melt: A premium, fast-acting de-icing solution, Purple Heat Ice Melt salt works at exceptionally low temperatures with reliable melting even in extreme cold. Its distinct purple color helps an even application and reduces the chances of overuse while maximizing coverage. Best for residential and commercial properties, Purple Heat is a great choice for areas that experience subzero temperatures.

• Works in subzero temperatures

• Purple color for easy application monitoring

• Suitable for residential and commercial use

• Ice Bomb Ice Melt: Known for its powerful and rapid melting capabilities, Ice Bomb is a high-performance product that easily tackles thick ice layers. Formulated to work quickly, it’s perfect for emergency situations where immediate results are needed. Ice Bomb also minimizes refreezing, providing lasting effectiveness after application. It’s particularly suited for areas with persistent ice buildup, such as shaded walkways and staircases.

• Quick melting action for thick ice layers

• Reduces refreezing for long-lasting results

• Perfect for shaded areas and staircases

• Polar Ice Melt: Combining efficiency with environmental concern, Polar Ice Melt is an all-purpose solution for a variety of surfaces and needs. Its eco-friendly ingredients minimize damage to plants, hardscapes, and pets making it a popular choice for homeowners and businesses. Polar Ice Melt has reliable melting action without compromising on safety for pets, plants, or surrounding ecosystems.

• Eco-friendly and pet-safe formula

• Balanced performance for various surfaces

• Minimizes landscape and hardscape damage

All of Kilgore’s ice melt salt come in both bulk or bagged options depending on the amount needed besides their bulk road salt. Ask Kilgore’s staff, which de-icing solution will best keep your property safe, accessible, and the least damaged throughout the season.

Pro Tips for Winter Maintenance

Keep your property safe and accessible this winter with these additional tips:

• Pre-Treatment is Key: Apply ice melt before a storm to prevent ice bonding and reduce the need for additional applications.

• Combine with Shoveling: Clear snow before applying ice melt for the best results. Use snow blowers to make the process quicker.

• Seal Surfaces: Protect concrete and brick surfaces with a commercial-grade sealant to prevent moisture damage during freeze-thaw cycles. Choose our concrete safe ice melts if this concerns you.

• Store Products Properly: Keep ice melt products dry and away from moisture to maintain their effectiveness.

• Monitor Weather Conditions: Adjust your de-icing strategy based on temperature and precipitation forecasts.  f

Environmental Considerations

While ice melt is smart for safety, overusing it can harm the environment. Kilgore Landscape Center’s eco-friendly de-icers are designed to minimize soil and water contamination, making them a mindful choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Use ice melt salt sparingly and avoid applying it near storm drains, plants, or sensitive areas. Ask Kilgore’s team to explore sustainable options that align with your values.

Partner with Kilgore Landscape Center

At Kilgore Salt Lake Landscape Center, we’re committed to helping you tackle winter challenges with confidence. From high-quality bulk road salt to pet-safe and concrete friendly ice melts, our products are designed to keep your property safe and accessible.

Our team of experts or call us at (801) 561-4231 so we can help you choose the right products and give you pro tips for application. Visit Kilgore Landscape Center at 7961 S. 1300 W. West Jordan, UT 84088 today to stock up on all your snow removal essentials.

Stay safe and prepared this winter with Kilgore’s trusted de-icing solutions!