Is To Much Ice Melt A Bad Thing?

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Is to much ice melt a bad thing?  Wait, there are at least FOUR types you can purchases?!  Wait, you can purchase two types of ice melt and mix them together to form the ultimate ice and snow melting mixture?!

First you have to know the four different types of ice melt prevalent in New Hampshire.  Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) and Potassium Chloride.


  • Calcium chloride: It is a hygroscopic compound that absorbs moisture and then starts to dissolve ice.  This is an exothermic reaction that generates heat up to 60 degrees Celsius which then melts the ice.  This means that if it is super cold out it doesn't work as it should because ice once melted forms... water, which in turn freezes to form ice.  This leads people using more of it and eventually sand because its not working as they read on the label.
  • Magnesium chloride: This can be used in heavily vegetated areas and is less corrosive.  It is hygroscpic in nature so it works similarly to calcium chloride. (BEST for extreme snow and moderate cold weather)  
  • CMA - It is made up of acetic acid which is the main component of vinegar and dolomite lime.  Unlike ICE MELTS it works by preventing snow and ice particulars from sticking onto each other.  This means that is has a greater ability to prevent refreezing then actually melting snow and ice.  Tends to leave behind more slush.  (This is better at using BEFORE the storm because it is a preventaive ice melt)
  • Potassium chloride: Is slower acting melting ice but it can melt ice in temperature below -12 degrees Celsius.  If the snow storm already started this is a horrible option because the chemical compound will take along time to dissolve the snow and ice.  However, if the snow storm is in 0 degree Celsius weather it is your best option. (BEST for extreme cold and placing down BEFORE a storm)


Why should you care?  Because each option has a different chemical reaction to snow and ice based on temperature etc.  Before you purchase just one look at whats available.  A NH home owner, building manager, property manager etc. should have at least TWO types.  Stop tossing away your money by over saturating the ground with just calcium chloride.  Live on the edge and buy some potassium chloride to throw into your winter ice and snow melting mixture.  The results will be amazing.   

Written by: Jason Parent
Owner of: Titan Cleaning Services in Manchester, NH
www.titancleaning servicesnh.com

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