Reported by:
John Matarese
UPDATED 2/8/10Good news if you you need some salt to melt the ice on your driveway or steps.
Unlike last winter, salt is not in short supply this February. The Cincinnati area had almost 4 weeks between the January and February snowfalls, and stores were able to restock.
So if you have a choice, which is best?
We Put Melters to the TestI have done several tests over the years, comparing different types of ice melter on the same snowy and icy sidewalk, with roughly the same results each time.
This is one case where products claiming they are "tough" really do live up to their claims. The problem is that salt, which is cheap and fairly effective, loses its effectiveness once the temperature drops much below 20 degrees. And that's where you really need it.
The Winner is....So based on results of three separate "Don't Waste Your Money" comparisons since 2004, here is what we found.
- 1st Place: Chemical Pellets ("Prestone Driveway Heat," "Fire and Ice," others)
- 2nd Place: Environmentally Safe Melters ("Safe Step," others)
- 3rd Place: Rock Salt, a great value, but simply not effective below 15 degrees
This is why road crews add calcium chloride to the salt they spread on roads. Many of the chemical pellets contain calcium chloride or similar additives.
Next: Which Can Ruin Your Sidewalk?
