Let’s start with the basics. Most ice melt fall into a few categories: rock salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and blended mixes. The differences? Mainly how fast they work, at what ambient temperature they work best, and how much collateral damage they cause.

Rock salt is the budget option—effective and popular, but tough on grass and concrete. Use it sparingly and never near plantings. Calcium chloride works quickly when temperatures are very (down to -25°F) but can be corrosive. Magnesium chloride is gentler on vegetation and pets, making it a good all-around pick for homeowners. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is the Cadillac of lawn-friendly ice melt: expensive, but incredibly safe for plants, paws, and pavement.

Blended products are the perfect middle ground, giving you better performance with less damage. Just check the label so you know what you’re spreading.

Application matters just as much as product choice. Over-spreading is the fastest way to kill grass and stain walkways. Use a handheld spreader for even coverage, and clear as much snow as possible before applying. ice melters work best when they’re melting thin layers—not thick slabs.

If you want to skip chemicals altogether, sand or grit offers traction without melting ice, and it won’t harm your lawn. Just be prepared to sweep it up later.

One more winter hack: keep your equipment handy. A well-tuned snow blower does more to prevent ice than most de-icers ever could. Less packed snow means less refreezing simple as that. And if your blower needs a little mid-winter love, Power Place has the parts, service, and sharp-running ARIENS® and Honda machines to keep your driveway safe all season long.