Complete Ice Melt Comparison Guide

Dawn KruegerSnow Removal

Cleared roads in winter

Navigating the extensive array of ice melt options in today’s market can be a daunting task for business owners like yourself if you are trying to do your own snow and ice removal services. Determining the most suitable product for your specific needs requires careful consideration. Our comprehensive ice melt comparison guide is designed to assist you in making an informed decision, particularly if you are handling ice removal on your own. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, making it crucial to align your choice with the unique circumstances and requirements of your business. Of course, we always encourage you to let a professional snow and ice management company like Rasevic take care of these details for you, but if you are determined to keep snow removal in-house, hopefully this guide will help.

Calcium Chloride Ice Melt

Calcium Chloride Ice Melt stands out as a widely utilized and cost-effective deicer in the current market. Its popularity stems from its exceptional performance even in the most frigid conditions, capable of effectively combating ice at temperatures as low as -25 degrees. The distinguishing feature of Calcium Chloride is its ability to generate heat upon contact with ice or moisture, ensuring swift and efficient melting.

Despite its efficacy, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential drawbacks associated with Calcium Chloride. Overapplication of this ice melt can lead to adverse effects on grass and plants, making precise application essential to prevent unintended damage to landscaping. Additionally, there is a risk of causing harm to concrete surfaces if not applied judiciously. Business owners should exercise caution and consider the specific surfaces in their environment before opting for Calcium Chloride.

The rapid action of Calcium Chloride makes it an ideal choice for businesses facing urgent ice removal needs. Its quick response time is a significant advantage in time-sensitive situations, providing a prompt solution to icy surfaces. When speed and effectiveness are paramount, Calcium Chloride proves to be a reliable ally in combating winter challenges.

Beyond its role as a formidable solid ice melt, Calcium Chloride extends its utility into other essential applications for road maintenance. In addition to its traditional use as a granular ice melt, Calcium Chloride is widely employed in the preparation of liquid brine for pre-treating roads. This pre-treatment is a proactive measure taken by many municipalities and businesses to prevent ice and snow from bonding to road surfaces. The liquid brine, when made with Calcium Chloride, adheres effectively to road surfaces, creating a barrier that hinders the formation of ice, making subsequent snow and ice removal efforts more efficient.

Moreover, Calcium Chloride finds application in dust control on dirt roads. As a hygroscopic substance, it has the ability to attract and retain moisture from the air. When applied to unpaved surfaces, it suppresses dust by binding with particles and preventing them from becoming airborne. This dual-purpose use of Calcium Chloride showcases its versatility in addressing both winter weather challenges and dust-related issues, making it an advantageous solution for businesses with varied environmental concerns.

Business owners can appreciate the multi-functional nature of Calcium Chloride, not only as a potent ice melt but also as a proactive tool for road pre-treatment and an effective agent for dust control, contributing to a comprehensive approach to environmental maintenance.

Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt

Magnesium Chloride emerges as a superior alternative to sodium-based ice melt products, not only in terms of its efficacy but also for its environmentally friendly attributes. This powerful deicer boasts remarkable effectiveness even in extremely low temperatures, providing reliable ice control down to -13 degrees. The versatility of Magnesium Chloride is evident in its availability in various forms, including pellets, pastilles, and flakes, allowing businesses to choose the most convenient option for their specific application needs.

One notable advantage of Magnesium Chloride is its status as an environmentally friendly deicing solution. As compared to sodium-based alternatives, Magnesium Chloride exhibits a lower environmental impact, making it a more sustainable choice for businesses conscientious about their ecological footprint. Its effectiveness extends to not only melting ice but also minimizing the potential harm to the surrounding environment.

Despite its many merits, it’s crucial to exercise caution in the application of Magnesium Chloride. This ice melt should be used judiciously to prevent any adverse effects on concrete surfaces, plants, and, notably, older pets. The careful application of Magnesium Chloride ensures that its benefits in ice removal are maximized while mitigating any potential negative impact on the immediate surroundings.

Interestingly, the utility of Magnesium Chloride extends beyond ice control. Magnesium Chloride Flakes, in particular, find application in dust control. This dual-purpose functionality makes Magnesium Chloride a valuable asset for businesses seeking comprehensive solutions for both winter weather challenges and dust-related issues on unpaved surfaces.

In summary, Magnesium Chloride emerges as a holistic and environmentally conscious ice melt option, providing effective winter weather management while demonstrating versatility in application forms and additional functionalities such as dust control. Business owners can confidently integrate Magnesium Chloride into their ice management strategies, knowing that they are not only addressing immediate winter concerns but also making a responsible choice for the well-being of their surroundings.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate Ice Melt

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) represents a popular and widely employed solution in commercial settings, finding extensive use in areas such as parking lots and walkways. Renowned for its unique properties, CMA offers distinct advantages that set it apart from other ice melt products, making it an appealing choice for businesses and organizations with specific requirements for winter weather management.

One of the primary merits of CMA lies in its reduced corrosiveness compared to other conventional ice melts. This characteristic is particularly crucial when considering its application in high-traffic areas like parking lots and walkways, where damage to surfaces can have long-term implications. CMA’s formulation minimizes the risk of corrosion on various surfaces, including metals and concrete, contributing to the preservation of infrastructure and minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Another notable environmental benefit of CMA is its full biodegradability. As sustainability becomes an increasingly central concern, businesses are actively seeking solutions that align with eco-friendly practices. CMA meets this criterion, providing effective ice control while leaving behind a minimal environmental footprint. Its biodegradable nature ensures that, over time, it breaks down into environmentally harmless components, further enhancing its appeal for environmentally conscious applications.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge certain limitations associated with CMA. One significant drawback is its relatively higher cost compared to other ice melt options. This cost factor may influence decision-making for budget-conscious businesses, prompting them to weigh the environmental benefits of CMA against its price. Striking a balance between cost considerations and environmental priorities becomes paramount when evaluating the suitability of CMA for a particular application.

Furthermore, CMA’s effectiveness is notably contingent upon temperature conditions. Extensive research indicates that CMA performs optimally in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, in regions experiencing extreme cold temperatures, CMA may not be the most efficient choice, and businesses should consider alternative ice melt options for such conditions.

In conclusion, Calcium Magnesium Acetate emerges as a preferred solution in commercial applications due to its reduced corrosiveness, biodegradability, and suitability for areas with moderate winter conditions. While its price may pose a consideration, businesses valuing environmental sustainability and long-term infrastructure preservation may find the benefits of CMA to be well worth the investment in certain contexts. Careful assessment of temperature requirements and budget considerations will guide businesses in making informed decisions about the most suitable ice melt strategy for their specific needs.



Achieving optimal results with ice melt application requires a nuanced approach, emphasizing the importance of using a judicious amount rather than succumbing to the instinct to apply more. Finding the right balance involves a learning curve to ensure adequate ice removal without causing unnecessary harm to the environment. This delicate equilibrium requires consideration of factors such as humidity and temperature, both of which play pivotal roles in determining the most effective ice melt for a specific weather event.

Navigating these variables can be complex for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of ice management. If you prefer to eliminate the guesswork and ensure a professional touch in your ice removal efforts, entrusting the task to seasoned professionals becomes a prudent choice. Their expertise in assessing the environmental conditions, coupled with a nuanced understanding of the optimal application of ice melt, can lead to both effective ice removal and minimal environmental impact.

For further insights into ice melt solutions and the comprehensive snow services offered by Rasevic Snow Services, we invite you to reach out to us today. Whether you are situated in Maryland or the Washington DC area, our team is eager to assist you with top-notch commercial snow removal services. By leveraging our experience and commitment to excellence, you can rest assured that your winter weather management needs are in capable hands. Contact us today to explore how we can tailor our services to meet your specific requirements and ensure a safer, more manageable environment during winter conditions.