3 Reasons Why You Should NEVER Use Chlorine On Your Concrete
We’ve all seen the ads for different types of ice melts. You might have seen one that talks about how it can be used on concrete and another that says it’s only good for asphalt. It’s easy to get confused when there are so many options, but today we want to help you make an informed decision and understand what’s the best ice melt: chloride-based or non-chloride based.
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What’s The Best Ice Melt: Chloride-Based Or Non-Chloride Based.
Reason 1: Contains Salt
Chloride-based ice melts are a type of salt. They work by dissolving into the water around ice and snow, lowering its freezing point so that it melts more easily and quickly. Chlorides are salts. They can be naturally occurring or synthetically produced. The main ingredient in most types of ice melt is sodium chloride, also known as rock salt or Halite.
Get ready for winter with Traction Magic instant grip on snow and ice
Reason 2: Pollutes Environment
Most chlorides are cheap, pollute your environment, corrode concrete and metal, and can damage the skin if handled incorrectly. And because they can get into our lakes, rivers, and streams, their use is regulated in many municipalities.
Most wholesale ice melt distributors use chloride including calcium chloride (CaCl2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), sodium chloride (NaCl), and potassium chloride (KCl).
Reason 3: Harms Your Pets
If you want to take care of the environment, your dog’s paws, and concrete at once, use a non-chloride ice melter.
Non-chlorides don’t contain any chloride (i.e., chlorine) or magnesium. They contain other natural elements. They’re safer for pets and the environment to handle.
One such Ice melt is Safe Thaw. It is also safer for metal surfaces like concrete slabs and steel railings. Chlorides can corrode metals like iron over time; while this isn’t typically an issue when using it on driveways or sidewalks (you won’t be walking on them), it’s still worth noting that non-chloride alternatives don’t have this side effect either!
Fortunately, there are now traction agents on the market that can be used for immediate traction. Traction Magic by Gaia is a great choice because it uses eco-friendly natural ingredients with no harmful chemicals or additives. It’s safe for concrete and is 0% corrosive or messy unlike its alternatives—sand and kitty litter.
Get ready for winter with Traction Magic instant grip on snow and ice
Snow and Black Ice: Why Chlorine is a Concrete Catastrophe
Winter brings more than a picturesque landscape—it also brings snow and black ice, two hazards that can quickly make concrete surfaces treacherous. Many homeowners and even wholesale ice melt distributors turn to chloride-based solutions to manage ice buildup, but is that the best approach? Let’s break down why chlorine-based ice melts should be nowhere near your concrete this winter.
Snow and Black Ice Damage: 3 Reasons to Skip Chloride-Based Ice Melts
Reason 1: Contains Salt That Harms Surfaces
Chloride-based ice melts rely heavily on sodium chloride—aka rock salt. This type of salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, speeding up the melting process. But while it helps with snow and black ice, it wreaks havoc on surfaces. Concrete, in particular, suffers from spalling and cracking as chloride accelerates freeze-thaw damage. And let’s not forget metal railings and fixtures—chloride doesn’t discriminate when it comes to corrosion.
Reason 2: Environmental Pollution
You may be asking, “Where can you find this black-sand beach with ice chunks?”—a picturesque scene likely not polluted with runoff from sodium, calcium, or magnesium chloride. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for many of our neighborhoods. Chloride-based melts seep into storm drains, polluting water systems and damaging ecosystems. Many municipalities now regulate their usage due to the long-term harm they cause.
Reason 3: Risks to Pets and Health
Chlorides can irritate skin and paws, and if ingested, can make both pets and children sick. Even wholesale ice melt distributors include warnings on bags due to these risks. You may be wondering, “How long do you ice a black eye?” but the real question is—how long should we tolerate products that can cause injury in the first place?
Better Alternatives for Snow and Black Ice Safety
So what can you do instead? For melting ice, choose a non-chloride ice melt like Safe Paw. It’s free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for people, pets, and the planet. It’s also less corrosive, preserving your concrete, steel railings, and lawn.
For instant traction during sudden freeze-ups, there’s Traction Magic. Made from natural volcanic rock and other minerals, it grips icy surfaces without waiting for melting. Whether you’re managing a slick driveway or caught off guard while walking the dog, Traction Magic provides safe footing on both snow and black ice. You also won’t have to wonder, “Do I turn off traction control in snow?”—because with good ground traction, your tires and feet can do their job better.
Conclusion
The reality of snow and black ice means we need ice management tools that are both effective and safe. Chloride-based melts might offer a quick fix, but the environmental, structural, and health costs are too high. Choose Safe Paw for melting, and ice Traction Magic for immediate, non-corrosive traction. This winter, don’t just fight the freeze—do it smartly and safely.
Other Ice Melt Products
Safe Paw
The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.
Safe Thaw
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Ice and Snow Management You Can Trust.
