Winter brings snow, ice, and that familiar “slide-and-hope” walk across the driveway. But keeping your steps safe isn’t just about tossing down whatever melt product you have; each option works differently, and choosing the right one can save you time, money, and frustration all season long.
This guide explains how melt products work, when to use each one, and how to achieve the best results based on the weather.
Why Winter Melt Matters
Ice doesn’t form the same way every day. Some days are mild and slushy. Other days are bitter cold, where traditional salt stops working altogether. Understanding what product to use, and when, helps you:
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Prevent slips and falls
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Protect concrete, gardens, and paws
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Use less product (and save money)
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Prepare for changing temperatures
With the right melt mix, your driveway becomes safer, easier to manage, and far less stressful during freeze-thaw season.
Your Melt Options (and When to Use Them)
Instead of thinking of winter melts as “good or bad,” it’s more helpful to think of them as tools, each designed for a different winter problem.
Salt: Your Everyday, All-Purpose Melter
Salt is the winter classic for a reason. It melts ice quickly when temperatures are around –9°C or warmer, making it ideal for typical Ontario winter days.
Use it when:
âś” Temperatures are mild to moderate
âś” You want fast melting
✔ You’re treating driveways or sidewalks
Why it helps:
Salt lowers water’s freezing point, breaking ice down quickly so surfaces become safer to walk and drive on.
Pet-Friendly Salt: Because Paw Safety Matters
Standard salt can irritate paws, so pet-friendly formulas are gentler while still offering reliable melting.
Use it when:
âś” Pets are outside often
✔ You’re treating walkways or front steps
âś” You want a less harsh option
Why it helps:
Pet-safe melt protects your animals without sacrificing safety around your home.
Salt & Sand Mix: Melting + Traction in One
For the days where the driveway feels like a skating rink, this mix gives you both melting power and grip.
Use it when:
âś” Driveways are icy and slick
âś” You need extra traction underfoot
âś” You want all-around reliability
Why it helps:
Salt starts melting the ice, while sand gives instant grip, perfect for heavily used areas.
Sand Only: For the Coldest, Deep-Freeze Days
Once temperatures drop below –15°C or colder, even the best salts struggle. Sand doesn’t melt ice, but it creates traction when you need it most.
Use it when:
✔ It’s extremely cold
✔ Salt isn’t working
âś” You need immediate grip
Why it helps:
Sand gives you stability on top of hard ice, reducing slips when melting simply isn’t possible.
Urea: A Gentle Option for Gardens & Sensitive Surfaces
For areas where plants, concrete, or decorative stone need protection, urea is a low-corrosion choice.
Use it when:
✔ You’re treating areas near garden beds
âś” You want to protect shrubs or lawn edges
✔ You’re melting ice on sensitive surfaces
Why it helps:
Urea is far less damaging to greenery and surfaces, making it great for front-yard walkways and landscaped areas.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on the day:
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Mild day? → Salt
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Have pets? → Pet-friendly salt
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Slippery driveway? → Salt & sand mix
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Extreme cold? → Sand
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Near plants or decorative stone? → Urea
Most homeowners benefit from having two options:
✨ Salt or pet-friendly melt for regular days
✨ Sand or a mix for deep freeze and high-traffic areas
Stay Safe This Winter
Choosing the right melt product isn’t just about convenience — it’s about keeping your family safe, protecting your property, and staying ahead of unpredictable winter weather.
Shop our full selection of winter melts, traction mixes, and safety essentials in-store today, and stay upright all season long.
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