Deicers should be used only when necessary to help loosen snow and ice and make removal easier. Never over-apply deicing products and remove the slush before it has the opportunity to refreeze. Mix the deicers with sand to increase their effectiveness and reduce overall use. One pound of deicing salt mixed with 50 pounds of sand makes an effective mixture. When selecting deicing products, consider both cost and effectiveness.
Sodium chloride is a relatively inexpensive salt compared to calcium chloride.
However, in extreme cold, calcium chloride is the only product that works effectively. Always read and follow label directions when applying deicing materials. Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa. This information subject to a usage policy .