Keep reading to learn how to store your ice melt effectively between storms.
Despite the occasional bouts of snow and slush, most Marylanders have had a relatively mild winter so far. It’s always best to be prepared for inclement weather, but what happens when you have leftover ice melt to store? Knowing how to keep salt and deicers dry, effective, and ready to use is crucial, especially if you tend to stock up on supplies. Keep reading to learn how to store your ice melt effectively between storms.
Know Your Enemy — Moisture
When storing for later use, humidity should be your main concern. Because salt draws moisture from the air, minimizing airflow and exposure to water is key. Unopened containers may be able to keep moisture at bay, but open bags of ice melt should be stored in airtight containers for the best possible outcome. Many people choose to keep their melt in a shed or garage so as to protect it from the elements. You may also want to store your ice melt on a shelf or raised platform to keep it away from any puddles or spills.
A Sheltered Area is Ideal for Ice Melt Storage
Using a garage or shed to store your melt can protect it from rain and humidity, but these storage spaces have other benefits, too. While moisture is often the main cause when it comes to degradation, sunlight is another contributing factor. Many types of chemicals break down with exposure to direct light, and some deicers are no exception. For best results, store your ice melt products away from direct sunlight.
Keep Intruders Out of Your Ice Melt for Everyone’s Benefit
Exposure to the elements isn’t the only potential hazard to consider when storing melt — it’s also essential to make sure that animals and children cannot access your deicers in storage. Mice, squirrels, and other pests can gnaw holes in bags of it, creating a point of entry for moisture. Ingesting ice melt can make animals sick, pests and pets alike. Above all, make sure that small children cannot access ice melt in storage. Salt crystals and pellets of deicer might look interesting to young kids, but the effects of playing with or ingesting ice melt can be disastrous. When stored and used properly, ice melt is a safe and effective tool for minimizing snow and ice buildup on your property. Follow storage best practices and stock up ahead of time to get the most bang for your buck, and visit Lehnhoff’s Supply online or in-store to see our selection of useful deicers!
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about how to best prepare your landscape or garden for winter or spring, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
