Ice melt that works below zero: a Minnesota guide
Updated October 20, 2026. Live numbers refresh hourly.
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When pavement is below about 15°F, rock salt is too slow to be useful; calcium chloride keeps working to about -20°F and magnesium chloride to about -10°F, and below that, sand or grit for traction is the practical answer, per the Minnesota Stormwater Manual.
- Soil today
- 57°F
- +0.4°F over 7 days
- Last 72 hours
- 0 in
- Snowfall estimate
- Season so far
- 0.0 in
- Normal by now 0.2 in
Live data for Minneapolis, MN. Check your own ZIP below for local numbers.
Our picks
Chosen from the research below and the makers' own listings. We haven't lab-tested them.
- Best for below-zero mornings
Snow Joe MELT Calcium Chloride Crystals Ice Melter, 25 lb (MELT25CC)
-25°FSnow Joe's melt rating
Calcium chloride is the coldest-working common deicer in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual's table, practical to about -20°F pavement. Snow Joe sells these crystals direct.
- Best for ordinary days above 15°F
Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt, 50 lb (4664)
5°FMorton's melt rating
On ordinary snow days and sunny afternoons, plain rock salt does the job. MnDOT notes it melts over five times as much ice at 30°F as at 20°F, so it's strongest when it's mildest.
- Best for when it's too cold to melt
Quikrete Traction Sand, 50 lb (115850)
NoneDeicer needed
Below about -20°F pavement, the Stormwater Manual's answer is sand or grit for traction. Quikrete's traction sand is dry, coarse and made for icy surfaces.
- Best for long sidewalks
Chapin 80 lb Residential Salt Spreader (8201A)
80 lbHopper
A walk-behind broadcast spreader for long walks and driveways, with a 48-inch spread width per the Home Depot listing. Chapin recommends the 8201A for calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Maker's melt rating | Practical pavement low (MPCA) | Size | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow Joe MELT Calcium Chloride Crystals Ice Melter, 25 lb (MELT25CC)Calcium chloride crystals | Below-zero mornings | -25°F | About -20°F | 25 lb resealable bag | Check price at Snow Joe |
| Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt, 50 lb (4664)Rock salt (sodium chloride) | Ordinary days above 15°F | 5°F | About 15°F | 50 lb bag | Check price at Home Depot |
| Quikrete Traction Sand, 50 lb (115850)Dry, coarse traction sand | When it's too cold to melt | Doesn't melt | Traction at any temperature | 50 lb bag | Check price at Home Depot |
| Chapin 80 lb Residential Salt Spreader (8201A)Walk-behind broadcast spreader | Long sidewalks | – | – | 80 lb hopper | Check price at Home Depot |
Melt ratings are the makers' label claims. Practical pavement lows are from the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. A dash means it doesn't apply.
Snow Joe MELT Calcium Chloride Crystals Ice Melter, 25 lb (MELT25CC)
Best for below-zero mornings
Calcium chloride is the coldest-working common deicer in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual's table, practical to about -20°F pavement. Snow Joe sells these crystals direct.
Why we picked it
- Calcium chloride crystals, rated by Snow Joe to melt down to -25°F.
- The Stormwater Manual's practical low for calcium chloride, about -20°F, is colder than magnesium chloride (about -10°F) or rock salt (about 15°F).
- A 25 lb resealable bag is a sensible cold-snap supply to keep next to your rock salt.
Downsides
- Below about -20°F pavement even calcium chloride is too slow; switch to grit (Stormwater Manual).
- Chloride from deicers ends up in lakes and streams and doesn't break down (MPCA). Use the least that works.
- Keep it off concrete in its first winter; the University of Maryland Extension says calcium chloride is particularly damaging to new concrete.
- What it is
- Calcium chloride crystals
- Maker's melt rating
- -25°F
- Practical pavement low (MPCA)
- About -20°F
- Size
- 25 lb resealable bag
- Model
- Snow Joe MELT25CC
Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt, 50 lb (4664)
Best for ordinary days above 15°F
On ordinary snow days and sunny afternoons, plain rock salt does the job. MnDOT notes it melts over five times as much ice at 30°F as at 20°F, so it's strongest when it's mildest.
Why we picked it
- Sodium chloride rock salt, per the Home Depot listing. Morton rates it to 5°F.
- The Stormwater Manual's practical pavement low for rock salt is about 15°F, fine for most mild-weather snow days.
- Morton sells it in 25 and 50 lb bags; the 50 lb bag is linked here.
Downsides
- Too slow below about 15°F pavement; the Stormwater Manual advises against dry rock salt there.
- Chapin says its 8201A spreader isn't meant for rock salt. Spread it by hand or with a spreader made for rock salt.
- Like all chlorides, it ends up in lakes and streams (MPCA). Shovel first and spread thin.
- What it is
- Rock salt (sodium chloride)
- Maker's melt rating
- 5°F
- Practical pavement low (MPCA)
- About 15°F
- Size
- 50 lb bag
- Model
- Morton 4664
Quikrete Traction Sand, 50 lb (115850)
Best for when it's too cold to melt
Below about -20°F pavement, the Stormwater Manual's answer is sand or grit for traction. Quikrete's traction sand is dry, coarse and made for icy surfaces.
Why we picked it
- Dry, coarse sand for icy and snow-covered surfaces, per Quikrete and the Home Depot listing.
- Works at any temperature because it gives grip instead of melting.
- Quikrete states it will not harm concrete surfaces. In deep cold, mix it with a little deicer.
Downsides
- It melts nothing, so shovel first and expect to re-apply after fresh snow.
- Chapin says its salt spreaders shouldn't be used with sand. Spread it by hand or with a scoop.
- Some recent reviewers on the Home Depot listing say their bag held small gravel rather than sand.
- What it is
- Dry, coarse traction sand
- Maker's melt rating
- Doesn't melt
- Practical pavement low (MPCA)
- Traction at any temperature
- Size
- 50 lb bag
- Model
- Quikrete 115850 (No. 1158)
Chapin 80 lb Residential Salt Spreader (8201A)
Best for long sidewalks
A walk-behind broadcast spreader for long walks and driveways, with a 48-inch spread width per the Home Depot listing. Chapin recommends the 8201A for calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride.
Why we picked it
- 80 lb poly hopper on a powder-coated steel frame, with an enclosed gearbox (Home Depot listing).
- 12-inch pneumatic tires for icy, uneven ground, and a spiked auger that breaks up clumps.
- Adjustable gate dial and baffles to aim the spread away from lawns and beds; rain/snow cover included.
Downsides
- Chapin doesn't recommend it for rock salt, sand or sand mixes. Use it for calcium chloride and blends.
- It's full size, about 38 x 36 x 24 inches, so it needs garage space.
- What it is
- Walk-behind broadcast spreader
- Size
- 80 lb hopper
- Spread width
- 48 in (Home Depot listing)
- Tires
- 12 in pneumatic
- Warranty
- 2-year limited
- Model
- Chapin 8201A
Pavement temperature is what counts
Deicers work by lowering the freezing point of water, and how fast they work depends on pavement temperature, not air temperature. MnDOT says salt can technically melt down to -6°F but melts over five times as much ice at 30°F as at 20°F. The Minnesota Stormwater Manual's best practice is to avoid dry rock salt below 15°F because it's too slow.
On a sunny January afternoon in the Twin Cities, dark pavement can be well above air temperature. On a clear, calm night after an arctic front, it can be colder. Plan for the coldest time you'll need the surface clear, usually early morning.
| Product | Practical down to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium chloride | 15°F | Cheapest; melts over 5x more ice at 30°F than at 20°F (MnDOT) |
| Magnesium chloride | -10°F | Often blended with salt |
| Calcium chloride | -20°F | Most effective at very cold temperatures; often blended |
| Potassium acetate | -15°F | Liquid; used on bridges and airports |
| Sand or abrasives | No melting | Traction when it's too cold for any deicer |
What to keep on hand in the Upper Midwest
Most households do fine with rock salt for ordinary snow days and a smaller supply of calcium chloride for cold snaps and shaded steps. Blends are common; the Stormwater Manual says most are based on rock salt and suggests asking the supplier for the blend's lowest practical melting temperature. In deep cold, mix grit with a little deicer for traction.
Less is better. Minnesota's smart-salting work shows chloride from deicers ends up in lakes and streams and doesn't break down. Shovel first, spread thinly, and sweep up leftover granules.
- Shovel before deicing; deicer is for the thin layer left behind.
- Use a spreader for even coverage.
- Keep chloride away from lawns, beds and new concrete (see ice melt and concrete).
Know what's coming
Check storm totals and season snow for your city on Minneapolis or Saint Paul, or look up your ZIP.
Questions
What ice melt works at -20°F?
Calcium chloride is listed with a lowest practical melting pavement temperature of about -20°F. Below that, use sand or grit for traction.
Why isn't my rock salt working?
Rock salt slows dramatically below about 15°F pavement temperature. Switch to calcium chloride or a blend for cold days.
Is magnesium chloride better than calcium chloride?
The Minnesota Stormwater Manual lists magnesium chloride down to about -10°F and calcium chloride to about -20°F, so calcium chloride covers colder pavement.
Bottom line
Stock rock salt for ordinary days, a bag of calcium chloride for mornings below about 15°F, and grit for deep cold below about -20°F. Shovel first, spread thin and sweep up what's left; chloride that washes away doesn't break down.
Check price at Snow JoeSnow Joe MELT Calcium Chloride Crystals Ice Melter, 25 lb (MELT25CC)
Sources
- Minnesota Stormwater Manual (MPCA): Lowest practical melting temperature
- MnDOT: Maintenance frequently asked questions
- MPCA: To protect lakes and fish, snowplows go on a low-salt diet
- University of Maryland Extension: Melting Ice Safely
- Snow Joe: MELT calcium chloride crystals, 25 lb (MELT25CC) product page
- Morton Salt: Safe-T-Salt rock salt ice melt (product page)
- Home Depot: Morton Safe-T-Salt 50 lb rock salt (4664) listing
- Quikrete: Traction Sand (No. 1158) product page
- Home Depot: Quikrete 50 lb Traction Sand (115850) listing
- Home Depot: Chapin 8201A 80 lb residential salt spreader listing
Soil temperatures: NOAA GFS model, 0–10 cm layer. Snow: NOAA and National Weather Service. See how we measure.