How to Store Ice Melt Products Over the Summer

Ice melt products are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air, so their longevity relies on careful storage in the appropriate conditions at the right temperature. While they're usually fine during winter in places like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee, the warmer months may affect their potency. Here are some tips on how to store ice melt in summer.

Why You Should Care About Ice Melt Storage

Ice melt products aren’t indestructible. If they’re exposed to moisture, heat, or air for too long, they can harden, lose effectiveness, or break down chemically. Bags can absorb moisture, and containers can crack. Suddenly, your investment is dust — or worse an unusable brick.

Storing your ice melt the right way means:

• Preventing bags from turning into concrete blocks.
  
• Avoiding exposure to natural elements like sunlight, humidity, and water.
  
• Keeping your worksite or property safe and organized.
  

The Best Way to Store Granular Ice Melt Products

Here’s how to ensure your ice melters stay effective and easy to use, even after months of sitting idly.

Always Keep It Dry

Wondering how to store your ice melt so it doesn't harden? Keep it away from moisture! Ideally, ice melt should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment such as a warehouse, garage, or shed. Chlorides draw moisture from the air, degrading and hardening the product. Although ice melt only absorbs moisture from the air when humidity is above 75%, avoiding moisture altogether is recommended, as it will decrease its effectiveness or the product may turn hard like concrete.

Quick tips:

• Place pallets or wooden boards under bags to raise them off the floor.  Even concrete floors that are indoors absorb moisture.  
  
• Avoid stacking products near sources of water, leaks, or condensation.  
  
• If the product is outside, think about areas that potentially could flood with spring time snow melt or lots of rain.  Keep your product away from those areas.
  
• Inspect your storage area for dampness or temperature swings.
  

Don’t Forget About Ventilation

Airflow around your storage area is also important. Stagnant, damp air leads to condensation, which means moisture and spoiled product. If possible, keep your storage space dry and well ventilated without letting rain or snow inside. If you’re using a shed or garage, crack the doors occasionally to let air move through.

Keep It Away from the Sun

Sunlight and heat will degrade even the best quality ice melt products. If you’re storing your supply outside, cover it with a solid tarp or dark wrap to protect it from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can spark a reaction in the product, rendering it less effective when winter returns.

Stock Up Before Winter Shortages Hit

Buying your ice melt during the summer isn’t just smart — it’s strategic. Prices are lower, supply is high, and you avoid the last-minute winter scramble. Secure your stock now and be ready before demand surges.

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How to Store Open Ice Melt Bags

It's easy to properly store unopened sealed ice melt products left over from winter, so long as you keep them out of direct sunlight. Consider keeping it in an enclosed space or wrapping it in dark fabric for proper storage that prevents ultraviolet exposure.

But what about storing ice melt salt that's already opened? Once you open ice melt bags, they absorb moisture from the air, which can cause the product to harden and lose its effectiveness when melting ice on a slick surface. To store your ice melt properly, reseal open bags using air-tight, water-resistant packaging or transfer the remaining product to an airtight container (depending on how much you have).

Keep all ice melt bags — especially opened ones — in a cool, dry environment, preferably inside and away from sunlight, humidity, and other natural elements. With the right storage conditions, even opened bags of quality ice melt products can stay effective through the summer and be ready for the next winter season.

How to Store Liquid Ice Melt Products

Liquid de-icers need careful handling to stay effective and safe. When storing salt brine, use carbon steel containers or tanks that have an epoxy-based interior coating and a durable coating on the exterior to prevent salt corrosion. Fiberglass and plastic containers also work well for smaller amounts stored at ambient temperature. However, plastic tanks can lose strength at high temperatures if used to store solutions with calcium chloride.

Stainless steel tanks are usually not suitable for ice melt with calcium chloride, either, as it may induce stress cracking. Containers made from 5454 or 6061 aluminum seem to be a good option, as they're not affected by chemicals present in most ice melt products. The proper storing of deicing fluid is critical to protect the environment and maintain chemical integrity. For this reason, if you're storing large amounts, it's best to use double-wall tanks engineered to withstand the effects of strong chemicals. Many choose to use a double-wall poly tank (or plastic tank) because it's the least expensive option.

salt-brine

Salt Brine

Starting at $0.30 (per gallon)

headwaters-hot-brine

Headwaters® HOT Brine Liquid De-Icer

Starting at $0.69 (per gallon)

mineral-well-brine-liquid

Liquid Calcium Chloride

Starting at $0.23 (per gallon)

Can You Store Ice Melt Outside?

Ideal storage conditions are inside airtight containers in climate-controlled facilities. However, if this isn’t possible, you can store ice melt outside, so long as humidity is below 75 percent and the ice melters are on a dry surface under a weather-resistant tarp.

How Long Can You Store Ice Melt Products?

Most ice melt products can last up to two years without issues when stored properly. But that’s only true if you follow the steps above. Poor storage conditions — like heat, sunlight, and moisture — can shorten that lifespan drastically.

If the product still pours easily and looks consistent with when you bought it, it’s likely fine. If it’s one giant clump, emits a strong chemical smell, or feels damp to the touch, it’s time to toss it.

Store Properly and Stay Ahead of Winter with Ninja De-Icer

Now that you know how to store ice melt properly, why wait until the first storm hits? Being proactive is key. Buying in the summer means lower prices, no supply chain delays, and one less thing to worry about when snow starts to fall. With the right storage setup, your product will stay fresh and effective, ready to go when winter returns.

At Ninja De-Icer, we carry a wide selection of high-quality ice melt products designed to handle whatever the season throws your way. We have over 25 years of snow industry experience, making us reliable experts.

Get your quote today and be prepared before everyone else starts to panic.