How to Store Ice Melt Products?
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 St. Paul, the warmer months may affect their potency. Here are some tips on how to store ice melt in summer.
The Best Way to Store Granular Ice Melt Products
Avoid Moisture
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. Airborne chlorides draw moisture from the ice melt, 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.
Stay Away from the Sun
Can you store opened ice melt? Yes, preferably in an airtight container, if possible, but definitely covered and away from the sun. For best results, you should also cover it with a dark wrap to avoid the product becoming brittle from exposure to ultraviolet light. These rays can instigate a reaction in the product, rendering it less effective when winter returns.
Ensure Optimal Ice Melt Storage Conditions
Proper ice melt storage depends on the composition of the product, but when done correctly, it can preserve ice melt for up to two years. Most people store their ice melt in sheds, garages, or warehouses.
You shouldn't store your ice melt products in a metal building unless it has a resistant interior coating because the corrosive nature of sodium chloride will eat away at the metal. And you should always decanter any bags of salt into airtight containers. Keeping your ice melt in a temperature-controlled environment will improve its effectiveness and save money as you won't have to replace it every year.
How to Store Liquid Ice Melt Products
It’s easy to properly store unopened sealed ice melt products left over from the winter season, so long as you keep it out of direct sunlight. You might also consider keeping it in an enclosed space or wrapping it in dark fabric for proper storage that prevents ultra violet exposure.
How to Store Open Ice Melt Bags
What about how to store ice melt salt that’s already opened? Make sure to fully seal your ice melt bags in air-tight, water resistant packaging. Ice melt draws moisture from the air, making it less effective on a slick surface, so keep open bags in a dark, dry environment.
How to Store Liquid Ice Melt Products
You can store liquid de-icer in 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.
Order Top Quality Ice Melt Products from Ninja Deicer
Remember, there are many types of deicers so make sure you purchase the correct kind before stressing about storage. Now that you know how to store ice melt in winter, you may want to consider stocking up before winter arrives. At Ninja De-Icer, we have a wide selection of premium products. Find out more about our ice melts by contacting us today!
FAQ
Can you store ice melt outside?
How do you store liquid ice melt products?
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