Blue Heat, Safe-T-Salt, Snow Joe, Ice Slicer, Ice Eater. Evocative names, but unfortunately these snappy brand names are pretty much all you have to go on when choosing an ice melt. Which is best?

To help protect your home, pets, kids, and the environment, seek out one of these other means for melting ice on your outdoor surfaces ... will slowly melt ice. Wood ash has an additional benefit ...

Surface Compatibility: Different ice melt compounds are better suited for different surfaces, so make sure you're choosing the best option for your specific use. If you plan on using your ice melt ...

When it comes to clearing sidewalks and driveways, homeowners should clear as much snow as possible before applying ice melting products ... ice from accumulating on surfaces.