FAQ

Here are answers to frequently asked questions. 

How to use

> How quickly can I expect Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter to work?

Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter starts working in minutes s. At really cold temperatures, you can often hear snapping, crackling and popping sounds when it comes into contact with snow/ice. Learn more on Alaskan® premium.

> Is Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter really effective at temperatures as cold as -35 °C?

Sure! Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter is one of the few ice melters that have both fast-melting and long-lasting properties. It starts to melt as quickly as straight calcium but lasts as long as other sodium/potash blends. Compared to other de-icing products at temperatures of -10 °C and colder, Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter melts more ice per hour. Learn more on how temperatures affect Ice Melter efficiency.

> Will Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter work with a snowfall more than 2 inches thick?

Of course! It will not allow ice to form on the surface, making it easy to clear off the snow.

> How long before a snowfall should you apply Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter?

The Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter can be used before and after winter precipitations. Apply it up to 48 hours before a freezing rain episode or a snowfall and it will bond with most surfaces to keep the ice from forming. If the ice or the snow is less than 2 inches, it will melt away, leaving your walkways and steps free of ice and snow! Learn more on how to use it.

> When to apply an ice melter?

Whenever the safety of your family or vehicular traffic is threatened by a build-up of snow or ice. By applying an ice melter before precipitation begins, you can prevent ice from bonding to the surface and simplify shovelling or plowing. Pre-apply only if you are sure the melted snow/ice can be removed soon after. Learn more on ice melters.

> Is Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter still good if it has solidified?

You can try and break it up with a mallet (while still in the bag). If it's in a jug or pail, it will most likely have to be thrown out. Always keep containers tightly closed. Learn more on how to store your ice melter during the summer.

> Is Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter still good if it has liquefied?

It will most likely have to be thrown out. Liquefied Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter will still melt snow/ice, but it will be harder to spread and more likely to be over-applied.

> How to open an Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter pail?

Always remove the tear strip first (use plyers for a better grip). Try open one corner at a time.

> Is it possible to use a spreader with Alaskan® ice melters?

Yes, we recommend using the new Alaskan® spreader jug for small to medium surfaces.  For larger ones like your driveway, you can use a wheeled spreader for more convenience. Discover our spreaders.

> How does Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter work?

When applied to snow/ice, the chlorides in Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter melt the snow/ice and create a brine which spreads out on the snow/ice and breaks its bond with the surface. De-icers work by attracting moisture to form a brine that generates heat and melts the snow/ice. As the ice is loosened, it can be more easily shovelled away. Learn more on how our Premium Ice Melter works.

> How does Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter work?

Applying Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter onto a surface prior to freezing rain or snow event melts snow/ice on contact (up to 2 cm). It will also prevent the snow/ice from adhering to the surface, which results in easier shovelling. Its material mixes and melts the snow/ice to create a brine solution on the sidewalk or driveway surface. Learn more on how it works.

Recycling and other information

> Who manufactures Alaskan® ice melters?

Alaskan® is 100% Canadian-made and manufactured by Premier Tech.

> Is it possible to buy Alaskan® products in bulk for a company?

No, Alaskan® is sold exclusively at retail stores in Canada. Visit the ‘Where to buy’ section to find the retailer nearest you.

> How do I dispose of a used can of Alaskan® Multi-Purpose De-Icer?

Many municipalities will accept empty aerosol cans in the recycling bin. Contact your local waste management service to know how to safely dispose of it.

Ice Melt Ingredients

> What is the difference between an ice melter and salt ?

The main difference is the lower temperature melting capacity of Alaskan Premium Ice Melter (-35 °C). Salt will only melt down to -12 °C. Learn more on how to differentiate between ice melter and salt.

> What does Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter contain?

It is a blend of sodium chloride and calcium chloride. Learn more on premium ice melter.

> What does Alaskan® Multi-Purpose De-Icer contain?

It is a blend of : methanol, isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol. Learn more on the ingredients.

> What does Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter contain?

It is a blend of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride with an anti-spalling agent and rust inhibitor. Learn more on liquid ice melter.

Ice Melt Prevention

> What is the shelf life of a jug of Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter?

If properly stored in its airtight container, the shelf life of the product is infinite. Learn more on your Ice Melter's storage.

> Can Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter be used on wet asphalt?

It would not be as effective as the water on the asphalt would dilute the product immediately.

> How to get rid of ice melter residue on my flooring?

On carpeted surfaces, shampooing will remove residue if vacuuming does not provide sufficient cleaning action. Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter contains a non-staining blue dye that shows you where the product has been applied. This will help avoid over-application. Learn more on tips to get rid of ice melter residue on the floor.

> How to avoid and prevent damage to concrete?

After applying ice melter, always remove the slush immediately as it is formed. If you are unsure of the quality of your concrete, use traction sand only. Concrete must be at least 1 year old before use. Learn more on how ice melters affect concrete.

> How can I store Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter during summer?

Always store in a dry place with the container completely sealed so that no moisture can get in. Learn more on how to store it.

> Do ice melters affect concrete?

No. Most concrete damage is a result of the natural effect of freeze/thaw cycles, not the chemical effect of an ice melter. Before applying Alaskan® Premium Ice Melter, read the label for full precautions, and always remove snow/ice as soon as it has melted. Learn more on how ice melters affect concrete.

> Can ice melters damage plants and lawns?

All ice melters that contain chlorides release salts as they form brine solutions. Plants vary in sensitivity to these salts, and damage can result from either direct or indirect contact with the ice melter. Visit alaskan.ca to learn how to protect your plants and lawn. Learn more on how ice melters affect your home.

> Can I leave my Alaskan® Multi-Purpose De-Icer in the car?

Yes, it is safe to leave your Alaskan® Multi-Purpose De-Icer in the car, as long as the temperature is higher than -30 °C.

> Can Alaskan® Multi-Purpose De-Icer cause corrosion on a vehicle?

No, it will not cause rust or corrosion on a vehicle when used as directed. Learn more on how to use it.

> Can Alaskan® Premium Ice Melters be used on new concrete?

No, concrete must be at least 1 year old before use. See precautions on package for complete recommendations. Learn more on how ice melters affect concrete.

> Can Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter affect car tires?

No, it has no effect on car tires.

Ice Melt Safety

> Are ice melters safe to pets?

Yes! They are relatively safe to pets, but a few precautions should be taken to protect them as well as floors and carpets. Animals like salt, and it is a good idea to prevent pets from licking ice melter granules. Keep them indoors while the ice melter is being applied. To prevent pets from tracking residue on floors and carpets, keep a rag or towel near the door and wipe ice melter residue from their paws. Find out more on how ice melters affect your pets.

> Is Alaskan® Liquid Ice Melter safe for pets?

Yes, just keep animals off sidewalks, driveways, steps, etc. until the area has dried. We recommend using the Alaskan® Pet friendly Ice Melter for a complete peace of mind. Learn more on how ice melters affect your pets.

> Are ice melters safe to the environment?

Yes, but be sure to apply ice melter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid excessive application where melting snow/ice can run into streams, rivers, and lakes. Learn more on how ice melters affect the environment.