on 12/19/2007 8:17 PM buffalobill said the following:
On Dec 19, 11:42 am, Jim wrote:

Bought several heavy plastic bag containers of ice melt earlier this
year. Now although unopened they still managed to absorb moisture as
much of the contents are now chunks.

Any effective method of avoiding this? For now I'm transferring the
contents into plastic 5 gallon buckets which previously held laundry
detergent. Lids snap on pretty tight.


buffalo ny: expensive calcium chloride is great at melting ice in
extreme cold temps. it also is sold a a dehumidifier as absorbs water
in mildew-prone closets. its problem in storage with a hole in the bag
is that it melts or gels as it absorbs water.
if you're only handling sodium chloride [common rock salt], at the
lowest cost per pound rebagging with the largest ziploc bags to keep
the moisture out may be comparatively expensive. i find the blends of
the various multiple ingredients in ice melt in the marketplace
confuses our abilities to evaluate price per pound effectiveness. it
may pay to buy it in smaller easier handled reusable containers if
available.


Calcium Chloride is best used when the temp is 15º F (-9º C) or below.
The cheaper Sodium Chloride (salt) is best used when temps are above 15º F.

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
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