ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 11, 1996 TAG: 9602150004
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN E. KLAGES CHICAGO TRIBUNE
The problem with most ice melters is that they are rock salt or a type of salt, all of which can harm lawns, shrubs and concrete and be corrosive to metal.
An alternative is a de-icer called safe-t-thaw, which is being repackaged and renamed safe-thaw.
Like salt, it comes in the form of pellets, but it's actually a manufactured chemical that is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-polluting.
A liquid inside the pellet comes out of the crystal and starts boring a hole through the ice. And then the crystal itself drops into the hole and further aids the melting process.
The pellets work down to temperatures of about zero and keep ice from rebonding to the surface for up to three days.
Safe-t-thaw ($9.95 for a pair of 32.9-ounce shaker cans) can be ordered through the Plow & Hearth catalog, 800-627-1712. The same product, renamed safe-thaw and packaged in a 9-pound plastic jug (about $7), also can be found at Target stores.
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