A Complete Guide to Online Rock Salt Products
Are you buying de-icing products for the first time?
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming trying to choose the right product for your needs. Deciding solely based on price can sometimes leave you with a product that isn’t quite suited to the job. For example, a product that may leave a slight residue on indoor surfaces is not going to be ideal if the area you want to treat receives a lot of traffic in and out of a building. On the other hand, buying a product that does not leave a residue behind for an area that’s not near a building could mean spending more money without gaining any additional benefits.
Here at Online Rock Salt, we sell de-icing salt, grit bins, and liquid de-icers. Understanding which option works best for your situation can save you both time and money once the temperatures begin to drop.
De-Icing Salt
De-icing salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, preventing it from turning into ice and making it harder for snow to accumulate. At the same time, it has no expiry date and is versatile enough for various uses, from pavements to private roads and car parks. On top of this, it tends to be more affordable than other de-icing products, making it the perfect option if you’re looking for a cheap solution that does the job well.
At Online Rock Salt, we sell two different types of de-icing salt: rock salt and white salt. Both are available in pre-packed bags, bulk bags, or as a loose load. To learn more about which one is right for you, check out our ‘Bulk Salt: Which Option Is Right for You’ blog for a comparison of each option.
Rock Salt
Rock salt, also known as grit salt, was formed when ancient bodies of water evaporated, leaving behind underground deposits found worldwide. When this happened in the UK, the wind carried sand from the east, mixing it with the salt and giving it a light brown colour. As a result, it can sometimes leave a slight residue behind, making it the perfect solution for areas where this is not a concern. Good examples of these are car parks, private roads, or driveways.
Rock salt is the cheapest de-icing product that we sell, so choosing it can save you a lot of money in the long term, especially if you plan to de-ice a larger area.
To learn more, visit our ‘What Is Rock Salt?’ blog.
White Salt
White salt is harvested in warmer climates, such as Spain, Egypt, or Sardinia, by evaporating seawater and is then imported to the UK. It does not contain any impurities, so it does not leave any brown residue behind. As a result, it is often used in areas that experience a lot of foot traffic, such as restaurant or hotel entrances, to ensure indoor floor surfaces stay clean.
While slightly more expensive than rock salt, white salt is still one of the most affordable ways to keep your surfaces free from snow and ice. It is the right choice if you are looking for a cleaner salt option.
Do you want to know more about how seawater becomes the white salt we supply in the UK? Check out our ‘The White Salt Story’ blog for the full journey.
Grit Bins
In simple terms, a grit bin is an outdoor container designed specifically for storing de-icing salt securely, without it losing its quality.
They usually come in bright colours so that they can be easily spotted, even in poor weather conditions, such as heavy snow. They provide watertight storage, making sure that your salt is kept dry and ready to use when you need it most. Salt is highly hygroscopic, meaning it easily absorbs moisture from the air. When stored incorrectly, its moisture levels will rise, causing it to clump together. Over time, this makes it less effective and more difficult to use, as it then has to be broken apart first. When time is of the essence, this is the last thing you want to be dealing with.
This is why we believe a grit bin isn’t just an optional accessory - it’s a must-have purchase for anyone using salt to keep their surfaces safe during winter. By using a grit bin, you ensure that the salt you buy from us stays effective for years to come, protecting your investment and saving you money in the long term.
Here at Online Rock Salt, we provide two sizes to suit your needs: 200-litre and 400-litre bins, giving you the flexibility to store just the right amount of salt for your property or business.
Liquid De-Icers
We offer two types of liquid de-icers: Icethaw Brine and Icethaw Ultra. Both are available in either 20-litre cans or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). The 20-litre cans are perfect for smaller areas or sites with limited storage, as you can buy as few as 8 cans. They’re easy to handle, quick to use, and ideal when you only need a small amount, though the cost per litre is slightly higher. IBCs, on the other hand, are the most cost-efficient option and are great for those who use a large volume of de-icer every year. They are also more environmentally friendly because they generate less packaging waste.
Icethaw Brine is a fast and reliable solution for keeping driveways, walkways, car parks, and other surfaces safe during icy conditions. Its specially formulated blend melts ice and snow quickly, reducing the risk of slips and falls. It’s ideal for both home and commercial use, as it does not leave any residue behind. On top of this, you can use it without worrying about compromising the well-being of people, pets, or the environment.
Icethaw Ultra, on the other hand, is as corrosive as rainwater. It is the perfect choice if you are planning to use it in the areas with high-risk surfaces. These can include metal structures and equipment. In simple terms, it helps to keep your areas safe without the worry of surface corrosion that traditional de-icers could cause over time, while also offering excellent value for money.
What Happens After You Order?
After you make your order, we will prepare the items you have purchased for delivery. We always pack all of our pre-packed items, such as 10kg bags, large packs, or bulk bags, on site so that we have full control over the quality of the product before sending it out.
For delivery, we use a third-party haulage company that we have built a close relationship with over the years and trust to deliver your product with care. Once their truck arrives at your site or property, the palletised goods will be lowered to the ground at the rear of the vehicle.
Occasionally, deliveries can be made to a driveway if this is a flat and solid surface with no gradient. However, if this is not possible, deliveries are made kerbside, as per the haulage company’s contractual agreement. If you order loose salt, a tipper trailer will be used instead, and the haulier will work with you to find the most suitable location for delivery.
Make sure to check out our ‘How We Deliver’ page to learn more.
Buying de-icing products for the first time doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply think about what your property or site needs and match it with the right product. Are there metal structures or equipment that could be affected by traditional de-icers? If so, Icethaw Ultra is a great choice. Are you looking to treat a larger area, such as a car park, where a slight residue isn’t a concern? In that case, rock salt is a reliable and cost-effective option. Alternatively, if the area you want to treat experiences a lot of foot traffic in and out of a building, white salt can help keep indoor surfaces clean.
Are you ready to make a purchase? Explore our full range of products today and give your surfaces the protection they deserve when temperatures drop.
