By Jack Brubaker, Updated Mar 24, 2022
Liquid calcium chloride is a popular pre‑treatment for ice and snow removal. By dissolving calcium chloride in water before applying rock salt, the salt penetrates ice more effectively and lowers the de‑icing temperature. Commercial products typically contain 20–45 % calcium chloride by weight. A 33 % solution—often used as a benchmark—contains about 33 g of calcium chloride per 100 mL of water, which translates to roughly 1200 g (42 oz) per gallon, or 2.6 lb per gallon.
Using a scale accurate to 1 oz, weigh 42 oz of anhydrous calcium chloride pellets into a clean plastic bowl. If the bowl weighs 3 oz, add pellets until the balance reads 45 oz total. Transfer the pellets to a 1‑gallon plastic jug with a funnel, adding them in batches if needed.
Pour tap water into the jug until it is approximately half full. Swirl gently in a circular motion until the pellets are fully dissolved—this may take several minutes.
Fill the jug to the 1‑gallon mark, seal tightly, and invert the container three times while holding the cap to ensure a homogeneous mixture.
Clearly label the outside of the jug with an indelible marker to prevent accidental ingestion. Store the solution in a dedicated, non‑food container. If the container bears a previous food label, remove it by soaking in water or covering with spray paint before use.
Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves during preparation. Keep the solution away from children and pets, and store it in a well‑sealed container to avoid accidental ingestion.
