In many regions of the United States, salt and other ice melters are a necessary evil. When used correctly, these products help to keep sidewalks and driveways safe by melting existing ice and snow, and preventing future accumulation before an expected storm. There are a couple downsides, however. For example, the heavy use of salt can kill grass and other vegetation (PowerMELT Green will help to prevent this). Another common side effect of prolonged ice melt use is a light-colored residue that accumulates on entrance mats and floors. This is usually due to the salt and other trace minerals adhering to fibers or floor surface, and can be pretty tough remove. Luckily there’s a fairly easy fix.

The key to getting rid of this residue is to use a Neutralizer, a slightly acidic product to dissolve and loosen the minerals, allowing them to be rinsed away. On hard floors, a neutralizer should be mopped on and left to dwell for approximately ten minutes, giving the acid time to dissolve the bonds to the surface. You can then pick up the solution with a wet/dry vacuum or an automatic scrubber. On carpets and matting, the neutralizer should be sprayed on and given the same ten minute dwell time, then extracted and rinsed. Dwell time is imperative in this process, since the chemical needs time to act to be fully effective.

By making a couple of small adjustments to your cleaning routine during the winter months you can easily avoid this unsightly residue.