Generally, all ice melters work in the same. They lower the freezing point of ice or snow and turn the mixture into a liquid or slush. Solid chemical salts bore through ice or snow and form a brine solution. This brine spreads under the ice or hard-packed snow, breaking the bond to the surface. Once loose, the ice or snow is easily removed by mechanical means. Or, in many cases, users, apply the material in anticipation of ice or snow. This prevents the bond to the surface and melts the snow or ice as it comes in contact with the brine.

Fertilizer products work in much the same manner, though they do not form a brine. All are soluble in water and the resulting solution acts by depressing the freezing point of snow and ice.

Though common deicing materials work in the same way, they vary widely in performance. The determining factors are speed, quantity of material required, and duration of melting action. Environmental considerations are also important.