Brown vs White Rock Salt: What’s the Difference?

When winter weather hits, keeping your premises safe and operational depends on using the right de-icing materials. At Bawcro Gritting, we specialise in gritting services across Yorkshire and one of the most common questions we get asked is: what’s the difference between brown and white rock salt? This guide breaks it down so you can make the right choice for your site.

What Is Brown Rock Salt?

Brown rock salt (also known as grit salt) is mined in the UK and contains natural impurities such as clay and sand. These impurities give it a coarse texture and its distinctive brown colour. However, it does leave a brown residue that can be walked indoors, potentially marking floors or carpets. For sites where cleanliness is a priority, this may be a drawback.

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What Is White Rock Salt?

White rock salt is typically harvested through the evaporation of seawater and contains fewer impurities, giving it a cleaner and finer finish. It works just as effectively at melting snow and ice but is especially popular in environments where cleanliness matters. White salt is generally more expensive than brown salt and while it’s clean and efficient, it offers slightly less surface grip due to the lack of natural grit.

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Key benefits of brown salt:

Visible coverage: easy to see where has been treated

Cost effective: ideal for large areas like car parks, roads, and industrial estates

Improved traction: the gritty texture helps reduce slips and skids on icy surfaces

Key benefits of white salt:

Professional appearance: ideal for customer-facing areas

Minimal residue: helps keep interiors clean, making it perfect for schools, retail sites and healthcare premises

Cleaner look: no visible staining or debris left behind

Which Rock Salt Is Best for You?

Areas where tidiness, presentation, and minimal residue are important

Choose brown rock salt for:

Larger, high traffic areas like roads, loading bays, and car parks

Cost-effective gritting where appearance is less of a concern

Choose white rock salt for:

Schools, hospitals, shops, and entranceways

At Bawcro Gritting, whilst the majority of our sites opt for White Rock Salt, we do offer both both brown and white salt as part of our reliable winter gritting services in Yorkshire. We’ll recommend the best option based on your needs, site type, and budget.

Get Expert Advice

Not sure which salt is right for your site? Speak to our team for free advice and a tailored quote. Call us on 0113 403 5113.