Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is a salt compound that is made up of calcium and chlorine. It is useful because it absorbs moisture and gives off heat. In winter climates, calcium chloride is added to road salt to prevent ice build-up on the streets. Unfortunately, calcium chloride build-up will leave a white crust that will stain floors, cars and carpets. Calcium chloride is easy to remove with a little bit of labour.
Clear the stained area of extra debris. When dealing with a hard floor, use a broom to sweep up any loose salt and dirt. Use a vacuum on carpet so your floors and mats won't get muddy once you begin.
Fill your bucket with warm water. The warm water will dissolve the salt and make it easier to clean.
Scrub the surface with warm water using a brush. Work on small areas at a time. If you try to clean too big of a space, the area will dry before you properly finish and you will still have salt stains.
Apply carpet cleaner to calcium chloride deposits that are on floor mats or carpet flooring. Scrub the area with a brush until the salt comes up.
Remove loosened calcium chloride. On hard, outdoor surfaces use a garden hose to spray the dissolved salt away. On other surfaces use a wet-vac to suck up all the calcium chloride. After the area dries, inspect the surface and vacuum up any salt that is left over.