How to Create Your Own Reusable Ice Pack

Having a stock of cold packs in your freezer is always a good idea; you never know when you are going to strain a muscle or your child is going to twist their ankle. Instead of merely throwing ice in a bag every time you need a cold pack, you can make your own reusable ice packs out of common household materials.

Alcohol method:

1. Combine three parts water to one part alcohol. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is the best for making an ice pack, but common drinking alcohol will also work; just make sure it is a high proof. The alcohol will allow the mixture to be somewhat flexible so that it will conform around body parts. 


2. Transfer the mixture to a resealable freezer safe bag. You can customize your ice pack by choosing different sizes of bags; just make sure the mixture fits well in the bag.


3. Press the air out of the bag and seal.


4. Put the bag in the freezer for at least an hour before using the ice pack.


5. Use the ice pack with caution, leaving the bag on the skin for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. Serious injury, such as frostbite, can result if ice is left on the skin for too long.


6. Return the bag to the freezer when you are finished with it so it will be ready for the next time.

Soap method:

1. Pour dish soap into a resealable freezer safe bag. The dish soap, like the alcohol, will not freeze solid so you will have a flexible pack.


2. Seal the bag, ensuring that there is no excess air in the bag.


3. Freeze the bag for at least an hour before use.


4. Use the ice pack as directed above.


5. Return to the freezer when finished with the ice pack for future use.

Note: To ensure against leaks, you can double bag your ice packs to prevent any messy spills.